Can I let my friend borrow my gun in California?

Asked by: Prof. Johnathon Corkery III  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (36 votes)

There are laws restricting borrowing a gun. It is usually illegal to loan another person a gun in California. The only allowable case is infrequent transfer of a firearm between immediate family members.

Can a friend give me a gun in California?

If the firearm is a handgun, the recipient must obtain a Handgun Safety Certificate before taking possession and must also submit a Report of Operation of Law or Intra-Familial Handgun Transaction and a $19 fee to the California Department of Justice within 30 days after taking possession.

Can I let my friend carry my gun?

It's legal to do so under federal law as long as you both are legally allowed to possess firearms in the state you both live in and the state they're planning on taking it to if they go out-of-state, like say for a hunting trip.

What is the 1 in 30 rule in California?

The “1 in 30” law, also known as the one-gun-a-month law, was a California regulation that prohibited residents from purchasing more than one handgun or semiautomatic, centerfire rifle within a 30-day period. This law has now been struck down by a federal judge and ruled unconstitutional.

Can you take someone else's gun to the range in California?

As long as your friend is an adult, not prohibited from possessing firearms, and you are present, it is legal.

Can you Loan a Gun in California? + Intra-familial Transfer Form

16 related questions found

Is it illegal to borrow a gun in California?

It is usually illegal to loan another person a gun in California. The only allowable case is infrequent transfer of a firearm between immediate family members. For this purpose, immediately family members include parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren, but not siblings.

Can I take someone else's gun to a shooting range?

A: No, assuming you are not disqualified from possessing a firearm (because of a felony conviction, for example) it is not illegal for you to borrow and fire someone's firearm at a gun range. But, for the safety of yourself and others, be sure someone gives you basic firearms safety instruction.

What is the 50% rule in California?

The “Fifty Percent Law” (50% Law), as defined in Education Code Section 84362 and California Code of Regulations Section 59200 et seq., requires each district to spend at least half of its current expense of education each fiscal year for salaries and benefits of classroom instructors.

What is the new gun law in California 2024?

Effective January 1, 2024:

Requires the register or record of electronic transfer of a firearm to include the purchaser's email address for transactions on and after September 1, 2025.

What is the 2 second rule in California?

The two-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that a driver should ideally stay at least two seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle.

Can I store firearms for a friend?

Federal law doesn't prohibit a person from storing guns for another person. But in some places, like New York and Massachusetts, state laws can make doing so legally almost impossible, according to Harvard public health researcher Cathy Barber.

Where can you legally shoot a gun in California?

In California, there are no designated target shooting sites managed by the BLM, but recreational shooting opportunities are available on undeveloped lands, and at several public shooting ranges. Shooting is strictly prohibited in developed recreation sites and other areas where posted.

What can happen if you buy a gun for someone else?

State Laws Regulating Gun Sales Vary From State to State

For example, California doesn't allow transfers between two unlicensed parties; the sale (or gift) must be conducted through a licensed dealer, which requires a background check.

Can you carry your friends gun?

If you let them borrow yours, it still belongs to you, but they are still in violation of the law if they carry it or use it. If you do make a mistake in a situation like this, you could face legal charges for violating these laws, perhaps either at the state or federal level.

Can you inherit a gun in California?

The short answer is yes—if you plan to keep the firearm. While there is no federal firearm registration requirement, California law requires that each inherited firearm be registered within 30 days of taking possession.

Can I buy two guns at one time in California?

A California law prohibiting individuals from buying more than one gun in a 30-day period was struck down by a federal judge Monday.

Can I carry a gun in my car in California?

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 25610, a United States citizen over 18 years of age who is not prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, may transport by motor vehicle any handgun provided it is unloaded and locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container.

Do you have to register a gun every year in California?

There is no firearm registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers.

How many rounds can you carry in California?

How Many Rounds Can You Legally Carry in California? California law says that you may not carry more than ten rounds of ammunition. Magazines that carry more than ten rounds are banned. Large capacity magazines were banned in 2000, but owners were allowed to maintain possession.

What is the 7 year rule in California?

Section 2855(a) limits the term of personal service employment to seven years, i.e. a personal service employment contract may not be enforced for a period exceeding seven years. This is the reason the statute is famously known as the “Seven Year Rule.”

What is the largest caliber handgun legal in California?

It is unlawful to possess a destructive device, including tracer or incendiary ammunition or any firearm larger than . 60 caliber which fires fixed ammunition, or any fixed ammunition for such firearm.

What is the 1% rule in California?

It states that the monthly rent of a rental property should be at least 1% of the property's purchase price. While this can be achievable in certain areas, high-cost markets like San Francisco may not align with this rule due to high property values and lower rent prices.

Can I give my brother a gun in California?

Under California Penal Code 26840, anyone in the Golden State acquiring a firearm must have a Firearm Safety Certificate or FSC. So, while some family members can legally give a firearm to another family member or spouse without paperwork, the person receiving the gun must still be in possession of a valid FSC.

Is it illegal to point your gun at someone?

Pointing a gun is a crime because it can create an immediate threat of harm or fear of harm, potentially escalating conflicts and endangering lives. Even if there is no intention to discharge the weapon, the mere act of pointing it at someone can be perceived as a threat.

Can you shoot your gun in your backyard?

In general, you should be able to shoot on your own property provided you aren't shooting in the direction of other people and you have a sufficient backstop.