In California, there are a few options for purchasing a gun. But each entails a few more procedures than our counterparts in states without gun restrictions must take. Your local gun shop, internet retailers, or private sellers are all options for where to buy a firearm.
Whatever method you select, you will require a person with a federal firearms license to handle the transaction on your behalf. Whichever method you choose, you must fulfill a few standards before buying a gun. Both pistols and long guns have different ones.
Steps to Buy Gun in California
Make Sure You’re Eligible
Because there have been so many shootings in California, the state has strict gun rules. Federal Law requires you to verify eligibility before purchasing a gun in the Golden State.
When purchasing one, certain paperwork must be provided, and background checks are required. In addition, you must be older than 21 and have no prior convictions to qualify.
Choose The Weapon You Want to Purchase
You can buy a gun from a store, a private seller, or online. You must have a person with a federal firearms license to conduct the transactions. A large selection of weapons available in California gives you several alternatives.
Choose from various firearms with excellent pistol grips, both contemporary and vintage. You may pick the pistol you wish to purchase using California’s official list of handguns. Nonetheless, due to the high number of shooting occurrences in the state, it is illegal to buy assault rifles or centerfire rifles.
Plan The Transfer of The Weapon
You should set up the transfer as soon as you’ve established that the FFL will accept the internet firearm for transfer to you. This is accomplished by informing the FFL that you want to order a firearm online and deliver it to them. So that they may contact you if the gun is brought in, provide them with your contact information. And that you’re OK with the costs.
They frequently provide you with a copy of their FFL to utilize. However, they may want to occasionally provide a copy of their FFL to the online gun dealer. A copy of your local FFL license may already be on file with the online firearm store due to the prevalence of online gun transactions.
Understand The Demands
A valid California driver’s licence from the Department of Motor Vehicles, a valid hunting licence. And evidence of residency at the same address may be required for weapons purchases.
A licensed firearms dealer may also require you to submit to a background check and present an FSC. On the other hand, if you want to purchase a long gun, the prerequisites are the same. For purchasing long guns residence documentation is not required.
Bringing Residency Documentation
You must provide residence documentation in California to purchase a firearm. It might be a utility bill, a residential lease contract signed and notarized, or a property deed.
Military permanent duty station orders are required if you are a US military member stationed in California. Your residence document’s address must match that on your valid California driver’s licence or hunting licence.
California’s Gun Laws
California’s gun safety regulations continue to advance because of effective leadership. The nation’s strictest gun prohibitions are found in California. This also has the eighth-lowest incidence of gun fatalities and the sixth-lowest rate of gun ownership.
It is one of the few states that mandates that all new handgun models include microstamping technology.
This makes it simpler to track down stolen firearms. It was the first state to implement consumer safety requirements for firearms.
California passed many laws to hold police responsible and spent a record-breaking $200 million on community violence intervention. The state passed new legislation to tighten regulations on ghost weapons, holding gun manufacturers responsible. Also, outlaw the sale of handguns to children, mandate that school districts inform parents of secure gun storage, and more.
Where to Buy A Gun in California
- Under the Dealer Record of Sale procedure, every weapon transfer, including private party deals and sales at gun shows, must go via a licensed dealer. In California, a 10-day hold is placed on releasing a weapon to a buyer or transferee.
- You must be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle or shotgun. The following requirements must be met to purchase a handgun:
- Either have an FSC or be eligible for one. Either meet the requirements for an exemption from the safe handling requirement. Also, complete a safety demonstration with the pistol being bought.
- A current, non-expired California driver’s licence or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is considered clear evidence of identity and age. It must be shown as part of the DROS procedure.
- It can also present a military ID and permanent duty station orders showing a California posting.
- Suppose the purchaser is not a citizen of the United States. In that case, they must provide the gun dealer with paperwork that includes an Alien Registration Number. An I-94 Number to prove they are authorised to be in the country.
- A utility bill, notarized residential lease, property transfer, or government-issued identity. These are documents that buyers must present to confirm their California domicile.
Conclusion
California is one of the biggest and most populous states in the country. In addition to being well-known for its beaches, mountains, military installations, Hollywood, and a host of other things. It is also regarded as one of the worst places to be a gun owner. Even something as straightforward as how to buy a gun in California is far more complicated than it has to be. But you might need assistance getting started if you’re one of the millions of individuals.
Also read: Ghost Guns: Why are They So Dangerous?
