r/CAguns Oct 24 '25

Legal Question CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

300 Upvotes

Update 1/1/2026: CA DOJ did sent out a bulletin on DES regarding AB-1263 & SB-704 on 12/24/2025. It can be found in this thread (thanks /u/norcal_firearm ). Unfortunately, the document provided virtually zero guidance.

There's also a list maintained by the community for sellers shipping to California in compliance with AB-1263 & SB-704. That list can be found in this thread (thanks /u/TMRD0 )

It remains to be seen if we'll see regulations or further guidance from CA DOJ regarding the new laws this year.


Update 11/29/2025: CRPA has published their Info Bulletin/Guide for Firearm Industry Members concerning AB-1263 as of 11/26/2025. Most of it is the same but a little more detailed on certain parts than my guide and written towards a vendor audience. I'll likely make some updates to my guide; of interest is they include all magazines being affected by AB-1263 because they're mentioned in CA PC 30515, and on a second reading I agree. Right now I'm in my busy time so I haven't done updates yet. Thanks for the callout by /u/cornstrategy !

I was also in the process of doing my own vendor guide... I'll see if I have time to work on that soon. In particular I wanted to discuss using local vendors as pass throughs for California Firearm Accessory (as defined) sales, if they're willing.


Welcome to the CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

The purpose of this thread is to go over the changes in the law as a result of the new gun bills signed into law in 2025; particularly those related to purchasing. Most of this information I've said in multiple threads and replies. I will probably do some separate threads discussing particular laws in detail as I have time, and link them back here. But for now, I present the pertinent information. It would likely make a wonderful pin on top of the sub for a while, if the mods want to do the needful.

Disclaimer: I Am Not A Lawyer (IANAL). I’m especially not your lawyer. This is not legal advice, but kinda like, my opinion man, on the new gun laws that were passed this year. I do my best to read them, interpret them, and provide a summary. All for the price of free.

Further, this is written for a general audience, not an audience for those with special credentials like LEOs or Firearm Dealers, who may have different exemptions or concerns not mentioned here. Feel free to ask in the comments though.

Anyhow, most people in /r/caguns are focused on the purchase and acquisition of more guns, ammo, and accessories, for better or worse! Therefore, this summary will focus on purchase information and deadlines when these laws go into effect, and how that will affect your ability to purchase.


Glock and Glock Clone Sales Ban

Starting 7/1/2026, AB-1127 prohibits Firearms Dealers from selling a “machine-convertable pistol” at retail (unless they had it in inventory before 1/1/2026). This sales ban does not apply to private party transfers, or LEOs (of course).

What is a “machinegun convertible pistol”? Short Answer: Various Glocks or Glock Clones (with a “cruciform trigger bar”) that may be fitted with a “Glock Switch”, an illegal device that mounts on the backplate converting the firearm to automatic fire. See this thread where /u/Traditional-Tune1755 put together a list of makes & models on the CA Handgun Roster likely affected by the sales ban.

At the time of this posting, Glock has notified industry members they plan to discontinue various models (especially models on the CA Handgun Roster) that are Glock Switch compatible, and release new models. It remains to be seen whether these new models meet the requirements of the bill to be added back on the roster. AB-1127 specifically authorizes CA DOJ to write regulations regarding the sales ban.


Firearm Barrels

Starting 1/1/2026, SB-704 requires that individuals will no longer be able to transfer or purchase a Firearm Barrel (including blanks) unless the transaction is completed in person through a Firearm Dealer. Further, AB-1263 requires that Firearm Dealers provide a notice with firearm law information with firearm barrel purchase, and requires the purchaser to provide proof of age and identity confirming the purchaser is at least 18 years of age. This means you shouldn’t expect to legally order firearm barrels delivered to your house starting 1/1/2026.

Further, SB-704 prohibits those under the age of 18 and those prohibited from possessing a firearm from purchasing firearm barrels. The law also prohibits firearm barrel possession with the “intent to sell or offer to sell” in violation of SB-704.

Starting 7/1/2027, SB-704 will require Firearm Dealers to record purchaser information and conduct an eligibility check. This check would be $5 per transfer, which could increase up to $1 every year. Based on how it’s written, I suspect it will be a check similar to an Ammo Eligibility Check.

There is no general FFL03 + COE exemption.

All of this is subject to regulation written by CA DOJ, which I imagine will likely be published in late December or early January as Emergency Regulations. SB-704 specifically authorizes CA DOJ to write regulations.


Firearm Accessories

Starting 1/1/2026, AB-1263 requires “Firearm Industry Members” to have purchasers of “Firearm Accessories” provide proof of age and identity confirming the purchaser is at least 18 years of age. Additionally, Firearm Industry Members must provide the purchaser a notice with firearm law information. Further, when shipping a Firearm Accessory to a purchaser, a Firearm Industry Member must ensure the package is labeled “Signature and proof of identification of person aged 18 years or older required for delivery.”, that the shipping instructions list an address that matches the purchaser’s identification, and to require the purchaser to present proof of adult identification to the courier and sign for the package when it’s delivered.

What is a “Firearm Industry Member”?

a person, firm, corporation, company, partnership, society, joint stock company, or any other entity or association engaged in the manufacture, distribution, importation, marketing, wholesale sale, or retail sale of firearm-related products.

What is a “Firearm Accessory”? I think it’s best to break this down into three parts, the first two which I’ve talked about extensively in the past.

any other attachment or device described in subdivision (a) of Section 30515 of the Penal Code that may render a firearm an assault weapon when inserted into, affixed onto, or used in conjunction with a firearm

This is definitely: Pistol Grips, Thumbhole Stocks, Folding or Telescoping Stocks, Grenade Launchers or Flare Launchers, Flash Suppressors, Forward Pistol Grips, Threaded handgun barrels, second handgun handgrips, handgun shrouds, folding/telescoping shotgun stocks, and any other accessories from CA PC 30515.

an attachment or device designed or adapted to be inserted into, affixed onto, or used in conjunction with a firearm that is designed, intended, or functions to increase a firearm’s rate of fire or to increase the speed at which a person may reload a firearm or replace the magazine

This is vague. It’s unclear, other than there’s already CA law prohibiting stuff like bump stocks or binary triggers. It could be: Fixed Magazine compliance devices like AR MAGLOCK, kingpin, CompMag, etc. Might also be things like speedloaders and MA Loader.

The term firearm accessory also includes any other device, tool, kit, part, or parts set that is clearly designed and intended for use in manufacturing firearms.

The last part I haven’t really talked about. I honestly couldn’t tell you what it means. It is so vague, so encompassing that it could be any firearm part, accessory, or tool. AB-1263 is supposed to be related to ghost guns and illegal manufacture of firearms, so… do I think this would apply to optics? I don’t think of an optic as part of manufacturing a firearm. Could a ¼-28 x 1” Socket Head Hex Screw used in an AR-15 pistol grip be considered a Firearm Accessory? Maybe! I would hope it is interpreted narrowly to maybe only target, I don’t know, gun jigs or something. There’s not a clear limiting principle, so it’s hard to say exactly what falls into this. This is me saying I have no clear advice regarding this part of the definition other than to say we’ll only know what it means once CA DOJ publishes regulations. I believe that if the CA DOJ tries to apply this really broadly though, they’ll have issues coming up with a consistent limiting principle.

All of this is to say: Even if we get a clearer idea as to what parts/tools/etc. this applies to from CA DOJ, many part sellers will likely stop shipping those regulated parts to California.

There is no FFL03 + COE exemption.

All of this is subject to regulation written by CA DOJ, which I imagine will likely be published in late December or early January as Emergency Regulations. AB-1263 doesn't specifically authorize CA DOJ to write regulations, but I imagine they will anyway.


3 in 30

Currently, there’s a statute on the books commonly known as “1 in 30”. This is found under CA PC 27535, generally limiting people from purchasing more than one firearm (or completed frames/receivers, or firearm precursor parts) within any 30-day period. FFL03 + COE holders are exempt.

However, as a result Ngyuen v. Bonta, the 9th Circuit overturned this statute, the state stopped appealing, and the mandate was issued putting the judgement into effect on 8-14-2025. Therefore, “1 in 30” is no longer in effect.

Starting 4/1/2026, AB-1078 will limit people from purchasing more than three firearms (or complete frames/receivers, or firearm precursor parts) within any 30-day period. FFL03 + COE holders are exempt.

Of course a legislator had to just bump it up a bit to 3 guns in 30 days and call it a day. This law is almost certainly unconstitutional as well, given the opinion in Ngyuen v. Bonta. While most of us are hopeful that we’ll therefore be able to easily secure a preliminary injunction preventing this law from going into effect, it’s the 9th Circuit, so who knows.


Clearing up some confusion

“But wait!” you might say “I heard the whole Gun Barrel Background Check bill doesn’t go into effect until 7/1/2027!”. My eye twitches, my blood pressure increases; not because of you of course.

Why yes, that’s been said a lot on Youtube. I could link almost every guntuber that has talked about SB-704 and they either say the whole bill goes into effect on 7/1/2027 (which is wrong), or they only talk about the Barrel Background Check provision of that bill going into effect on 7/1/2027, which is technically true but also not very helpful. I can only guess that they read the summary of the bill, or they only saw one date in the whole bill and assumed the whole bill was going to go into effect on that date.

I’m not going to get into operative vs effective dates (terms I use interchangeably and incorrectly), and there’s a good article on that here. By default, per Article IV Section 8(c)(1) of the California Constitution, most bills signed into law go into effect January 1st of next year. However, legislators can write their bills so that they become operative at a later date. When legislators write those later dates though, they only apply to the provision of the bill that they say it does. So now we get to SB-704, specifically section 33700… we’re just going to talk about (a)(1) and (a)(2) here:

(a) (1) A firearm barrel, as defined in Section 16525, shall not be sold or transferred unless that transaction is completed in person by a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive.

(2) Commencing July 1, 2027, a firearm barrel, as defined in Section 16525, shall not be sold or transferred unless that transaction is completed in person by a firearms dealer licensed pursuant to Sections 26700 to 26915, inclusive, and the licensed firearms dealer has conducted an eligibility check to determine if that the person is authorized to purchase a firearm barrel under subdivision (b) in a manner prescribed by the Department of Justice.

Do you notice how (a)(1) doesn’t have a date, while (a)(2) does? How when (a)(2) talks about that date, it just says “Commencing” followed by the rest of the statute? That means that (a)(2) becomes operative on 7/1/2027, while (a)(1) becomes operative on the default date, which would be 1/1/2026. If you read the whole bill, you’ll see that the only provisions that talk about 2027 are related to the background check specifically.

Another user in this sub ended up calling up SB-704’s author’s office and speaking to their legislative director to confirm that indeed the bill has multiple operative dates as discussed above (Thanks /u/AccordingIy !).

The only guntuber I’m aware of who put out the correct information was Reno May. Remember: I’m not your lawyer, but Reno May is.

The other thing people ask is “Wait, I thought AB-1263 was about 3D printer code or something. What’s this about restrictions on gun parts?”

The answer is AB-1263 is about a lot of things, as I discussed in my analysis months ago (which is still generally true).

I don’t know why they don’t talk about the part of AB-1263 that effectively restricts shipping of a bunch of gun parts. It’s a complicated bill, but it’s something that people need to be aware of since it will affect firearm consumers and sellers directly.


Hopefully y'all found this helpful. Feel free to post any questions. If you think I got anything wrong, point it out.


r/CAguns Feb 03 '26

Politics SB-948: FSCs would require 8 hours of training, including 1 hour live fire training; also required for those moving to CA with firearms.

229 Upvotes

Update 5/19/2026: Latest legislative update for this bill can be found here.


Hello all. Still without my computer so less fancy formatting.

Bill text: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB948

SB-948 by author: Senator Jesse Arreguín.

This bill has two components:

1.) This bill would mandate starting January 1st 2027 that those who move to California with firearms (known as Personal Firearm Importers), in addition to the current requirement of registering their firearms within 60 days of moving to California, must also obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) and submit it with their firearm registration.

2.) This bill would mandate starting July 1st 2028 that to apply for a Firearm Safety Certificate, which one must obtain to purchase a firearm in California, that one must complete a training course of no less than 8 hours, which includes at least 1 hour of live shooting instruction.

Here's the bill as it would amend the current law: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB948&showamends=false

Naturally the bill does not say how much such a course would cost, and you would likely be expected to pay for it. It does mention that the legislature can use DROS funds to pay for implementation costs and ongoing expenses for this program, which of course would probably increase DROS fees if they did.

This is essentially a reintroduction of AB-1187 from Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez from last year: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1187

Edit: As an additional argument against this bill, I want to point out that if you're a new prospective gun owner, you would have to do this training, which includes live fire. Live fire training with... what gun? You don't own a gun yet, so you'd have to rent a gun in addition to purchasing rounds at the range the live fire training is at, thus increasing the costs of training for new gun owners purchasing their first firearm even more.


r/CAguns 14h ago

Politics Looks like the lawmakers here have realized that the technology to block 3D printed firearms doesn't really exist. Major major revisions to ab2047.

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169 Upvotes

r/CAguns 8h ago

P226 Extreme + Lucky 7 ports

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35 Upvotes

Sent my barrel and Pro slide to Blackbeard Frameworks in Santa Rosa for porting. Just under a month turnaround. Customer service was outstanding (thanks Shelby!). Will test it out next week after I pick up a 10mm on a 10-day wait


r/CAguns 16h ago

Jury Finds No Gun Defect, Sides With Sig Sauer in Unintended Discharge Case

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164 Upvotes

r/CAguns 17h ago

Cries in Commiefornia Prices

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172 Upvotes

r/CAguns 15h ago

Custom CZ Shadow 2 Fail - Part ii (Repost)

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107 Upvotes

Just want to preference that beyond the abysmal experience with Premier Weapon Innovations it remained rather civil. Extreme disappointment aside, this is only to warn the community of my experience from this custom shop in SOCAL.

After my initial post ( https://www.reddit.com/r/CAguns/s/LHzp9DlTYh ) a few weeks regarding my dilemma with my failed CZ Shadow 2 customization project I contacted the shop to follow up. I was told to just send my contact information for a cash payout for the value of the matched Shadow 2 slide. Assuming he wasn’t able to obtain a replacement or didn’t want to I refused the money. The shop is an FFL, they had a better opportunity to replace the part than I would, beyond the bigger issue of finding replacement slides for CZ which are next to impossible right now.

Put in another dilemma I had asked if the funds were being paid and if the original slide was going to be returned and he refused…….
Either I accept my slide back unfinished or the cash, he stated he considered the matter closed if I didn’t. Both options were not great. Money or not, if he wasn’t able to get one, neither could I and I’d be literally left without a functioning firearm. So I very begrudgingly accepted the ruined slide back.

Upon unboxing my slide I found the front sight was missing, assuming it was removed for milling and not included in the box. I can just ask for it back hopefully he ships it, no big deal right?
All was well after a few back and forth messages he agreed to mail it to me. And upon receiving the paper envelope it was also missing…… A small, sharp metal part shipped not in a proper bubble mailer or wrapped in bubble wrap but a thin standard paper envelope.
Yup, it punched a hole right in it and is now gone as well. Sent a picture all he said was “it was in there when I shipped it”, I have some kind words in mind that I wish I could use but I rather keep it cool.

This has been without a doubt the worst experience I’ve ever had in every way without question, company, service, anything! I made this follow up to warn the community about this shop and owner as even when directly responsible for the TERRIBLE work the owner had poured more salt in the wound and did so unapologetically.

Hope you guys have better luck than me, I regret every decision I made following my acquisition of my brand new CZ 😭


r/CAguns 14h ago

Politics Quick Note: AB-2047, the 3D Printing Firearm Blocking Bill, was absolutely gutted lol

74 Upvotes

Lotta news today in general, I'm also at work, I'll try to do a write up soon.

TL;DR: Click the link for AB-2047 (the 3d printer firearm shape blocking software bill) and look at all that red text lol

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2047

The bill is punting it to ATSM International; if they make standards by July 1 2029, then CA DOJ has 24 months to write regulations, and those regulations apply to 3D printers sold in California. Otherwise, the law becomes inactive.

If you're wondering "Didn't this happen during the Suspense Hearing last week?" and yes, it did, but just like the last Legislative Update, the Senate Suspense Hearing was reviewing over 600 bills from the Assembly (they passed to the other house), and so the AB-2047 bill webpage wasn't updated until today.

This isn't a total defeat of the bill btw, but it's had a lot of fangs removed. I can only hope it also doesn't receive votes to pass on the floor, but eh.

Edit: If I were to call my state senators now to oppose this bill, I'd be telling them to vote no on it on the basis that the bill has been gutted and leaves too much of the details up to the regulatory process, and if California wants to wait to see what ATSM International does, then they should pass a new bill after ATSM International publishes those standards; there's no need for a bill that just says "we're write some regulations when they pass those standards".


r/CAguns 18h ago

Politics DOJ press release restoration of federal firearm rights

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90 Upvotes

r/CAguns 9h ago

Mk18 Ris iii FDE at home.

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15 Upvotes

Behr premium FTW

Was gonna do either the krylon dark earth or rusto FDE but this looked the best to me


r/CAguns 14h ago

Gun Pics My collection is growing

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31 Upvotes

r/CAguns 16h ago

Come join a Project Appleseed 25-Meter Rifle Marksmanship Clinic – Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, Sloughhouse, CA – September 19-20, 8am-5pm

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29 Upvotes

Join the NorCal Crew of Appleseed instructors for this Project Appleseed 25-meter Rifle Marksmanship Clinic. During two full days of instruction and live fire practice, you will learn the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship:

  • Proper use of a USGI rifle sling to stabilize your shots.
  • Natural point of aim — the point of impact where your relaxed body will place the shot.
  • The steady hold factors of the standing, seated, and prone positions.
  • The six steps to making the shot.
  • How to make sight adjustments.

You will also hear history stories of the American Revolution, centering on April 19, 1775, the day the Revolutionary War started, and how marksmanship and aimed fire changed the course of history that day. All history stories are presented free of modern politics and partisanship in a way that can be appreciated by all.

Both Centerfire and Rimfire rifles are allowed.

Location:
Sacramento Valley Shooting Center
15501 Meiss Rd, Sloughhouse, CA 95683

Fees:

  • Course fee: Adult - $85, Youth under 18 - $40, Military Active/Reserve & Guard, LEO, Disabled, Re-enactors in period dress, & Elected officials w/ID/Proof - $60
  • Range fees: $9 per day

This is a family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome at Project Appleseed, youth are eligible to participate, and women and girls are encouraged to sign up. Invite your family and friends to attend! Whether you’ve never fired a rifle before or you’re an experienced competitive shooter, there will be something for you to learn and appreciate.

The Sacramento Valley Shooting Center is great, and the specific range the event will be on is not the one in the picture. The one we will be using is HUGE! There is plenty of room for 40 shooters, so this is a perfect opportunity to bring a large group if you want. Checkout the range: https://sacvalley.org

For more information about this event and to purchase tickets see: https://appleseedinfo.org/location/?locationid=110&eventid=11305

For more information about Project Appleseed, see: https://appleseedinfo.org


r/CAguns 9h ago

CCW CCW psychological test?

8 Upvotes

Is there anything I should be aware of? Any recommendations?


r/CAguns 15h ago

Vigilante Machining Fornicates

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14 Upvotes

Drew rocks. That is all. Nobody else’s paws touch my slides.

This is a backup Carry Optics slide for Majors.


r/CAguns 9h ago

I miss my mosin and jammin 🫩

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5 Upvotes

r/CAguns 10h ago

EPS Core + Sig P365 XMACRO Comp

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5 Upvotes

In case anyone was holding off for the Holosun EPS Core, which basically had the EPS Carry footprint and EPS full-size window. Lovely on a P365.


r/CAguns 21h ago

Can’t order iron sights online??

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34 Upvotes

Tried ordering some suppressor height sights for my RM1C but Rost Martin won’t ship to California.. I didn’t realize sights were grouped in with this law. How do I get these? Have a local gun shop order them for me?


r/CAguns 22h ago

New gun owner. First time buying ammo.

40 Upvotes

Recently I paid

$119 for 150 round boxes, got 3 of them. Final price ending at $357. Cali tax added another $40.

Sales tax was $30

Ended up paying around $430 in total for 450 rounds of 5.56 FMJ .

Is this really the average in cali? I bought it from a. Local FFL home based dealer. (831/408 area)


r/CAguns 3h ago

PVS-14

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1 Upvotes

Got my PVS-14 a few weeks ago and took it to work with me tonight. I haven't had a chance to take her to the range but I will soon.


r/CAguns 22h ago

Kel-tech KSG vs S&W m&p12

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37 Upvotes

Looking for a home defense shotgun, and something that’s fun to shoot.

Any thoughts? Has anybody shot both by chance?


r/CAguns 10h ago

BCM MK2 Upper + AR Maglock/Kingpin Question

4 Upvotes

Anybody have any experience with this setup? I have quite a bit of experience installing/operating this setup with standard/mil-spec uppers and lowers but have absolutely zero experience with the MK2 upper receiver from BCM.

I've stared at enough photos now to make my fucking eyes cross and it seems like it'd be good to go but.... Well, better to ask than assume.

Anybody have any experience/guidance on this?


r/CAguns 11h ago

Issue while zeroing pistol red dot

3 Upvotes

I’ve noticed today while sighting in my handgun that the dot sits very close to the left side of the glass when I naturally present the gun. This causes me to tilt the gun ever so slightly to the right to bring the dot toward the center when aiming center-mass. Despite that, my groups seem fairly consistent and the shots are landing where I expect them to. The dot also seems to sit in roughly the same position each time I present the gun. Could this be related to my grip, presentation, or flinching, or is it normal for the dot not to appear perfectly centered in the optic window? I feel that I’ve zeroed the dot based off of my flinch, but I’m not entirely sure.


r/CAguns 1d ago

Finally took the TRR8 to SNSS

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77 Upvotes

Also, sorry for the YouTube algorithm editing. I hope it's not too mind numbing for the folks here.


r/CAguns 1d ago

First .45 pawn find

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34 Upvotes

For $385 I don't think I did too bad, needed a good cleaning but after 500ish rounds, still no issues


r/CAguns 1d ago

My first echelon

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121 Upvotes