What weapons are legal in California without a permit?
Asked by: Dedric White | Last update: February 16, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (3 votes)
In California, you generally don't need a permit to possess standard rifles, shotguns, or handguns (if purchased legally through a dealer and registered), but you do need permits to purchase, carry concealed, or carry openly in many areas; however, certain items like switchblades, brass knuckles, and undetectable firearms are always banned, while rifles/shotguns often require a Firearm Safety Certificate for purchase and registration, and handguns need DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) & FSC. Open carry is largely banned, and concealed carry requires a CCW permit, making common firearms legal for ownership but highly restricted for public carry without specific licensing, with many "assault weapon" definitions and high-capacity magazine bans also in place.
What weapons can I legally carry in California?
Generally, most adults 21 years and older can buy, own, and possess lawful firearms (like handguns and shotguns).
- Certain assault weapons are unlawful in California.
- Swiss army knives are lawful in California.
- California has a “castle doctrine” law.
- Tasers and stun guns are non-lethal weapons (with rare exceptions).
What guns can you buy in California without a permit?
The State of California does not require a permit to purchase rifles, shotguns and handguns. All purchase of guns should be done from a California licensed gun dealer.
Can you now carry a gun in California without a permit?
No, you generally cannot carry a handgun in California without a permit, as the state requires a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license for concealed carry in public and prohibits open carry in most public places, even for unloaded firearms, with few exceptions like on your own property. Carrying without a valid permit is illegal and carries serious penalties, though some very limited exceptions exist, like in small counties for loaded, exposed handguns.
What weapons are illegal to own in California?
Prohibited Weapons in California
- Short-barreled rifle/ short-barreled shotgun.
- Camouflage firearm container.
- Air gauge knife.
- Ammunition that contains a flechette dart.
- Ballistic knife.
- Belt buckle knife.
- Bullet that contains an explosive agent.
- Cane gun.
How to Legally Transport and Store Guns in a Vehicle in California
Are Glocks now illegal in California?
No, Glocks aren't completely banned in California, but a new law (AB 1127) signed in 2025 prohibits licensed dealers from selling most Glock-style handguns (and similar models with a "cruciform trigger bar") starting July 1, 2026, due to their ease of conversion into machine guns with "switches". Current owners can keep them, and private party transfers (PPTs) remain legal, but new sales of these specific models by dealers cease after the effective date, with exceptions for law enforcement and potentially redesigned models.
Is the AK-47 illegal in California?
Uzi's, AK-47s, AR-15s, Bushmaster semi-automatic rifles – all are banned by California's Assault Weapons Control Act.
Is it a felony to carry a gun without a license in California?
Carrying a concealed gun is typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or $1,000. Though if you were not in lawful possession of the gun, or if you were in a street gang, then violating 25400 PC becomes a felony carrying 16 months, two years, or three years in jail and/or up to $10,000.
Can I carry a loaded handgun in my car in California?
In California, you can't openly carry guns in most public places, and that includes in your car. You have to keep your gun out of sight. If someone can see your gun through your car window, that could be illegal. The law says it has to be hidden, usually in a locked container.
Are shotguns legal in California?
Possession of automatic firearms, and of short-barreled shotguns and rifles, is prohibited without a Dangerous Weapons Permit, that is received from the California Department of Justice pending a good reason for their possession such as: manufacture, repair, collecting in limited cases (pre-1990), movie prop guns or ...
Are AR-15s banned in CA?
(Pen. Code, § 30510.) These are often referred to as Category One assault weapons. Category Two: California law bans firearm models that are variations of the AK or AR-15, with only minor differences from those two models.
Do you have to tell police you have a gun in the car in California?
In California, you can carry a gun locked in a lock box in the trunk of your car, with the magazine stored separately in a different part of the car. If you have a concealed carry permit (CCW), you must inform the police if you have a gun in the car.
Can you have an unregistered gun in your home in California?
Depending on the circumstances, you can expect misdemeanor or felony charges for possessing an unregistered firearm in California. These conditions include prior criminal record, the gun being loaded, lack of a permit for the carriage, involvement of the firearm in a different crime, or possession in a restricted area.
Can you pocket carry a gun in California?
California generally requires a Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license in order to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in public.
Can I legally carry a baton in California?
The law only permits law enforcement agents or uniformed security personnel on duty to possess batons.
Can I keep a gun in my glove box in California?
California law is very clear: a firearm cannot be legally stored in the glove box or center console, whether locked or not. Here's what you must do: The firearm must be unloaded. It must be in a locked container (gun case, safe, or trunk).
Can I take my pistol camping in California?
You can have a firearm at your campsite while camping or fishing in California. However, there are many caveats. It is important to remember that in the eyes of the law a campsite is your home, albeit temporary. Like your home you may possess a firearm in your campsite.
What is considered a loaded firearm in California?
(j) For purposes of this section, a firearm shall be deemed to be loaded when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell, consisting of a case that holds a charge of powder and a bullet or shot, in, or attached in any manner to, the firearm, including, but not limited to, in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip thereof ...
What happens if you get pulled over with a gun in California?
Penalties for transporting a loaded gun in your car in California. Transporting a loaded firearm in your vehicle is usually a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
What guns are illegal in California?
In California, illegal guns include assault weapons (specific models and those with certain features like telescoping stocks, pistol grips, and detachable magazines) and .50 BMG rifles, plus large-capacity magazines (over 10 rounds) and "ghost guns," with general prohibitions on machine guns, bump stocks, and auto sears. Sales of new handguns are restricted to a safety-tested roster, and certain modifications can turn legal firearms into illegal "unsafe" ones, making possession of unregistered ones generally unlawful.
Which is better, an AK-47 or an AR-15?
Neither the AR-15 nor the AK-47 is universally "better"; they excel in different areas, with the AR-15 generally favored for accuracy, modularity, and ergonomics, while the AK-47 excels in extreme reliability, simpler operation, and durability in harsh conditions. The AR-15 (chambered in 5.56mm) offers tighter tolerances, easier customization, lighter weight, and better ergonomics, making it popular for precision and versatility, but potentially more sensitive to fouling. The AK-47 (typically 7.62x39mm) uses looser tolerances, a robust gas piston system, and larger parts, allowing it to function flawlessly in mud, sand, and extreme cold, but with lower intrinsic accuracy and less ergonomic controls.
Can I own a sniper rifle in California?
In most states, any 18-year-old who can pass a background check can buy a 50 caliber rifle (even though one must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun at a gun store). In September 2004, California became the first state to ban 50 caliber sniper rifles. The District of Columbia has also banned these weapons.
Is the 10 round magazine law expired in California?
Following the Ninth Circuit's March 2025 en banc decision in Duncan v. Bonta, California's ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds remains firmly in effect.