NOTE: The following FAQs are specific to California. If you have firearms questions relating to another state in particular, please email admin@thecenturioncoach.com directly and we’ll help you find your answer.

Gun Ownership & Licensing
Who Can Own a Gun?
−
Most people who are 21 years old can own a gun. You cannot purchase or own a gun or ammunition if you have a felony conviction or certain misdemeanors. You also cannot own a gun or ammo if you are under a domestic violence restraining order or have certain mental health issues. All gun sales must go through a licensed dealer. This includes sales between two private people. When you buy a gun, the dealer starts a background check called the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS). You must then wait 10 days before you can take the gun home.

Do I need a license to buy a gun?
−
In California you need to get a Firearm Safety Certificate, military or law enforcement identification, or a current license to Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) before you buy a gun. To obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate, you must have passed a written test within five years and perform a safe handling demonstration at the point of sale. (<– we guarantee our course graduates will pass these exams)

What are the Rules for Transporting a Firearm or Ammo?
−
You cannot carry a concealed gun in public without a CCW permit. You also cannot carry a gun openly in most public places. When you move a handgun in your car, it must be unloaded. It must also be in a locked container or the trunk of the car. A glove box does not count as a locked container. Ammo does not need to be in a locked container. Ammo cannot be in the same container as a firearm while being transported in a vehicle.

What Items are Prohibited?
−
California bans “assault weapons” and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. There are very few exceptions to these rules.

Ammunition

How do I buy ammunition?
−
You must buy ammunition from a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer (FFL) and already have a firearm registered in the state system (the firearm does not have to match the ammo being purchased). Online orders must go through an FFL. Buyers must pass a $1 background check for every purchase. You must be 21 to buy handgun ammo and 18 for rifle or shotgun ammo. You must show a California ID.

Are there other ammo rules or limits I should know about?
−
It is illegal to bring ammunition into California from another state; you must ship it to a California dealer first. Violating licensing requirements (§ 30342), sales procedures (§ 30312), or record-keeping (§ 30365) will result in one year in county jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. California bans tracer rounds, incendiary rounds, and handgun bullets designed to pierce armor. Most transfers between private people must go through a licensed dealer and include a background check with an exception for ammo expended on a range (<–this is why can provide ammo for you at the range if you don’t have it…and we have the BEST prices!)