What Guns are Legal in California 2023?
California is known for having some of the most stringent gun laws in the country, and understanding what firearms are legal in the state can be a complex task. As of 2023, the Golden State has a vast array of legal and illegal firearms, making it essential to be informed about the regulations before purchasing or owning a gun. In this article, we will delve into the laws and regulations surrounding guns in California, providing an exhaustive guide on what firearms are legal in the state.
Assault Weapons
What is an Assault Weapon in California?
California defines an assault weapon as any firearm that is not legally owned as of January 1, 2000, and any weapon that meets specific criteria. These criteria include:
Semi-automatic firearms that can accept a detachable magazine and have one or more of the following:
• A folding or telescoping stock
• A pistol grip that protrudes from the stock
• A thumbhole stock
• A protruding grip or any piece designed to be grasped by the non-trigger hand
• A semiautomatic pistol with an overall length of less than 30 inches- Certain shotguns with folding or collapsible stocks
Legal Assault Weapons
In California, some firearms are exempt from the assault weapon ban. These legal assault weapons include:
• Certain semi-automatic rifles, such as the AR-15, that are listed in the California Code of Regulations, Title 11, Section 5486.1
• Shotguns with fixed stocks, regardless of the barrel length or type of action
• Pistols, including semiautomatic pistols with fixed stocks
• Firearms that are not legally defined as assault weapons in the state
Firearms Prohibited in California
California has a strict set of laws prohibiting the ownership and possession of certain firearms. These prohibited firearms include:
• Fully automatic weapons
• Machine guns
• Short-barreled shotguns
• Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches
• Handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches
• Firearms that are converted or altered to be fully automatic
• Firearms with an overall length of less than 26 inches, regardless of the barrel length or type of action
Rifles
California has specific laws regarding the ownership and possession of rifles. These laws include:
• Long-Action Rifles: Rifles with barrels longer than 16 inches and stocks longer than 30 inches are legal in California. These rifles are typically designed for hunting and target shooting.
• Short-Action Rifles: Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches and stocks longer than 30 inches are illegal in California.
• Pistol-Caliber Rifles: Rifles that fire pistol ammunition and have a barrel length of less than 16 inches are illegal in California.
Handguns
California has strict laws regulating the ownership and possession of handguns. These laws include:
• Legal Handguns: Handguns with barrels longer than 4 inches and overall lengths greater than 26 inches are legal in California. These handguns are typically designed for target shooting and self-defense.
• Illegal Handguns: Handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches, overall lengths of less than 26 inches, or those that do not meet the California legal criteria for a handgun are illegal in the state.
• Large-Capacity Magazines: Magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds are illegal in California, even if the handgun is legal.
Shotguns
California has specific laws regarding the ownership and possession of shotguns. These laws include:
• Long-Gun Shotguns: Shotguns with barrels longer than 18 inches and overall lengths greater than 26 inches are legal in California. These shotguns are typically designed for hunting and target shooting.
• Short-Barreled Shotguns: Shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches and overall lengths of less than 26 inches are illegal in California.
• Pump-Action Shotguns: Pump-action shotguns with barrel lengths of less than 18 inches are legal in California.
Summary
In summary, the following firearms are legal in California as of 2023:
• Long-action rifles
• Shotguns with fixed stocks
• Pistols, including semiautomatic pistols with fixed stocks
• Certain shotguns with folding or collapsible stocks
• Firearms that are not legally defined as assault weapons in the state
The following firearms are illegal in California:
• Fully automatic weapons
• Machine guns
• Short-barreled shotguns
• Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches
• Handguns with barrels shorter than 4 inches
• Firearms that are converted or altered to be fully automatic
• Firearms with an overall length of less than 26 inches, regardless of the barrel length or type of action
Additional Laws and Regulations
It’s essential to note that California has additional laws and regulations regarding the ownership and possession of firearms. These laws include:
• Background checks: All firearms purchases and transfers must be conducted through a licensed firearms dealer, and the buyer must pass a background check.
• Firearms registration: California law requires that all firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, be registered with the state.
• Safe storage: All firearms must be stored securely and out of reach of minors and unauthorized individuals.
• Concealed carry: Concealed carry permits are available for qualified individuals who wish to carry a handgun.
Conclusion
Understanding the laws and regulations surrounding firearms in California can be complex, but it’s crucial for responsible gun ownership and compliance with state laws. In this article, we’ve provided an exhaustive guide on what firearms are legal in California as of 2023. Remember to always follow state and federal laws when purchasing, owning, and possessing firearms, and consider consulting with a legal expert or firearms dealer for more information.
