Navigating California’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in California. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for California
Summary: California enforces stringent gun laws, including an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, may-issue concealed carry, a 10-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
0% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in California
California enforces a ban on certain firearms defined as assault weapons. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in California
California restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in California
California regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in California
- Permit Type:
- May-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- California is a may-issue state, where authorities have discretion in issuing concealed carry permits.
Waiting Period in California
California enforces a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in California
California has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in California
Requirement Level: Strict (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: California enforces strict safe storage laws, requiring firearms to be securely stored to prevent unauthorized access.
Background Checks in California
California mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in California
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in California, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in California
In addition to assault weapons, California may regulate other specific types of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in California
- Duncan v. Bonta (ongoing): Large-capacity magazine ban challenge
- Miller v. Bonta (ongoing): Assault weapons ban challenge
- Peruta v. San Diego (2016): Concealed carry permitting
- Flanagan v. Becerra (2019): Ammunition background checks (Source: Giffords Law Center)
- Young v. Hawaii (2021): Open carry rights (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Our Opinion on California’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds California’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 0/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. California enforces stringent gun laws, including an assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, may-issue concealed carry, a 10-day waiting period, red flag laws, strict safe storage rules, and universal background checks—a litany of restrictions that stifles the freedoms of law-abiding citizens while doing little to address actual crime. The right to bear arms is a cornerstone of American liberty, and California’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge California to reconsider its stance, particularly on measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks, which disproportionately burden responsible gun owners. The Second Amendment exists to protect against such overreach, and California must work to dismantle these barriers to ensure its citizens can exercise their rights without fear of government intrusion. Liberty demands nothing less.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
