Appeals panel says California’s ban on open carry of guns in more populated counties is unconstitutional

SACRAMENTO — A federal appeals panel has ruled that a California law prohibiting open carry of firearms in heavily populated counties is unconstitutional.

The ruling was issued Friday by two judges on a three-judge panel for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The judges found that the state’s policy of limiting open carry to counties with a population of less than 200,000 is inconsistent with the Second Amendment.

“California’s legal regime is a complete ban on open carry in urban areas ...