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
You must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle or shotgun in California. However, under SB 1100 (effective January 1, 2019), the purchase of semiautomatic centerfire rifles is restricted to persons 21 and older [1]. Exceptions exist for active military and law enforcement. Bolt-action, lever-action, pump-action, and rimfire rifles may still be purchased at 18.
Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
Since January 1, 2015, the Firearm Safety Certificate is required for all firearm purchases, including rifles and shotguns [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 CCW permit or a current Handgun Safety Certificate (if still within its 5-year validity) are exempt.
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 DROS fee is $37.19. You must present a valid California driver's license or ID card. 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 applies to all firearm purchases, including long guns. No exceptions exist for current firearm owners or CCW holders. The firearm may not be delivered until the DOJ background check clears and the full 10 days have elapsed.
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.
Until March 31, 2026, there is no purchase frequency limit in effect for any firearm type.
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 are now included in the count under AB 1078, unlike the prior law which targeted only semiautomatic centerfire rifles. Exemptions apply to CCW holders and law enforcement.
Excise Tax (AB 28)
Since July 1, 2024, AB 28 imposes an 11% excise tax on the retail sale of all 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 30500-30530 prohibit the manufacture, sale, and possession of assault weapons [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.