Is a Glock 43 Legal in California?
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, making it challenging for residents to determine what firearms are legal to own. One popular handgun that is often questioned is the Glock 43. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to whether a Glock 43 is legal in California.
Is a Glock 43 legal in California?
The short answer is that the Glock 43, in its standard configuration, is not legal in California. The Glock 43 is a single-stack, 9mm handgun with a magazine capacity of 6 rounds. California law prohibits the sale, manufacture, importation, keeping, and ownership of any handgun with a magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds.
Key Points:
- California law prohibits the sale, manufacture, importation, keeping, and ownership of any handgun with a magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds.
- The Glock 43 has a standard magazine capacity of 6 rounds, which is below the 10-round limit.
What about a Modified Glock 43?
Some gun owners may modify their Glock 43 by installing a larger magazine capacity, such as a 10-round magazine. This raises the question: Is a modified Glock 43 legal in California?
- Note: Modifying a firearm to comply with California law is illegal unless the modification is done at the factory or by a licensed firearms manufacturer.
- California law prohibits the ownership or possession of any handgun with a magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds, even if the magazine is added by the owner.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there are a few exceptions to California’s 10-round limit. For example:
- Law enforcement: Licensed law enforcement officers are exempt from the 10-round limit.
- California Highway Patrol: The California Highway Patrol is exempt from the 10-round limit for certain purposes, such as serving search warrants or making arrests.
- Active duty military: Active duty military personnel are exempt from the 10-round limit, but only when on official duty.
Other California Gun Laws
California has several other laws that gun owners should be aware of:
- Background checks: All handgun purchases in California must undergo a background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
- Assault weapon ban: California has a ban on certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
- Gun registration: California law requires gun owners to register their firearms with the local sheriff’s department.
Table: California Gun Laws
| Law | Description |
|---|---|
| 10-Round Limit | Prohibits the sale, manufacture, importation, keeping, and ownership of any handgun with a magazine capacity exceeding 10 rounds. |
| Background Checks | All handgun purchases must undergo a background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ). |
| Assault Weapon Ban | Bans certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as large-capacity ammunition feeding devices. |
| Gun Registration | Requires gun owners to register their firearms with the local sheriff’s department. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the standard Glock 43 is not legal in California due to its magazine capacity being below the 10-round limit. While some gun owners may modify their Glock 43 to increase the magazine capacity, this is illegal in California. Gun owners should be aware of California’s strict gun laws and any modifications to their firearms.
