California

Key Notes

One of the most restrictive states. Assault weapon ban includes "bullet button" rifles. 10-day waiting period. Ammo purchases require background check.

• •Yes (FSC required) — A Firearm Safety Certificate is required before purchasing any firearm. You must pass a written test administered by a licensed dealer.
• •May Issue / Shall Issue — After the Bruen decision, California transitioned toward shall-issue, but counties still vary in processing. Some jurisdictions remain restrictive in practice.
• •Heavily restricted (NFA) — SBRs, suppressors, and machine guns are prohibited for civilians. Only SBS may be obtainable with special permits in rare cases.
• •10 rounds (Mag Limit) — Magazines holding more than 10 rounds cannot be purchased, sold, or manufactured. Possession enforcement has been subject to litigation.
• •Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — Semi-auto rifles with features like pistol grips, thumbhole stocks, folding/telescoping stocks, or flash suppressors are banned. Fixed-magazine 'featureless' builds are common workarounds.
• •Yes (5 years) Red Flag — A Gun Violence Restraining Order can remove firearms for up to 5 years. Family, employers, coworkers, and teachers can petition.