In wake of the tragic shootings in Conn. there has been much talk among  politicians about increasing restriction on the purchase and registration of firearms.

It is important to stay informed and up-to-date on laws and regulations. Currently, base policy concerning gun ownership remains the same, but it is subject to change as state and federal laws change.

The Combat Center order regarding weapons defines firearms as a small arms weapon from which a projectile is propelled by gunpowder or air pressure. Many of the laws on base regarding firearms parallel California’s laws, according to Scott Pryor, deputy police chief, Provost Marshal’s Office. The Provost Marshal’s Office is required to track weapons coming onto the Combat Center for the safety of its residents and officers responding to residences.

Any weapons banned by the state are also prohibited aboard the base. After the purchase of a firearm, Marines are required to register their weapons at the Vehicle Registration Office, located in Bldg. 901. They need to provide paperwork showing the weapon has been registered in the state as well as fill out a weapons registration form available at the vehicle registration office. The form must be properly filled out and signed by a command representative.

Upon registration, the owner of the firearm is given a Weapons Registration Card. This card must be kept on the person any time they are in possession of their firearm.

Marines living in the barracks are required to store their weapons within their unit’s armory and are not allowed by any means to be kept in the rooms. Weapons are allowed to be kept within the homes of Marines residing in base housing, as long as they are properly stored. Proper storing means a locked box designed for the weapon.

This same definition of proper storage is required in the transportation of weapons on and off base, or to recreational areas on base.

Privately owned weapons are permitted to be transported in any vehicle, with the weapon unloaded and on safe in the locked trunk of the vehicle, properly stored in its container.

For more information about base policy on weapons, refer to CCO P1630.6E at:

http://www.29palms.marines.mil/Portals/56/Docs/P1630_6E[1].pdf