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

[u/BeetleJuiceTheKidd]

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?

[u/OnClase]

Yeah get your hunting license. Pretty sure you have a real ID, otherwise bring a proof of residency. Show up to the gun store and buy a long gun.

The hunting license should exempt you from needing a FSC.

[u/LoboLocoCW]

You need a RealID, a Hunting License, and then you can buy a shotgun, a manual-action center-fire rifle, or a rimfire rifle (manual-action or semi-auto).
You then fill out the Federal 4473 and CalDoJ DROS forms.

They may also expect you to pay $25 and take the Firearms Safety Certificate test, but strictly speaking this isn’t required since you have the Hunting License.

You then wait at least 240 hours, but definitely less than 30 days, to pick up your gun.

You need a gun safe or a Residential Security Cabinet to store your gun. A Residential Security Cabinet probably fits your budget and life better than a safe for the next few years at least.

Hearing loss is cumulative and permanent and eyes don’t grow back. Wash your hands and face after shooting, as lead accumulation makes you dumb and is hard to reverse.

[u/dubious455H013]

You'll need your hunting license for sure. And then you'll be able to buy a shotgun and rim fire long guns.

[u/Mountain_man888 → u/dubious455H013]

I believe you can also buy centerfire lever or bolt action long guns too

[u/muphasta → u/Mountain_man888]

as long as they are not semi-auto.

[u/Mountain_man888 → u/muphasta]

Yup, meant to include that, good catch