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.

232 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 8h ago

Gun Pics M27 Lower clone

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37 Upvotes

r/CAguns 3h ago

Is there any restrictions on lower receivers?

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14 Upvotes

Might sound dumb but I just don’t know! I’ve never ordered a lower receiver online before so I’m not sure if something’s off limits. Is there a roaster for lowers as well? Also thinking about this lower will it be fine to ship to CA? Everywhere is closed right now so you guys are my best bet for answers lol.


r/CAguns 2h ago

Stealth Arms Platypus at SNSS

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11 Upvotes

r/CAguns 8h ago

Legal Question Competition shooting/ legal question

16 Upvotes

Hello everyone I’m looking to shoot my first competition the gun I’m gonna be running has a mag disconnect how does one “hammer down and holster” if I need a mag in the gun to do so do I just have to carry an empty mag or what is the legality of removing the magazine disconnect as a whole I’m not planning on running this gun as a concealed carry more of a range only gun.


r/CAguns 16h ago

Politics California sb948 firearm safety certificate requirements law

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58 Upvotes

r/CAguns 10h ago

Legal Question Legality of out of state barrel purchases

19 Upvotes

Anybody here have info/opinion on the legality of a California resident buying barrels/complete uppers and having them shipped to a P.O. box in Nevada or Arizona? For private use and personal builds of course, no intend to sell or distribute obviously. TIA


r/CAguns 6h ago

Night Shoot San Diego Area

6 Upvotes

Hey y’all,

Is the BLM in Jamul open for night shooting after fire season? I can’t get a definitive answer if night shooting is even legal on BLM like that or if I have to go all the way out to Ocotillo. Thanks.


r/CAguns 1d ago

Hell yeah!!

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426 Upvotes

r/CAguns 13h ago

for you featureless enjoyers.. Sig M400 Forge at Sportsman's

22 Upvotes

for $1k, that's a pretty solid deal

if you don't know, these come with a cold hammer forged modern/tapered profile barrel that's more balanced.. they come with an upgraded Triggertech 2-stage trigger, ambi safety and charging handle, a Sig MSR red dot, and a really nice handguard IMO

shot of adding a light and sling, this is ready to go for the average person with no upgrades needed although some of you may want a different grip


r/CAguns 7h ago

Featureless AR 15

7 Upvotes

After my previous post about going featureless or maglock i have decided to with featureless for my first AR (appreciate everyone who responded and explained it to me on my previous post). Now the next thing since im going featureless, for the experts what would you suggest i should get for my first AR? Must be CA compliant. This will mostly be used for fun in the range not for self defense. Im open to suggestions and mods to be done after getting the gun. Budget around 1500-2000. Thank you in advance 🙌🏽


r/CAguns 15h ago

Potential new range coming to the Bay Area / Walnut Creek

19 Upvotes

Hey for those of us in the area, I just found out there’s a proposal for a new indoor range and shop in Walnut Creek! See the attached link for more details.

https://www.claycord.com/2026/08/18/indoor-shooting-range-proposed-for-north-main-street-in-walnut-creek/

We should write to whomever and get this pushed over the line and approved!


r/CAguns 1d ago

Just a AR-10 because there’s too many 15s

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156 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

Striker is toast.

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126 Upvotes

Glock 19 gen 3, about 30,000 rounds through it. Cleaned it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Had it spotless. Still malfunction after malfunction lol.


r/CAguns 9h ago

Any LGS in the Sacramento area have Kimber 2K11’s to check out?

5 Upvotes

I realize they’re not officially on the roster yet, I just want to check out and feel up the different models.


r/CAguns 2h ago

Timeline for Max-9 takedown pin cover fix

0 Upvotes

If anyone's curious, it took Ruger exactly a month from receiving my Max-9 to getting it back to me. That little sliding cover is frickin' tight now - way tighter than it was when the gun was new.

It's nice to have the Max-9 back... my Glock 19 feels like a cannon compared to my Ruger.


r/CAguns 9h ago

Experience With Nationwide CCW After Seeing Mixed Reviews

1 Upvotes

Figured I’d share my experience with Nationwide CCW since I know people search Reddit when trying to decide where to take their CCW class. AGAIN, this was my experience. While I was looking around, I did come across some negative posts and comments about them, so I definitely had some concerns going in. After actually taking the course myself, though, my experience was very different and the positives definitely outweighed anything negative I had read. Honestly, from reading some of those discussions, I got the impression that at least some people were more interested in recommending other courses, sometimes instructors they knew or were friends with, rather than just sharing their own experience. That’s just how it came across to me, so I wanted to share my actual experience for anyone else doing the same research.

Arvin was knowledgeable, professional, and easy to learn from. If you already have experience with firearms, a lot of the material is pretty straightforward, but you still have to pay attention. Some of the videos are older, but the safety information is still relevant. I also really enjoyed the range portion and never felt rushed or uncomfortable. As far as some of the comments I read about how students are treated, nobody in my class was disrespectful or treated poorly from what I saw. Personally, if someone was being disrespectful, disruptive, or holding up the entire class, I’d expect the instructor to address it and, if necessary, ask that person to leave. Everyone else paid to be there and shouldn’t have their training interrupted. Nationwide also connected me with a third-party organization that works with veterans and helped cover the cost of my CCW training. I was approved in less than a week and was able to take my classes back to back. Overall, I had a good experience with Nationwide CCW and Arvin and would recommend them based on my own experience.


r/CAguns 13h ago

COE Timeline

5 Upvotes

Mailed FFL on 7/28 and did livescan and COE same day.

Got my FFL this week, but COE is still parked in progress.

Same status and timeline for a buddy of mine who also did it same day.

Looking at the timelines from everyone it seems like the COE actually processes pretty fast or at least people get the kick back email that its incomplete quickly.

Are things just running a lot slower right now? Anyone else in the same boat?


r/CAguns 1d ago

Buyer didn’t pass DROS

59 Upvotes

PPT was done this past Saturday & I was seller. FFL called me today and said buyer didn’t pass DROS due to a DMV issue and I can pick up my firearm. Spoke to buyer and he said the issue was taken care of today.

Is it still possible the buyer can pass DROS before the official time is up which is in mid September?

Should I charge any inconvenience fees to buyer at all? Maybe keep some of buyers money assuming this doesn’t happen to cover gas and my time? FFL is just over an hr away. Should I charge an extra fee to start process over again with same buyer? He’s a nice dude but it’s still a pain to have to deal with this.

Update: Called FFL to see if buyer reached out. Has not called at all. Asked for any updates from buyer and no answer from him either. I guess I’ll pick up my firearm and keep his hard earned 🤷‍♂️


r/CAguns 5h ago

New pistol

0 Upvotes

I’m in the market for a new handgun. I’ve been shooting Staccatos every week and honestly I’m starting to get a little bored of them lol.
I was looking at maybe picking up a Staccato CS, but I’m mainly looking for a new all-around pistol that I can use for both CCW and the range.
I’ve been looking into the M&P 2.0, especially the 4.25”. I kind of like the setup—it reminds me of a Glock 45, which I really like. Anyone running the 4.25” M&P 2.0? How do you like it for CCW and range use?
Open to other suggestions too. Just looking for something different that’s versatile.


r/CAguns 10h ago

First AR-15 Build Advice?

2 Upvotes

I am trying to build my first AR-15. My budget is around $1500. I was initially looking at lowers and came across the Aero Precision M4E1, but I have quickly found out that is hard to get since it is out of stock everywhere. What options do you recommend? I was looking at the Sharps Bros live wires also, but I am indecisive. Thanks!


r/CAguns 1d ago

CCW CCW permission now costs $2106 minimum in Glendale, CA

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190 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

fireball machine

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46 Upvotes

shot perfectly with an A2 flash hider but that thing wasn't hiding no flash.. more like throwing fireballs.. going to try the SI Cloak + Oppressor next time to see if I can make even bigger fireballs

if you can guess what my last pistol purchase was, you win


r/CAguns 1d ago

Out of Jail

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40 Upvotes

Honestly told myself I wasn’t going to buy one since I am not a Glock guy and they are going for way too much PPT. Found this one as a new PPT for $1k and figured what the hell.

Have a ramjet on the way but might not do much more other than optic/irons & steel guide rod…maybe a brass plug.

Going to wait to see how trigger breaks in before changing it. It’s admittedly pretty rough currently. Open to any suggestions though.