Hotels and guns...anything I should know?

[skylark175]

Originally Posted by Reeek

I just recently went to Amador County for wine tasting near Jackson, Ca.

The first time I didn't carry my handguns but I took my fly rods with me. I have those cases where you can keep the reel on the butt end of the rod in the case and the two rods I took were two piece 9' rods so the cases were 4.5' long give or take with a bulge area where the reels are. I was going to fish in Hope Valley near Kirkwood on the way back over Hwy 88.

Anyway, even though the rods in their case look like a rod case to a fisherman the GM of the Days Inn in Sutter Creek made it a point to ask me "what is in those cases?" when I walked through the lobby. He posed the question in a friendly yet feigned, inquisitvie manner which clearly to me came off as wanting to know if those were guns. No doubt in my mind. Amy felt the very same thing. Since I didn't have to lie when I told him they were fly rods nothing ever became of it but I had a feeling he was very curious if they were rifles. I have no idea what he would have done if they were.


The second time I decided I would follow the rule of CA law and carry my pistols legally with me. I took the XD9SC and the P3AT and kept them in a locked case unloaded (mags close by and handy if needed), something I don't do when I'm fishing over the NV/CA border. I confess I break the law when fishing over the CA border because I believe my life is more important than that lame ass law that endangers me and Amy. The Truckee River is known for vagrants who camp out along the river bank. Those are just short excursions over the border since I live in Reno and only when I'm on the a river somewhere.

As far as the hotel and my pistols. I never left them in the room when I was out wine tasting. I kept them in the truck when I was out of the room and I kept them in the room when I was there. Basically they were with me everywhere I went. The pistol case was going to be a "camera case" if I was asked about it. The magazines were always nearby and the key was always in the case lock ready to turn The law just says a locked case, not whether the key can or can't be in the lock and since I was always with that case the guns were not in danger of being ripped off.

My opinion - don't advertise that you have rifles if possible. Especially in Napa which is a pretty liberal area of CA.

Hey Reeek, next time you're in Amador Co, look me up. I live here and belong to the local gun club. Be glad to take you and your wife out shooting and a little site seeing.

[mpi]

i was working a case in Columbus Ohio and had the manager of a hotel ask me the same question. I told him it wasn't any of his business. He started to mumble about their policies and i turned and walked away. He avoided me after that, but no problems.

[smokeringmd]

Will your riflecase fit in a large duffle bag? If so, then they won't know you have a rifle.

[Barbarossa]

I hunted Santa Rosa island this year.

We stayed in a hotel in Santa Barbara the first night, and walked the guns in. 4 guys 4 obvious gun cases

We got a few odd looks but no issues, no one called the police etc.

I probably depends on who sees you and their personal feelings. Not illegal or anything though.

Don't forget the Livermore valley for wine tasting as well, there is a nice range in Castro valley Chabot Gun Club

[RogueXD]

Been here before, nice range near my home town.. If you have a chance see Hearst Castle if you havent already. Its worth it! The range is near the CMC correctional facility and the SO. There is a lot of professional shooters there. Good group. If you're staying in SLO, rest easy, not a high crime rate. South of SLO it starts getting a little weird.. no offense to anyone. If your trip includes going into Paso Robles, let me know and I will give you some intel..

[BOFH]

Originally Posted by RogueXD

Been here before, nice range near my home town.. If you have a chance see Hearst Castle if you havent already. Its worth it! The range is near the CMC correctional facility and the SO. There is a lot of professional shooters there. Good group. If you're staying in SLO, rest easy, not a high crime rate. South of SLO it starts getting a little weird.. no offense to anyone. If your trip includes going into Paso Robles, let me know and I will give you some intel..

We will be up around Paso Robles...staying in Morro Bay. We are pretty familiar with the area but any good intel is welcome...

[Tiburon65]

Its Morro Bay , beautiful area, used to live in Santa Maria, Great Wine country....... from personal and professional experience. Any questions let me know.