July 1, 2026 Alert: Key California Firearms Law Changes Every Gun Owner and Dealer Needs to Know

The Davis Law Firm | California Firearms Lawyer

Several important changes to California firearms law take effect on July 1, 2026. While none of these create an immediate ban on possession for law-abiding gun owners, they impose new restrictions on dealers, expand reporting obligations, and increase compliance requirements. If you are a firearms dealer, FFL holder, collector, or someone who owns (or is considering purchasing) certain popular handguns, you should understand these changes now—before the deadline.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. AB 1127 – Restrictions on “Machinegun-Convertible Pistols”

Effective July 1, 2026, licensed California firearms dealers are prohibited from selling, offering for sale, exchanging, giving, transferring, or delivering any semiautomatic machinegun-convertible pistol.

The law defines a machinegun-convertible pistol as a semiautomatic pistol with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily converted by hand or with common household tools into a machinegun by installing or attaching a “pistol converter.”

AB 1127 does two distinct things:

• It creates a new dealer prohibition on the sale or transfer of machinegun-convertible pistols (even if unconverted).
• It expands the existing definition of “machinegun” to include a convertible pistol that actually has a converter installed. Possessing, manufacturing, or selling a pistol that has been equipped with a converter remains a serious offense under California’s longstanding machinegun laws.

Important limitations and exemptions:

• This is a dealer prohibition on commercial sales and transfers. It does not ban civilian possession of unconverted machinegun-convertible pistols.
• Private-party transfers and transfers to gunsmiths remain lawful.
• Current owners can keep their firearms, sell them privately (subject to existing laws), or pass them to family members.
• Exemptions exist for sales to law enforcement and the military.
• Pistols delivered to a dealer prior to January 1, 2026 are expressly exempt from the new prohibition under the statute. Additionally, certain roster pistols that are modified and submitted for testing before January 1, 2027 may have a pathway to remain available.

Penalties for dealers violating the new sales prohibition (Penal Code § 27595) are not felonies. They escalate as follows:

• First violation: punishable by a fine.
• Second violation: punishable by a fine and may result in suspension or revocation of the dealer’s license.
• Third violation: a misdemeanor that triggers mandatory revocation of the dealer’s license.

The felony exposure under AB 1127 attaches only when a converter is actually installed on the pistol, turning it into a machinegun under the expanded definition.

2. AB 725 – Expanded Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting Requirements

Also effective July 1, 2026, California expands the definition of “firearm” for purposes of lost and stolen reporting to include:

• Frames and receivers (whether completed or not), and
• Firearm precursor parts.

If you lose or have stolen any of these items, you must report it to a law enforcement agency within the existing five-day window. Law enforcement must then enter a description into the Department of Justice’s Automated Firearms System (AFS).

A violation is punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances (repeat or knowing violations can rise to misdemeanor level).

3. SB 241 – Mandatory Annual Training for Firearms Dealers and Employees

Licensed firearms dealers and any employees who handle firearms or process transactions must complete an annual training course developed by the California Department of Justice, including an examination.

The Firearms Dealer Annual Training Course (FDATC) became available on February 1, 2026. Dealers must achieve a minimum passing score of 70%. The first training cycle must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Other Related Notes

The state continues preparatory work on microstamping technology. If the Department determines that microstamping components are technologically viable, it will begin related grant and contracting processes. This could eventually affect the sale of certain semiautomatic pistols beginning in 2028, but that is not a July 1, 2026 change.

What You Should Do Now

Before July 1, 2026:

• Dealers/FFLs: Review your inventory of any pistols that may qualify as machinegun-convertible. Confirm which items qualify for the pre-January 1, 2026 delivery exemption. Schedule required annual training for all relevant staff and maintain documentation.
• Gun owners: If you are considering purchasing a pistol that may be affected by AB 1127, doing so through a licensed dealer before July 1 may be your last opportunity for a retail transfer of new inventory. Review your own inventory of frames, receivers, and precursor parts and ensure you have a system in place for prompt lost/stolen reporting.
• Everyone: These laws contain technical definitions and exemptions. When in doubt, consult with qualified counsel.

How The Davis Law Firm Can Help

We regularly advise California firearms dealers, FFL holders, collectors, and individual gun owners on compliance with evolving state and federal regulations. Our services include:

• Dealer self-audits and compliance reviews
• Guidance on inventory, transfers, and record-keeping obligations
• Assistance with licensing, zoning, and regulatory matters
• Rights restoration and prohibited person issues
• General firearms law counseling and defense

If you have questions about how these July 1 changes affect your specific situation, contact us for personalized guidance.

Phone: (866) 545-GUNS Website: calgunlawyers.com