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California Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for California Gun Owners

PLEASE NOTE: The laws which impact California gun owners are subject to frequent change at the local, state, and federal level so it's wise to consult an attorney or your local law enforcement agency before making any final firearms-related decisions. Our official policy on shipping ammo to California can be found here, whereas the information below is meant as a reference point only.

California State Constitution

The California Constitution provides for "inalienable rights" including "defending life and liberty ... and protecting property..." as follows:

All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

Furthermore, the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has been properly defined as an individual right in the Heller and McDonald U.S. Supreme Court cases, therefore Article III, Section 1 of the California Constitution would apply the Second Amendment to the State Laws of California:

The State of California is an inseparable part of the United States of America, and the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

Other provisions relating to the power of the people over government:

(a) The people have the right to instruct their representatives, petition government for redress of grievances, and assemble freely to consult for the common good.

All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.

California Gun Laws

California Hunting Rules & Regulations

California Shooting Ranges

California Competitive Shooting Clubs & Matches

California NRA Training Courses & Fundraising Events

California Gun Shows and FFLs

California's Yearly Ranking for Gun-Friendly States

California Elected Public Officials

California Public Finances and Personal & Economic Freedom Rankings

California State Business Tax Climate Rankings

Firearm Background Check Data

Background check types

The transaction types Permit, Permit Recheck, Handgun, Long Gun, Other, Multiple and Admin on the chart are for background checks initiated by an officially-licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or criminal justice/law enforcement agency prior to the issuance of a firearm-related permit or transfer.

Multiple indicates a background check where more than one type of firearm is associated to a single background check.

Admin indicates the administrative checks that are for other authorized uses of the NICS.

Pre-Pawn background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees seeking to pledge or pawn a firearm.

Redemption background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to regain possession of a firearm after pledging or pawning a firearm as security at a pawn shop.

Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Return to Seller-Private Sale background checks requested by an officially-licensed FFL on prospective firearm transferees attempting to possess a firearm from a private party seller who is not an officially-licensed FFL.

Best Gun-Friendly States Ranking

Overall Freedom Ranking

Business Tax Climate Rankings