Current California gun laws state that a person must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a gun. Although, a rifle or shotgun can be bought at the age of 18.
The Dealer’s Record of Sale, or DROS, is also required by a dealer to sell, whether one is public or privately bought.
If you’re a convicted criminal, you might never be able to attain legal gun ownership in California. The same applies to drug addicts.
You can also face charges for possession of concealed carry guns or other prohibited weapons unless you are permitted to do so by the relevant authorities.
Open Carry Laws
In addition, it’s a felony to openly carry a gun. This falls under the Penal Codes 26350 and 25850 PC for unloaded and loaded guns, respectively.
Under Penal Code 16590, California law prohibits the carrying or selling of certain kinds of guns. These include, but are not limited to:
- Zip guns.
- Firearms that can’t be spotted.
- Short-barrelled firearms, such as rifles and shotguns.
The Penal Codes are 33600 PC, 24610 PC, and 33215 PC.
Assault Weapon Gun Law
Also forbidden under California Penal Code 30600 PC are Browning Machine Gun Rifles (BMGs) and assault weapons. They cannot be manufactured, delivered, imported, or sold in California.
It’s against the legal requirements to carry such firearms under California Penal Code 30605 PC.
Where In California Can’t You Bring a Gun?
In “The Golden State,” California lawmakers have ensured that you can’t legally bring a gun into the following places under any circumstances:
- Schools under Penal Code 626.9 PC.
- Government buildings following Penal Code 171c PC.
- Airports as per Penal Code 171.5 PC.
- Public meeting places under Penal Code 171b PC.
- Public transit spaces as per Penal Code 171.7 PC.
- The Governor’s mansion under Penal Code 171d PC.
For other firearms, aside from guns, California law states that there are mandates which limit or restrict gun rights in terms of the use of silencers, stun guns, armor-piercing bullets, as well as laser pointers and scopes.
Get Smarter on US News, History, and the Constitution
Who’s Not Permitted To Carry a Weapon According to California Gun Law?
Under the Second Amendment, the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms.
However, this isn’t the case for all. As well as felons and drug users, those prohibited from being a gun owner include those with at least two felonies under Penal Code 417 PC.
Those who have been convicted of domestic felonies or who’ve caused injury to a family member fall under the category of Penal Code 273.5 PC and are barred from becoming a gun owner.
Additionally, a person with a mental health disorder is not permitted to be in possession of a firearm.
A reg flag state law is in place which enables the following to prohibit the allowance of a firearm from being owned by personnel they deem irresponsible:
- Employers and company managers.
- Teachers.
- Employees.
