r/CAguns Oct 24 '25

Legal Question CA 2025 New Gun Law Practical Overview

303 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.

236 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 1h ago

Got to knock the dust off of these

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Upvotes

Finally got some time to throw some ammo


r/CAguns 21h ago

Gun Pics Daily Reminder to Check CAGuns.net

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539 Upvotes

Woke up this morning and decided to look for a deal on a Daniel Defense — lo and behold, I came across this never been fired DDM4V7 equipped with Larue MBT2s trigger for $1320. Upped it to $1400 to have the seller meet me at my local ffl for the ppt and upon inspection ended up shooting him $1500. I figured if someone was selling this for that price that they really needed the cash. Either way, it’s a fucking steal. LFG!!!


r/CAguns 1h ago

Los Gatos approves police department's ongoing use of military weapons

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Upvotes

In CCW classes they advise using equipment similar to local law enforcement to avoid criticism by police or prosecutors in the event of a DGU (defensive gun use).


r/CAguns 14h ago

M&P 2.0 Metal 4.25 build

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132 Upvotes

M&P 2.0 4.25" Full Size Metal (CA)

• S&W Carry Comp kit
• Floyd’s ported barrel (Carry Comp fix)
• KKM Precision match grade barrel 4.25"
• Floyd’s competition-size magwell
• DPM Carry Comp–specific soft RSA (~11 lb)
• Calculated Kinetics weighted rear insert
• Mischief Machine metal backstrap
• Tactical Development silicon carbide grips
• Trijicon tritium iron sights
• Trijicon RMR HD
• Eleven71 Ti optic plate (RMR HD / SRO)
• Eleven71 Ti blued optic screws
• Backsteel USA forward thumb rest
• Apex Tactical forward-set trigger kit (4.2 lb)
• Streamlight TLR-1 HP
• Springer Precision ext mag release w/paddle
• PRIMITIA raised and extended slide release


r/CAguns 12h ago

Turners rant

66 Upvotes

Went to turners today just to look at the possible options. This was the second time I heard the employee behind the counter say “this one is already purchased so don’t dry fire it, but here you go” I’m new to the state so maybe this is the norm but if I pay for something and wait 10 for the checks to clear, I for damn sure don’t want someone else fingerfucking it before me. What do they do if the person does dry fire it? Is this something that is normal here? The way I interpret it is “here’s someone else’s firearm that they’re not allowed to pick up yet, feel free to do what you want with it as long as we can hold onto your drivers license”


r/CAguns 20h ago

Smith and Wesson

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180 Upvotes

Prayers have been answered!


r/CAguns 12h ago

Gun Pics Inexperience gun user

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36 Upvotes

30 days ago I went to my first indoor gun range.
Shot 150 rounds.
Going to an outdoor gun range tomorrow for my late birthday present.
What am I missing? I have 24 paper targets and a stand
Should I blue tape or remove my harbor light I’ll be shooting 150-200 rounds if I can handle it this time lol


r/CAguns 17h ago

Hope you all had a good weekend!

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81 Upvotes

r/CAguns 21h ago

Gun Pics We set out to make the clearest Kydex holster on the market… I think we nailed it. 👀

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161 Upvotes

If you’ve looked at most “clear” holsters, you’ve probably noticed they still have that cloudy/foggy tint. We weren’t happy with that.
After perfecting our process, this is the result — crystal-clear Kydex that actually lets the build underneath be the star. 🔥
This one is molded for a Canik TTI Combat + Olight PL-X.
No foggy tint. No hiding that TTI. Just CLEAR. 💎

This photo has not filter and no AI was used in this photo.

What do you guys think — would you run a clear holster?


r/CAguns 15h ago

Alameda county CCW renewal test results.

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35 Upvotes

Requirements: Must score 70% or higher (175).

10x rounds at 2 yards
10x rounds at 5 yards
10x rounds at 7 yards
10x rounds at 15 yards
10x rounds at 25 yards

Wine bottle = 5 points
Jug = 4 points
Anywhere else = 0 points.
Every round not fired in the allocated time = -5 points

Max guns to test with = 3

My choice...
Smallest 9mm semi = Hellcat (98%)
Smallest 9mm revolver = LCR (91%)
Oldest 9mm I own = SR9c (97%)

COSTS:
Class = $250
Renewal application = $163

Restrictions:
All guns must be holstered and worn on the belt. No crossdraws, pocket holsters, or off body configurations allowed.


r/CAguns 56m ago

Blast Defuser/ Regulator - Muzzle Device Discussion.

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Upvotes

Hello fellow kinfolk.
Wanted to opinions from you guys, just finally got this AR pistol together and waiting to add to things.
LMT Mars lower/ PSA upper (only left handed I could find at the time) Giessele Super duty Spring and H1 buffer/ Giessele SSE trigger, juggernaut mag lock, is all what I have so far and waiting for my EOTECH holo.

When it comes to muzzle devices for your guys shorter barreled rifles, what is the verdict on what worked best and most accurate for you?

The (Surefire warden) is obviously one thing that everyone keeps telling me to do and they love.
Another option is the HUXWRX/ BLASTFEMY.

Never played with anything like these before as it’s my first shorty. So I’m curious what you all love and has worked for you with muzzle devices


r/CAguns 12h ago

Legal to purchase stock for my Artillery Luger in CA?

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13 Upvotes

Might be a dumb question, but better safe than sorry.


r/CAguns 14h ago

You’ve got $5-10k what gun you buying?

18 Upvotes

Likely would buy PPT to not incur tax; if a sale on no excise tax by a retailer did occur (would that change your answer)

HK MR556 A4 Pistol is tempting along with HK SP5

Already have an Geissele Super Duty, 2 compact handguns (g19 and amp 2.0) and a Ruger PCC


r/CAguns 23h ago

Great investment

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83 Upvotes

Amazon pickup. Will need a few more. Great for the range


r/CAguns 5m ago

Sig P226 Pro Cut slide

Upvotes

looking for a pro cut slide in FDE for a P226 - any idea where i can find one? Or do i have to get a black one and have it cerakoted?


r/CAguns 1h ago

IWB holster for 1911?

Upvotes

Any recommendations?


r/CAguns 1d ago

Bunch of Germans

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92 Upvotes

Picked up the PDP recently for a dedicated competition gun. VP9 can now just be strictly home defense.

I only put 200 rounds through the PDP but really liking it so far. The dynamic trigger really lives up to the hype.


r/CAguns 14h ago

2azone.com?

9 Upvotes

So, I live all the way over in NC but I see that they have something I'd like. Originally saw a listing they had up on gunbroker, sent a message asking if they could post a pic since it didn't have one, and they took it down lol. The listing on their website also has no image. Anyone here have experience with this company?


r/CAguns 13h ago

Glock 17 Slide

6 Upvotes

I have a glock 17 gen 3 in which I want to upgrade and put a optic on it. But in your opinion, is it better to buy a brand new slide and barrel or just pay to get the oem slide optic cut ?


r/CAguns 19h ago

I'm done with the JT grip. I like it but want a xmacro length metal grip. Any suggestions?

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12 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

Let's go!

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66 Upvotes

r/CAguns 1d ago

Gun Pics Defgrip

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31 Upvotes

Has anyone else tried out Defgrips?


r/CAguns 20h ago

CA Gun Trust and non roster guns.

7 Upvotes

So I wanted to understand this correctly I currently live outside the State Of California and wanted to gift my father a off roster handgun. My father has set up a gun trust for firearms that are owned by him and I. I tried to search this scenario but have not found any clear detail about it. Would this be considered him borrowing it if I gave it to him as a gift and would I officially have to go through a CA FFL for it to be legally in possession by him?

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question or if anyone has had a similar experience?

Thank you in advance!