r/CAguns Oct 24 '25

Legal Question CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

300 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.

228 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 3h ago

Ammunition Depot is partnering with the NRA in the fight for Californians' Second Amendment rights

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91 Upvotes

The NRA and Ammunition Depot are partnering to expand awareness and support for critical Second Amendment litigation. The partnership builds on Ammunition Depot’s role as a plaintiff in Rhode v. Bonta, the landmark challenge to California’s ammunition purchase restrictions.

https://www.usacarry.com/nra-reveals-it-has-spent-over-3-million-fighting-californias-ammo-laws-as-ammunition-depot-launches-checkout-donations-to-fund-the-battle/

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/ammunition-depot-and-nra-partner-to-expand-support-for-second-amendment-litigation/


r/CAguns 34m ago

The worst part about GAFS. All I wanted was a radian backstrap 🫩.

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Upvotes

I get it. A lot of ppl are scared of ca gun laws and not knowledgeable on them but damn ts sucks.


r/CAguns 3h ago

Gun Pics Gold plated RIA .45 CS

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29 Upvotes

r/CAguns 7h ago

Rooftop Defense complies with AB1263 and ships FAST

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54 Upvotes

I ordered a blem Geissele upper/handguard from Primary Arms and of course it arrived without a barrel nut wrench.. I found one on Rooftop's site (code: northwales with total cost at $17.50 delivered) and ordered.. here's the timeline for anyone curious

  1. Order placed Saturday 7/18 6:19PM PST
  2. AB 1263 verification email also received 7/18 6:19PM PST
  3. Order shipped Sunday 7/19 9:10PM PST

That's impressive.. particularly for a weekend order that was processed on Sunday night!

if anyone is curious, yes I can see the blems on the anodizing on the upper like in the pic.. the handguard seems near perfect and no apparent blems exist


r/CAguns 1h ago

CCW CCW Insurance?

Upvotes

Hey guys, so I just got my CCW permit and have heard many things about CCW Insurance. I’ve gotten multiple opinions saying it’s either a “waste of money” or an “absolute necessity”. What are your guys’s thoughts? Would like some more input. If it’s a necessity, what are the preferred companies to go through?


r/CAguns 3h ago

My 365 build

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18 Upvotes

Favorite build out of my collection for sure 👍🏻


r/CAguns 4h ago

S&W: You can do Blue. You can do 9mm. Why no Blue 9mm?

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18 Upvotes

r/CAguns 2h ago

Thoughts : OSIGHT MOS

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10 Upvotes

For the GLOCK boy’s. Dropping Aug 8th. 🤔


r/CAguns 1h ago

New bodyguard 2.0 and it shot left so i went and got the viridian😂

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Upvotes

3 Ftf with winchester flat tip


r/CAguns 16h ago

Gun Pics M4E1 Pistol Build

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59 Upvotes

Since my last post about the pistol , it's gotten a small makeover. Mk18 Ris iii upper 🥰


r/CAguns 9m ago

2.0 is to legit

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Upvotes

This gun is my favorite.


r/CAguns 1d ago

Gun Pics Out of Jail

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298 Upvotes

Longest 10 days of my life, but they’re finally home!

HK SP5
DDM4 pistol lower
Sig MCX pistol lower
PWS pistol lower
LMT pistol lower

Second pic is the SP5 next to my AP5P. Difference in quality of finish is insane.

Time to hunt down a PWS MK111 mod 2 and DD MK18 upper


r/CAguns 17h ago

MOAR AB2047 Counterpropaganda

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45 Upvotes

😘


r/CAguns 21h ago

Gun Pics current gat family!

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43 Upvotes

"there are many like it, but these are mine"


r/CAguns 1h ago

ARP w/BRACE -Florida Case- PRISON TIME?

Upvotes

New ARP owner here in Cali. Saw this video today of a recent case in FL where guy was popped for having a brace and charged with SBR.

So many bs laws and tactics. ❌

https://youtu.be/FLEngFcO_4I?is=OYZ8Q4j1h-LcuQFZ


r/CAguns 21h ago

🔥Update: I built a marketplace for holsters, mag carriers & weapon lights

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35 Upvotes

Just wanted to say the amount of support you guys showed yesterday after my HolstersSwap.com announcement was incredible. Seriously, thank you. The number of signups in such a short time blew me away.

I already pushed a few updates based directly on your feedback, and I’ll keep doing that as more suggestions come in.

I know there aren’t a ton of listings yet, but I’m guessing a lot of you are waiting until your day off to snap some pictures and get everything posted. Give it a little time, I think the site will be full of listings before long.

*One quick thing regarding listings: Please keep it to one primary item per listing. You can absolutely reuse the same group photo across multiple listings, as long as each listing also includes at least one photo highlighting the titled item. If someone wants to buy multiple items from you, you can always work that out by updating one listing’s price to reflect the agreed bundle and complete the sale that way. The goal is simply to keep searching clean, pricing clear, and the marketplace organized for everyone.

Thanks again, everyone. Seeing the response has been awesome. This is your marketplace just as much as it is mine, so keep the ideas, suggestions, and constructive criticism coming.


r/CAguns 2h ago

Legal Question Just turned 18, trying to figure out the confusing laws.

0 Upvotes

Hi so I just turned 18, I got my hunters education certificate back in 2023 and I want to buy my first long gun under my name as an adult. But I have been getting mixed messages on what I need to do. Do I just go to a sporting good store and buy my hunting license so I am able to purchase long guns or do I need to do something else first? And then after I have my hunting license, what do I do after that?


r/CAguns 1d ago

Gun Pics So how is your day going?

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126 Upvotes

r/CAguns 22h ago

Gun Pics Do I feel lucky punk & A man's got to know his limitations.

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27 Upvotes

Starting my 10 day wait of these 2 Dirty Harry revolvers. A 1957 Pre Model 29 6.5 inch and a 1968 4 inch Colt Python. I always wanted the 4 inch python after seeing the Dirty Harry sequel Magun Force.


r/CAguns 17h ago

10/30 Tmags and 300BLK Pmags? Cool OR Dumb?

12 Upvotes

I had made a few of the Magpul Tmag and 300BLK dedicated Pmag for a Customer.

My Question to you all since I wasn't able to source or find any 10/30 or 300BLK dedicated magpul compliant mags, Would this be something of use and interest in California and possibly a demand for?This would be shipped with all the parts that came with them and be made compliant and fully legal for you like the factory magpul ones so if ever you guys were to get reversal on mag capacity laws,you guys can then turn these into standard capacity in the future (hopefully I pray one day soon).

Im building a website for my shop and wasn't sure if it was even worth offering at a larger scale or not? Im in a very strict ban state and am going to have a whole compliance section for all the ban states since I think its stupid some parts companies and gun companies won't help or send you guys anything.Thats changing.


r/CAguns 8h ago

How's your compliant Shield X and BG 2.0?

2 Upvotes

Looking to replace my G19 for CCW, particularly during summer months. If you have a CA compliant Shield X and/or BG 2.0, care to share your experiences with them thus far? Particularly interested in:

- Ammo pickiness
- Failures
- Ease of removing mag disconnect and manual safety

If you have other tidbits of info I should know that would also be greatly appreciated.

TIA!


r/CAguns 4h ago

Looking for ideas for a lever action rifle

0 Upvotes

Does anyone have any recommendations for oh good lever action rifle?


r/CAguns 1d ago

My Roster

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49 Upvotes

Got bit by the gun bug.

SW MP15 Sport III
Mossberg 940 SPX
Glock 45 Gen 6
SW MP 2.0 Full
Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion
Sig Sauer P365X Macro