Are Revolvers Legal in California?
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and when it comes to revolvers, things can get a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of revolvers in California, exploring what’s legal and what’s not.
Direct Answer: Are Revolvers Legal in California?
Yes, revolvers are legal in California, but with certain limitations and restrictions. Revolvers are considered firearms in California, and as such, they are subject to the state’s firearms laws.
What Kind of Revolvers are Legal in California?
California laws differentiate between rimfire and centerfire revolvers. The main difference between the two is the type of cartridges they fire:
- Rimfire revolvers: These revolvers fire cartridges with a rim at the base, such as.22 Long Rifle and.22 Magnum. They are generally considered less dangerous and are legal for Californians to own and transport.
- Centerfire revolvers: These revolvers fire cartridges with a center primer, such as.38 Special and.45 Colt. They are generally considered more dangerous and have stricter regulations in California.
What are the Permitted Calibers and Types of Revolvers?
California law permits ownership and transportation of the following types of revolvers and calibers:
• Rimfire:.22 Long Rifle and.22 Magnum
• Centerfire: Certain calibers, including.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire,.22 caliber rimfire cartridges,.38 Special,.45 Colt, and.50 Action Express
Restrictions and Regulations
While revolvers are legal in California, there are certain restrictions and regulations to be aware of:
• Criminal Background Check: In California, all firearms transfers, including the sale, gift, or loan of a revolver, require a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Firearm Dealer Record of Sale (FDRS) system.
• Registering Revolvers: Registered revolvers must be done through the California DOJ and must include the make, model, and serial number of the firearm.
• Transportation: When transporting a revolver in California, it must be unloaded and stored in a secure manner.
• Concealed Carry: California residents may carry a concealed weapon, including a revolver, with a valid Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit.
• Mental Health: The state has a law preventing individuals with certain mental health issues from owning or purchasing firearms, including revolvers.
Prohibited Groups
California law prohibits the following groups from owning, purchasing, or possessing a revolver:
• Criminals: Individuals convicted of certain crimes, such as felonies, crimes of domestic violence, and certain drug-related offenses, are prohibited from owning a revolver.
• The Mentally Ill: Individuals with a history of serious mental illness or who are deemed a danger to themselves or others are prohibited from owning a revolver.
• Undocumented Immigrants: Undocumented immigrants or individuals without legal status in the United States are not eligible to own a revolver.
Penalties and Consequences
Violations of California’s revolver laws can result in severe penalties, including:
• Fines: Up to $10,000 fine
• Imprisonment: Up to 10 years in state prison
• Revocation of Firearms License: Revocation of a firearms license
Conclusion
In summary, revolvers are legal in California, but only certain types and calibers are permitted. Understanding the restrictions and regulations in California is crucial to ensuring compliance with the law. If you’re considering owning a revolver in California, make sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s laws and regulations to avoid any legal consequences.
Table: California Revolver Laws
| Category | Permitted/Prohibited |
|---|---|
| Rimfire revolvers | Permitted |
| Centerfire revolvers | Prohibited (subject to certain exceptions) |
| .22 Long Rifle and.22 Magnum | Permitted |
| .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire and.50 Action Express | Permitted |
| Consecutive sales | Prohibited |
| Loaning guns to minors | Prohibited |
| Unloaded transport required | Yes |
Appendix: California Revolver Laws and Regulations
A comprehensive list of California’s revolver laws and regulations is available on the California Department of Justice’s website at www.doj.ca.gov.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for specific guidance on California’s revolver laws.
