PC 33215:
Short-Barreled Rifle and Shotgun Ban

California Penal Code Section 33215^[1] makes it a crime for any person to manufacture, import into the state, keep for sale, offer or expose for sale, give, lend, or possess any short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun.

Definitions

The relevant definitions are found in Penal Code Sections 17170^[2] and 17180^[3]:

• Short-barreled rifle (SBR): A rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length, or a rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches. This includes any weapon made from a rifle (whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise) if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
• Short-barreled shotgun (SBS): A shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length, or a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. This includes any weapon made from a shotgun (whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise) if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.

Federal NFA Items in California

The National Firearms Act still provides for registration of short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and the federal making and transfer taxes for these firearms are $0 (26 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.). Since October 9, 2026, ATF does not enforce that registration or the prior approval to make or transfer them.^[4] California does not recognize this federal registration. An NFA-registered SBR or SBS that is lawful under federal law remains prohibited in California unless an exception in Sections 33220 or 33225 or Chapter 1 beginning with Section 17700 applies. This is a critical distinction for persons relocating to California from states that permit NFA items.

AR Pistols and "Other" Firearms

Federal regulations define a pistol as a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire when held in one hand, with the specified chamber and grip configuration. A rifle is designed, made, and intended to be fired from the shoulder. A barrel under 16 inches and a pistol-designated lower receiver alone do not determine an AR-pattern firearm's federal classification. However, California's Unsafe Handgun Act and assault weapons laws impose additional restrictions on such firearms, and they cannot be purchased through a dealer unless listed on the Certified Handguns Roster. The practical result is that new AR pistols are generally not available to California consumers through standard retail channels.

Penalties

A violation of Section 33215 is a wobbler offense. As a felony, it is punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Penal Code Section 1170 (16 months, two years, or three years in county jail). As a misdemeanor, it is punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. Penal Code Section 672 authorizes a fine of up to $1,000 in addition to the prescribed imprisonment.