Current California Gun Laws

Golden Gate Bridge
You must be at least 21 to buy a gun in California.
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Sources

  1. https://oag.ca.gov/firearms
    The California Attorney General's official website provides comprehensive and authoritative information on state gun laws, including age restrictions, DROS requirements, and prohibited firearms.
  2. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml
    The official California Legislative Information website provides direct access to the Penal Codes referenced in the blog post (e.g., 26350, 25850, 30600 PC), allowing verification of the specific statutes mentioned.
  3. https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-carrying.htm
    The California Courts Self-Help Guide provides clear explanations of concealed and open carry laws, as well as restrictions on where firearms can be carried, which aligns with the blog post's content.
  4. https://www.atf.gov/firearms/state-laws-and-published-ordinances-california
    The ATF's official compilation of California firearm laws provides federal and state perspectives on prohibited persons (e.g., felons, drug users) and assault weapon bans, supporting several claims in the post.
  5. https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/firearms/
    The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's firearms page offers authoritative information on firearm prohibitions for convicted criminals and those with mental health disorders, as mentioned in the blog post.

Key Points

  • Minimum age to purchase a gun in California is 21, but rifles or shotguns can be bought at 18.
  • A Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) is required for all gun sales, whether public or private.
  • Convicted criminals and drug addicts are generally prohibited from legal gun ownership in California.
  • Open carry of guns is a felony under Penal Codes 26350 and 25850 PC for unloaded and loaded guns, respectively.
  • Certain firearms like zip guns, undetectable firearms, and short-barrelled rifles/shotguns are prohibited under Penal Code 16590.
  • Assault weapons and Browning Machine Gun Rifles (BMGs) are banned from manufacture, delivery, import, or sale in California.
  • Guns are prohibited in specific places like schools, government buildings, airports, public transit, and the Governor's mansion.
  • Restrictions apply to other firearms accessories like silencers, stun guns, armor-piercing bullets, and laser scopes.
  • Individuals with mental health disorders, domestic violence convictions, or multiple felonies are barred from gun ownership.
  • A red flag law allows employers, teachers, and employees to report individuals they deem irresponsible for gun ownership.

Summary

California gun laws require individuals to be at least 21 to purchase most firearms, though rifles and shotguns can be bought at 18. Strict regulations prohibit convicted criminals, drug addicts, and those with certain mental health conditions from owning guns, while open carry and assault weapons are banned. Additionally, firearms are restricted in places like schools, government buildings, and airports.

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.

Shotgun
A shotgun can be bought at the age of 18 in California.

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.

handgun
It’s forbidden to openly carry a sidearm.

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.

STNGR AR-15
Assault weapons are prohibited in the state.

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.
assault weapon with silencer
The use of silencers is restricted in accordance with state law.

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.

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.

The Bill of Rights
The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

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.

Current California Gun Laws Quiz

Which of the following is required for a gun sale in California?
What is restricted under California law besides guns?
Which Penal Code prohibits carrying or selling certain kinds of guns like zip guns?
Who is prohibited from owning a gun in California?
Where is it illegal to bring a gun in California?
What is the minimum age to purchase a rifle or shotgun in California?
Who can prohibit someone from owning a firearm under California's red flag law?
Under which Penal Code is it a felony to openly carry a loaded gun?
Which type of firearm is prohibited under California Penal Code 30600 PC?
Which amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to purchase a rifle or shotgun in California?

In California, the minimum age to purchase a rifle or shotgun is 18.

What is required for a dealer to sell a gun in California?

A dealer in California must complete a Dealer's Record of Sale (DROS) for every gun sale, whether the sale is public or private.

Are assault weapons legal in California?

No, assault weapons are prohibited in California under Penal Code 30600 PC, which bans their manufacture, delivery, import, or sale.

Where are guns prohibited in California?

Guns are prohibited in several places in California, including schools, government buildings, airports, public meeting places, public transit spaces, and the Governor's mansion, as specified by various Penal Codes.

Who is prohibited from owning a gun in California?

Individuals prohibited from owning a gun in California include convicted felons, drug addicts, those with certain domestic violence convictions, individuals with mental health disorders, and those with multiple felony convictions under specific Penal Codes.

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