Open Carry: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do open carry rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. Most LA County cities are incorporated; unincorporated areas have narrower restrictions but loaded open carry is barred everywhere.
View full Carson rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
California bans open carry of handguns under Penal Code section 26350 and openly carried unloaded long guns in incorporated areas under section 26400. Los Angeles is fully incorporated, so open carry is illegal everywhere in the city.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Handgun open-carry ban | Penal Code 26350, cities only | Penal Code 26350 |
| Long-gun open-carry ban | Penal Code 26400 | Penal Code 26400 |
| Loaded carry ban | Penal Code 25850 countywide | Penal Code 25850 |
| Unincorporated handgun rule | Loaded ban only | - |
| City coverage | - | Entire city, fully incorporated |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carson FAQ
Can I openly carry an unloaded rifle hiking in Topanga?
Topanga is unincorporated, so Penal Code section 26400 does not apply, but loaded long guns violate section 25850 and brandishing rules still apply on public trails and roads.
Are antique or black-powder firearms exempt?
Generally no for public open carry. Some antiques are excluded from the firearm definition, but transporting them openly in public still risks brandishing or disorderly-conduct charges from sheriff's deputies.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can I openly carry a rifle while hiking in Griffith Park?
No. Griffith Park is inside incorporated Los Angeles, so open carry of rifles or shotguns violates Penal Code section 26400, even unloaded.
Are antique or black-powder firearms exempt?
Generally no for public open carry. Some antiques are excluded from the firearm definition, but transporting them openly in public still risks brandishing or disorderly-conduct charges.
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