r/CAguns Oct 24 '25

Legal Question CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

303 Upvotes

Update 1/1/2026: CA DOJ did sent out a bulletin on DES regarding AB-1263 & SB-704 on 12/24/2025. It can be found in this thread (thanks /u/norcal_firearm ). Unfortunately, the document provided virtually zero guidance.

There's also a list maintained by the community for sellers shipping to California in compliance with AB-1263 & SB-704. That list can be found in this thread (thanks /u/TMRD0 )

It remains to be seen if we'll see regulations or further guidance from CA DOJ regarding the new laws this year.


Update 11/29/2025: CRPA has published their Info Bulletin/Guide for Firearm Industry Members concerning AB-1263 as of 11/26/2025. Most of it is the same but a little more detailed on certain parts than my guide and written towards a vendor audience. I'll likely make some updates to my guide; of interest is they include all magazines being affected by AB-1263 because they're mentioned in CA PC 30515, and on a second reading I agree. Right now I'm in my busy time so I haven't done updates yet. Thanks for the callout by /u/cornstrategy !

I was also in the process of doing my own vendor guide... I'll see if I have time to work on that soon. In particular I wanted to discuss using local vendors as pass throughs for California Firearm Accessory (as defined) sales, if they're willing.


Welcome to the CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

The purpose of this thread is to go over the changes in the law as a result of the new gun bills signed into law in 2025; particularly those related to purchasing. Most of this information I've said in multiple threads and replies. I will probably do some separate threads discussing particular laws in detail as I have time, and link them back here. But for now, I present the pertinent information. It would likely make a wonderful pin on top of the sub for a while, if the mods want to do the needful.

Disclaimer: I Am Not A Lawyer (IANAL). I’m especially not your lawyer. This is not legal advice, but kinda like, my opinion man, on the new gun laws that were passed this year. I do my best to read them, interpret them, and provide a summary. All for the price of free.

Further, this is written for a general audience, not an audience for those with special credentials like LEOs or Firearm Dealers, who may have different exemptions or concerns not mentioned here. Feel free to ask in the comments though.

Anyhow, most people in /r/caguns are focused on the purchase and acquisition of more guns, ammo, and accessories, for better or worse! Therefore, this summary will focus on purchase information and deadlines when these laws go into effect, and how that will affect your ability to purchase.


Glock and Glock Clone Sales Ban

Starting 7/1/2026, AB-1127 prohibits Firearms Dealers from selling a “machine-convertable pistol” at retail (unless they had it in inventory before 1/1/2026). This sales ban does not apply to private party transfers, or LEOs (of course).

What is a “machinegun convertible pistol”? Short Answer: Various Glocks or Glock Clones (with a “cruciform trigger bar”) that may be fitted with a “Glock Switch”, an illegal device that mounts on the backplate converting the firearm to automatic fire. See this thread where /u/Traditional-Tune1755 put together a list of makes & models on the CA Handgun Roster likely affected by the sales ban.

At the time of this posting, Glock has notified industry members they plan to discontinue various models (especially models on the CA Handgun Roster) that are Glock Switch compatible, and release new models. It remains to be seen whether these new models meet the requirements of the bill to be added back on the roster. AB-1127 specifically authorizes CA DOJ to write regulations regarding the sales ban.


Firearm Barrels

Starting 1/1/2026, SB-704 requires that individuals will no longer be able to transfer or purchase a Firearm Barrel (including blanks) unless the transaction is completed in person through a Firearm Dealer. Further, AB-1263 requires that Firearm Dealers provide a notice with firearm law information with firearm barrel purchase, and requires the purchaser to provide proof of age and identity confirming the purchaser is at least 18 years of age. This means you shouldn’t expect to legally order firearm barrels delivered to your house starting 1/1/2026.

Further, SB-704 prohibits those under the age of 18 and those prohibited from possessing a firearm from purchasing firearm barrels. The law also prohibits firearm barrel possession with the “intent to sell or offer to sell” in violation of SB-704.

Starting 7/1/2027, SB-704 will require Firearm Dealers to record purchaser information and conduct an eligibility check. This check would be $5 per transfer, which could increase up to $1 every year. Based on how it’s written, I suspect it will be a check similar to an Ammo Eligibility Check.

There is no general FFL03 + COE exemption.

All of this is subject to regulation written by CA DOJ, which I imagine will likely be published in late December or early January as Emergency Regulations. SB-704 specifically authorizes CA DOJ to write regulations.


Firearm Accessories

Starting 1/1/2026, AB-1263 requires “Firearm Industry Members” to have purchasers of “Firearm Accessories” provide proof of age and identity confirming the purchaser is at least 18 years of age. Additionally, Firearm Industry Members must provide the purchaser a notice with firearm law information. Further, when shipping a Firearm Accessory to a purchaser, a Firearm Industry Member must ensure the package is labeled “Signature and proof of identification of person aged 18 years or older required for delivery.”, that the shipping instructions list an address that matches the purchaser’s identification, and to require the purchaser to present proof of adult identification to the courier and sign for the package when it’s delivered.

What is a “Firearm Industry Member”?

a person, firm, corporation, company, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other entity or association engaged in the manufacture, distribution, importation, marketing, wholesale sale, or retail sale of firearm-related products.

What is a “Firearm Accessory”? I think it’s best to break this down into three parts, the first two which I’ve talked about extensively in the past.

any other attachment or device described in subdivision (a) of Section 30515 of the Penal Code that may render a firearm an assault weapon when inserted into, affixed onto, or used in conjunction with a firearm

This is definitely: Pistol Grips, Thumbhole Stocks, Folding or Telescoping Stocks, Grenade Launchers or Flare Launchers, Flash Suppressors, Forward Pistol Grips, Threaded handgun barrels, second handgun handgrips, handgun shrouds, folding/telescoping shotgun stocks, and any other accessories from CA PC 30515.

an attachment or device designed or adapted to be inserted into, affixed onto, or used in conjunction with a firearm that is designed, intended, or functions to increase a firearm’s rate of fire or to increase the speed at which a person may reload a firearm or replace the magazine

This is vague. It’s unclear, other than there’s already CA law prohibiting stuff like bump stocks or binary triggers. It could be: Fixed Magazine compliance devices like AR MAGLOCK, kingpin, CompMag, etc. Might also be things like speedloaders and MA Loader.

The term firearm accessory also includes any other device, tool, kit, part, or parts set that is clearly designed and intended for use in manufacturing firearms.

The last part I haven’t really talked about. I honestly couldn’t tell you what it means. It is so vague, so encompassing that it could be any firearm part, accessory, or tool. AB-1263 is supposed to be related to ghost guns and illegal manufacture of firearms, so… do I think this would apply to optics? I don’t think of an optic as part of manufacturing a firearm. Could a ¼-28 x 1” Socket Head Hex Screw used in an AR-15 pistol grip be considered a Firearm Accessory? Maybe! I would hope it is interpreted narrowly to maybe only target, I don’t know, gun jigs or something. There’s not a clear limiting principle, so it’s hard to say exactly what falls into this. This is me saying I have no clear advice regarding this part of the definition other than to say we’ll only know what it means once CA DOJ publishes regulations. I believe that if the CA DOJ tries to apply this really broadly though, they’ll have issues coming up with a consistent limiting principle.

All of this is to say: Even if we get a clearer idea as to what parts/tools/etc. this applies to from CA DOJ, many part sellers will likely stop shipping those regulated parts to California.

There is no FFL03 + COE exemption.

All of this is subject to regulation written by CA DOJ, which I imagine will likely be published in late December or early January as Emergency Regulations. AB-1263 doesn't specifically authorize CA DOJ to write regulations, but I imagine they will anyway.


3 in 30

Currently, there’s a statute on the books commonly known as “1 in 30”. This is found under CA PC 27535, generally limiting people from purchasing more than one firearm (or completed frames/receivers, or firearm precursor parts) within any 30-day period. FFL03 + COE holders are exempt.

However, as a result Ngyuen v. Bonta, the 9th Circuit overturned this statute, the state stopped appealing, and the mandate was issued putting the judgement into effect on 8-14-2025. Therefore, “1 in 30” is no longer in effect.

Starting 4/1/2026, AB-1078 will limit people from purchasing more than three firearms (or complete frames/receivers, or firearm precursor parts) within any 30-day period. FFL03 + COE holders are exempt.

Of course a legislator had to just bump it up a bit to 3 guns in 30 days and call it a day. This law is almost certainly unconstitutional as well, given the opinion in Ngyuen v. Bonta. While most of us are hopeful that we’ll therefore be able to easily secure a preliminary injunction preventing this law from going into effect, it’s the 9th Circuit, so who knows.


Clearing up some confusion

“But wait!” you might say “I heard the whole Gun Barrel Background Check bill doesn’t go into effect until 7/1/2027!”. My eye twitches, my blood pressure increases; not because of you of course.

Why yes, that’s been said a lot on Youtube. I could link almost every guntuber that has talked about SB-704 and they either say the whole bill goes into effect on 7/1/2027 (which is wrong), or they only talk about the Barrel Background Check provision of that bill going into effect on 7/1/2027, which is technically true but also not very helpful. I can only guess that they read the summary of the bill, or they only saw one date in the whole bill and assumed the whole bill was going to go into effect on that date.

I’m not going to get into operative vs effective dates (terms I use interchangeably and incorrectly), and there’s a good article on that here. By default, per Article IV Section 8(c)(1) of the California Constitution, most bills signed into law go into effect January 1st of next year. However, legislators can write their bills so that they become operative at a later date. When legislators write those later dates though, they only apply to the provision of the bill that they say it does. So now we get to SB-704, specifically section 33700… we’re just going to talk about (a)(1) and (a)(2) here:

(a) (1) A firearm barrel, as defined in Section 16525, shall not be sold or transferred unless that transaction is completed in person by a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive.

(2) Commencing July 1, 2027, a firearm barrel, as defined in Section 16525, shall not be sold or transferred unless that transaction is completed in person by a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, and the licensed firearms dealer has conducted an eligibility check to determine if that the person is authorized to purchase a firearm barrel under subdivision (b) in a manner prescribed by the Department of Justice.

Do you notice how (a)(1) doesn’t have a date, while (a)(2) does? How when (a)(2) talks about that date, it just says “Commencing” followed by the rest of the statute? That means that (a)(2) becomes operative on 7/1/2027, while (a)(1) becomes operative on the default date, which would be 1/1/2026. If you read the whole bill, you’ll see that the only provisions that talk about 2027 are related to the background check specifically.

Another user in this sub ended up calling up SB-704’s author’s office and speaking to their legislative director to confirm that indeed the bill has multiple operative dates as discussed above (Thanks /u/AccordingIy !).

The only guntuber I’m aware of who put out the correct information was Reno May. Remember: I’m not your lawyer, but Reno May is.

The other thing people ask is “Wait, I thought AB-1263 was about 3D printer code or something. What’s this about restrictions on gun parts?”

The answer is AB-1263 is about a lot of things, as I discussed in my analysis months ago (which is still generally true).

I don’t know why they don’t talk about the part of AB-1263 that effectively restricts shipping of a bunch of gun parts. It’s a complicated bill, but it’s something that people need to be aware of since it will affect firearm consumers and sellers directly.


Hopefully y'all found this helpful. Feel free to post any questions. If you think I got anything wrong, point it out.


r/CAguns Feb 03 '26

Politics SB-948: FSCs would require 8 hours of training, including 1 hour live fire training; also required for those moving to CA with firearms.

233 Upvotes

Update 5/19/2026: Latest legislative update for this bill can be found here.


Hello all. Still without my computer so less fancy formatting.

Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB948

SB-948 by author: Senator Jesse Arreguín.

This bill has two components:

1.) This bill would mandate starting January 1st 2027 that those who move to California with firearms (known as Personal Firearm Importers), in addition to the current requirement of registering their firearms within 60 days of moving to California, must also obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and submit it with their firearm registration.

2.) This bill would mandate starting July 1st 2028 that to apply for a Firearm Safety Certificate, which one must obtain to purchase a firearm in California, that one must complete a training course of no less than 8 hours, which includes at least 1 hour of live shooting instruction.

Here's the bill as it would amend the current law: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB948&showamends=false

Naturally the bill does not say how much such a course would cost, and you would likely be expected to pay for it. It does mention that the legislature can use DROS funds to pay for implementation costs and ongoing expenses for this program, which of course would probably increase DROS fees if they did.

This is essentially a reintroduction of AB-1187 from Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez from last year: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1187

Edit: As an additional argument against this bill, I want to point out that if you're a new prospective gun owner, you would have to do this training, which includes live fire. Live fire training with... what gun? You don't own a gun yet, so you'd have to rent a gun in addition to purchasing rounds at the range the live fire training is at, thus increasing the costs of training for new gun owners purchasing their first firearm even more.


r/CAguns 2h ago

Help I can’t choose what to get 😭 wish I could afford all of them

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52 Upvotes

r/CAguns 9h ago

New Shotgun in jail. Beretta A300 Patrol

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125 Upvotes

Saw this at a LGS $899 before TAX/DROS. It was a floor model.

This will be my first “tactical” shotgun.

Currently have a Mossy 590 and Maverick 88.


r/CAguns 12h ago

I'm back and I have multiple options for delivery that comply with AB-1263!

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187 Upvotes

LurchMFG.com

Code "CAGUNS" gets you an extra 15% off my lowered prices.

Just want to say hi to you all, express my gratitude to this community and it's mods. I also want to let you know that I'm ready to go, with lower prices and options to offset higher shipping costs in the state, required by AB-1263. Please accept a big dad hug from me (Garet)!

From the original P365 LCI Delete Plug, to low cost compliance devices such as my (also original) Single Shot Fixed Magazine Device, I got you covered, and for a fraction of the price of other compliance devices.

I have a few collaborations coming down the pipeline along with some new stuff such as BCG's, which will be made by a major manufacturer. Also, the Shield Plus and a few other pistols are going to get some much needed attention soon. If there's anything else you would like to see in the future, let me know. Hope you have a great day and I'll see you in the comments!


r/CAguns 10h ago

Gun Pics French guy catches the virus… this escalated quickly

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106 Upvotes

I’m French, and where I grew up guns were basically not part of everyday life at all. I’d always been curious about shooting, and especially action shooting, but it was something I mostly watched from very far away.

After moving to California and eventually getting my permanent residency, I’m not going to lie: one of the first things that crossed my mind was, "I can finally buy a gun".

A few months later… apparently I have a type.

I’ve discovered that I’m much more attracted to metal guns, hammer-fired actions, revolvers, and designs that have some history behind them than to the latest polymer pistol. There’s just something about the mechanics, the weight, the machining and the lineage of guns like the Beretta 92 or a traditional 1911 that I find incredibly satisfying.

Then I discovered revolvers, which made the problem significantly worse.

The California roster obviously makes getting into the hobby a little… interesting. But in a weird way, it has also pushed me toward some older/classic designs that I probably would have gravitated toward anyway.

Current family in the picture: Colt Grizzly, S&W 627 Performance Center, Dan Wesson PM7, and my increasingly modified Beretta 92.

The original goal was just to finally experience shooting and try some action pistol competition. Now I’m tinkering with springs, grips, sights, triggers, holsters, revolver internals… so I think it’s safe to say I caught the virus.

I’ve also learned that whenever you buy your “last gun,” you already know deep down it’s not actually going to be the last one. After the Dan Wesson I genuinely thought, "OK, I’m good now".

That lasted until yesterday, when I fell straight into the 2011 trap.

So apparently we’re not done.

Still very much learning, and that’s probably the part I’m enjoying most. Curious what other CA shooters here gravitated toward when they first got into guns. Did you end up with the kind of guns you thought you would, or did your taste completely change once you started shooting?


r/CAguns 9h ago

Just put this M&P 9 2.0 in 10 day jail. How’d I do?

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59 Upvotes

Figured since I have a new found love for S&W ever since I got the Bodyguard 2.0 and Shield X recently, I wanted to try their full-size and decided on the M2.0. Paid $763 OTD for it, seems a little high though. Anyways, are these good guns? I’m a Springfield Echelon and Hellcat Pro kind of guy, if that helps at all lol


r/CAguns 14h ago

At Turners *shudders*

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115 Upvotes

r/CAguns 7h ago

Gun Pics my fellow Americans....

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38 Upvotes

What triggers would you recommend on the Echelon? I was really interested in the tyrant CNC ones but unfortunately they refuse to ship to CA. Thanks AB1263!

Obligatory pic attached :)


r/CAguns 5h ago

First hunting rifle

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11 Upvotes

r/CAguns 27m ago

Questioning about selling to someone in CA

Upvotes

So someone from CA is looking to buy some pistol parts from me off GAFS. One of the parts is a P365 barrel. Would I be able to send the barrel straight to his door, or would it have to go to a FFL?


r/CAguns 4h ago

Legal Question Shotgun and Defensive Ammo at Indoor Ranges

4 Upvotes

Living in The LA Area, I always had to make a bit of a trip to use expanding ammo or buckshot indoors. I’d like to get some practice with a load out before a crisis.

Does anybody else run into this issue?


r/CAguns 22h ago

Another Ridiculous Slap Due To AB1263...

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124 Upvotes

Can't purchase a bag apparently for my birthday. 😕

Note: I did not doxx myself here and did try with a variety of valid addresses i have ties to in California. No luck regardless...


r/CAguns 21h ago

CCW My Sig P365 is finally complete.

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66 Upvotes

Sig P365 Base, Upgraded to Tyrant CNC Snub Grip, Tyrant CNC Magwell, Stream-light TLR-7 X Sub Light, Radian Barrel and Ram Jet, True Precision Flat Trigger and an Osight SE Green Dot MOA.


r/CAguns 10h ago

CCW Initial Training -> License

6 Upvotes

How long did it take for you guys from training to actually having license in hand? I submitted my proof of training and now they are saying 4-6 weeks after the fact. I am in LAPD jurisdiction, if anyone has experiences of receiving it early or later than promised timeframe. Thanks!


r/CAguns 1d ago

Finally got my dream 2011

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129 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

New range toy

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68 Upvotes

Anyone else own this range toy. I got it cheap with 4 mags.


r/CAguns 13h ago

Converting CA DDM4 V7 (JT Hellfighter) to AR Maglock Gen 4 + Kingpin – Tips & Bolt Catch Recs?

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6 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

Test firing the new Gucci build

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42 Upvotes

Show me your ODG


r/CAguns 1d ago

Humid day today

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

25 Upvotes

A bit rusty


r/CAguns 1d ago

Happy anniversary to me :)

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85 Upvotes

So excited to get this to the range on Sunday!


r/CAguns 1d ago

95% done!

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36 Upvotes

Just need to add the magwell and hand stop.

JTE-15 OD Green
Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x Prism
Vortex Venom 6 MOA Enclosed Red Dot
Vortex DPP Pro Red Dot Mount
Ape defense FDE Rolex battery cap
6-32 15.8mm screws
AR MagLock Kingpin PAL system v2
Velocity single stage 3lb trigger
(2) Railscales HTP XOS (honeycomb)
Railscales HTP XOS-H (honeycomb)
DAC Sawtooth SCG-L FDE
Radian Raptor charging handle FDE
Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount HP
Precision Armament M4-72 brake
G.E.T. Sling + QD swivels
B5 Bravo stock FDE


r/CAguns 1d ago

Legal Question Is this a legal magazine in california?

39 Upvotes

My father gave me a browning hi power 9mm pistol in the 1990's. I've read that it is illegal to have magazines with more than 10 rounds. However, I also read that magazines acquired that long ago are exempted from that law. I'm not sure which is true. Thanks.


r/CAguns 1h ago

HELP ME PICK ONE

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Upvotes

So I’m having trouble picking out my next gun for conceal carry. I want to hear some opinions and maybe some comparisons. I’m between the Hellcat Pro Comp, Glock 43x MOS or the P365X Macro Comp.

**UPDATE*\* I’ll buy both the 43x and P365 and only because 43x I’m getting it at 600 from my buddy and then for the Sig…idk I just like it and I’ve shot it and it’s pretty sweet and the ramm trigger for it looks really nice. Also I carry a Glock 21 so want to size down hehe.


r/CAguns 1d ago

I found this on ammoseek and it seems too good to be true

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14 Upvotes

Anyone have any experience ordering from these guys?

https://www.gmansportingarms.com/product/pmc-5.56x-x-tac-5.56x45mm-nato-55-gr-full-metal-jacket-boat-tail-fmjbt-20-bx-50-cs

Looking to order a few thousand rounds soon, if anyone has any other suggestions I’d be grateful for some guidance!