The modern reference for California firearms law.
Every statute tracked, every change documented, every source cited.
California's prohibited person categories under Penal Code Sections 29800-29905 are significantly broader than the federal categories under 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g). Key areas of divergence include mental health holds (5150), misdemeanor domestic violence definitions, restraining order scope, and juvenile offenses. A person cleared under federal law may still be prohibited under California law.
SB 2 (2023) designated 26 categories of "sensitive places" where concealed carry is prohibited even with a valid CCW permit. Following the Ninth Circuit's May v. Bonta ruling (mandate January 23, 2025), 20 of 26 categories are now enforceable. Six remain enjoined: hospitals, public transit, places of worship, financial institutions, permitted gatherings, and private commercial property. The Supreme Court has granted certiorari in Wolford v. Lopez (argued January 20, 2026), which challenges Hawaii's parallel private property default rule. A ruling by July 2026 will directly affect the private commercial property category in California.
California's Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) law (Penal Code Sections 18100-18205) allows law enforcement, family members, cohabitants, employers, coworkers, teachers, and mental health professionals to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. Due process concerns center on ex parte orders issued without the respondent's presence.
California's assault weapon characteristics test under Penal Code Section 30515(a)(1) applies only to "semiautomatic, centerfire" rifles. Rimfire rifles like the Ruger 10/22 with pistol grips and detachable magazines are not assault weapons under the features test, though the named-model ban and large-capacity magazine restrictions still apply.
California's assault weapon law allows semiautomatic rifles with "features" if the magazine is fixed. A fixed magazine is one that cannot be removed "without disassembly of the firearm action." The DOJ has never formally defined what constitutes sufficient disassembly, leaving popular compliance devices like the AR MagLock + Kingpin in legal uncertainty.
The Firearms Owners' Protection Act (18 U.S.C. Section 926A) protects interstate transport of firearms through restrictive states, but California's strict definitions of "locked container" and law enforcement's approach to firearms encounters create practical risks that exceed what the federal statute contemplates.
AB 1127 bans the sale of semiautomatic pistols with cruciform trigger bars (targeting Glock-pattern pistols) beginning July 1, 2026. Existing owners may keep their pistols. The NRA has filed a lawsuit (Jaymes v. Bonta) challenging the ban.
Federal court permanently enjoined California's AB 2571, which banned firearm marketing to minors. California conceded the law is unconstitutional under the First Amendment and was ordered to pay $1.4M in attorney fees.
Senate Bill 1203 would establish reporting requirements for firearm discharges by private security personnel in California.
Assembly Bill 2761, newly introduced, would create or amend provisions related to crimes involving firearms. The bill may be heard in committee as early as March 23, 2026.
Assembly Bill 1753 would amend California's protective order framework as it relates to the surrender of firearms and ammunition by restrained persons. The first hearing was canceled at the author's request.
Assembly Bill 1943 would establish notification requirements related to firearms and pupil safety, potentially requiring schools to notify parents or law enforcement when certain firearm-related risks involving students are identified.
Assembly Bill 2584, the "Preemptive Self Defense Act of 2026," would expand California's self-defense protections by allowing action based on perceived imminent threat, providing civil immunity for lawful self-defense, and preventing consideration of martial arts training when evaluating defensive force.
Assembly Bill 1974 would create a voluntary firearm storage program in California, allowing gun owners to temporarily store their firearms outside the home during periods of elevated risk.
| Make | Model | Added |
|---|---|---|
| Heckler & Koch | P2000SK-V2 9mm (Columbus GA) | |
| Smith & Wesson | 327-1 TRR8 | |
| Springfield Armory | PC9107LCA-G10 | |
| SIG | PE-57/SG 550/SG 551 | |
| Armscor Precision | AP9 FS | |
| Heckler & Koch | USP 45 Elite |
Current California firearms statutes and regulations
Firearms licensing requirements
Step-by-step guides for firearms compliance
Searchable database of approved firearms
Frequently asked questions about CA gun law
Legislative updates and legal developments