Purchasing a long gun in California follows many of the same steps as buying a handgun, but there are key differences. Long guns are not subject to the handgun roster, but they are subject to the assault weapons laws. The purchase frequency limit has also changed significantly due to recent court decisions and legislation.
Age Requirements
Licensed dealers generally may sell rifles and shotguns only to persons 21 or older under Penal Code Section 27510. The semiautomatic centerfire rifle restriction was added by SB 61 [1]. Exceptions exist for active military and law enforcement. Bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action and rimfire rifles may be purchased at 18 by a person with a valid, unexpired California hunting license or another applicable military or law-enforcement exemption.
Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
Since January 1, 2015, a Firearm Safety Certificate is required for firearm purchases, including rifles and shotguns, unless an exemption applies [2]. Previously, only handgun purchases required the Handgun Safety Certificate. The FSC test is administered by DOJ Certified Instructors and costs $25. Holders of a valid California CCW permit are exempt. A Handgun Safety Certificate does not satisfy the certificate requirement for a rifle or shotgun.
No Roster Requirement for Long Guns
Unlike handguns, rifles and shotguns are not subject to the Certified Handgun Roster. Any long gun that is not classified as an assault weapon or otherwise prohibited may be sold by a licensed dealer. This means you have access to a significantly broader selection of rifles and shotguns compared to the shrinking roster of certified handguns.
DROS and Background Check
All long gun purchases must go through a licensed dealer who will initiate the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) [3]. The combined state fees are $37.19, consisting of a $31.19 DROS fee, a $1 Firearms Safety fee and a $5 Safety and Enforcement fee. You must present a valid California driver's license or ID card, or military identification accompanied by permanent duty station orders indicating a California posting. The dealer must retain copies of the military identification and orders. The DOJ conducts the background check during the mandatory 10-day waiting period under Penal Code Section 26815 [4].
10-Day Waiting Period
The 10-day waiting period generally applies to firearm purchases, including long guns, with statutory exemptions such as qualifying full-time paid peace officers with employer authorization. Owning another firearm or holding a CCW permit does not by itself provide a waiting-period exemption. A person who separately qualifies for a statutory exemption may use that exemption. Unless a waiting-period exemption applies, the firearm may not be delivered before the 10-day period ends. A dealer may not deliver after DOJ reports that the purchaser is prohibited. If DOJ cannot determine eligibility within the 30-day period specified in Section 28220(g)(4), it must notify the dealer, who may then deliver the firearm subject to that provision’s recording and signature requirements.
Purchase Frequency Limit
SB 61 (effective July 1, 2021) extended the one-in-30-day purchase restriction to semiautomatic centerfire rifles [5]. However, on June 20, 2025, the Ninth Circuit unanimously struck down the entire one-in-30 purchase limit framework, including both the original handgun restriction (PC 27535) and the SB 61 expansion, in Nguyen v. Bonta [6]. The court held that the restriction facially violates the Second Amendment under the Bruen framework.
AB 1078 retained a statutory one-firearm-in-30-days provision through March 31, 2026 and replaced it with a three-firearm-in-30-days provision operative April 1, 2026.
Beginning April 1, 2026, AB 1078 imposes a new three-in-30 limit covering all firearm types, handguns, rifles, and shotguns combined [7]. You may not purchase more than three firearms cumulatively within any 30-day period. Bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and rimfire rifles count under AB 1078. The earlier one-in-30 law had already expanded to all firearms by 2024. Exemptions include law enforcement agencies and specified authorized peace officers. Holding a CCW permit alone is not an exemption.
Excise Tax (AB 28)
Since July 1, 2024, AB 28 imposes an 11% excise tax on nonexempt retail sales of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition [8]. This is in addition to the standard California sales tax. For a rifle with a retail price of $800, the excise tax adds approximately $88 to the purchase cost. Exemptions exist for sales to law enforcement agencies and active or retired peace officers.
Assault Weapons Restrictions
California Penal Code Sections 30600 and 30605 generally prohibit manufacturing, offering for sale, and possessing assault weapons, subject to the chapter's exceptions [9]. A semiautomatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has any one of the following features is classified as an assault weapon: pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding or telescoping stock, grenade or flare launcher, flash suppressor, or forward pistol grip. Rifles that are either "featureless" or use a fixed magazine are the two legal pathways for ownership (covered in a separate guide).
Safe Handling Demonstration
A safe handling demonstration is required at pickup for long guns, just as for handguns. You must also present a DOJ-approved firearm safety device or proof of gun safe ownership.