California

California’s Prohibition on Firearm Possession and Control for Individuals Under 21: Implications for Dealers, Employees, and Customers

California’s Prohibition on Firearm Possession and Control for Individuals Under 21: Implications for Dealers, Employees, and Customers

In California, firearm regulations extend far beyond mere sales and transfers, encompassing even temporary possession or control of guns. This is particularly relevant for licensed firearms dealers employing or interacting with individuals under 21 years old, whether as customers browsing inventory or as employees handling stock. The state’s laws are stricter than federal baselines, creating a complex landscape for compliance….read more →

The Legislative History of California’s Current 10-Day Waiting Period on the Delivery of Firearms

The Legislative History of California’s Current 10-Day Waiting Period on the Delivery of Firearms

Currently, California has a 10-day waiting period on the delivery of firearms to the purchaser (Pen. Code §§ 26815(a) & 27540(a)). This applies to private party transfers through licensed dealers (Pen. Code § 27545), imposing the same delay. A review of the legislative history reveals that this 10-day waiting period is neither long-standing nor consistent in application. The legislature’s primary intent was to provide law enforcement time for background checks, driven by manual processes. The “cooling-off” intent to deter impulsive violence emerged only in the 1990s, falsely retroactively attributed via People v. Bickston (1979). With modern instant-check systems, these rationales are outdated.

The Ninth Circuit’s Second Amendment Resistance: From Silveira to Duncan’s Procedural Maneuvers

The Ninth Circuit’s Second Amendment Resistance: From Silveira to Duncan’s Procedural Maneuvers

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has a well-documented history of resistance to the Second Amendment’s individual rights framework, a pattern that began with Silveira v. Lockyer (2002) and persists despite Supreme Court interventions in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010), and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022). This resistance…read more →

Ninth Circuit Ruling: Background Checks for Ammo Unconstitutional

Ninth Circuit Ruling: Background Checks for Ammo Unconstitutional

Case Overview Rhode v. Bonta is a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s ammunition sales restrictions, specifically the background check requirements established under Proposition 63 (2016) and subsequent legislative amendments. The plaintiffs, including Olympic gold medalist shooter Kim Rhode, the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), and several ammunition vendors, argued that these laws violated the Second Amendment, the…read more →

California Firearms Dealer Signage and Display Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Licensed firearms dealers in California must comply with specific signage and display requirements under the California Penal Code to promote public safety and regulatory adherence. These requirements include displaying the dealer’s license and posting three mandatory signs that inform customers about legal obligations, safety protocols, and operational policies related to firearm sales and transfers. As of May 2025, state…read more →

Understanding California’s APPS Program: Why Legal Representation is Critical for Prohibited Persons

Understanding California’s APPS Program: Why Legal Representation is Critical for Prohibited Persons

The Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), administered by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Bureau of Firearms, is a unique and powerful tool designed to enhance public safety by identifying and disarming individuals who are legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If you are a prohibited person or have been denied a firearm, understanding the APPS…read more →

Understanding California’s Unique Camouflaging Firearm Containers Law

Understanding California’s Unique Camouflaging Firearm Containers Law

In California, one lesser-known but critical piece of firearm legislation addresses camouflaging firearm containers. These are devices designed to hide guns in plain sight, posing significant public safety risks. This post breaks down what these containers are, why they’re illegal, the penalties for violations, all applicable exemptions, and what you need to know to stay compliant with California law. What…read more →

Supreme Court Passes on Maryland AR-15 Ban: What It Means for California Gun Owners

Supreme Court Passes on Maryland AR-15 Ban: What It Means for California Gun Owners

By The Davis Law Firm, www.calgunlawyers.com On a quiet June morning in 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court sent ripples through the firearms community by declining to hear Snope v. Brown, a case challenging Maryland’s ban on AR-15 rifles. For California gun owners, who face some of the nation’s strictest firearms laws, this decision—or lack thereof—carries weight. At The Davis Law…read more →

California Voluntary Firearm Registration Guide

California Voluntary Firearm Registration Guide

Sometimes, individuals wish to register their firearms despite there being no lawful obligation to do so. For those individuals, below is a detailed guide on navigating the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) for voluntary firearm registration in California, as requested. This includes step-by-step instructions for using CFARS, specific guidance on the online process, a summary of the law, benefits…read more →

Unveiling the Hidden Perks of Antique Firearms in California: Why Collectors Are Obsessed

Unveiling the Hidden Perks of Antique Firearms in California: Why Collectors Are Obsessed

Imagine owning a piece of history—a musket from the Civil War or a flintlock pistol from the 1800s—without navigating California’s labyrinth of modern firearm regulations. For collectors and history buffs, antique firearms offer a unique opportunity to preserve the past while sidestepping many of the state’s stringent gun laws. But what exactly qualifies as an “antique firearm,” and how can…read more →