What disqualifies you from owning a gun in California?
Are you considering owning a gun in California, or have you recently come into possession of one? It's important to know whether or not you are eligible to own a firearm in the state. Here we'll look at what disqualifies someone from owning a gun in California. Who cannot own a gun in California? If you fall into any of these categories, it is illegal for you to possess a firearm in California. Minors Under 18: Effective July 2023, a new state law will take effect, requiring any person to be at least 18 years old to own any gun in California. If you are a minor under 18, this law prohibits you from possessing any type of firearm, except for use in certain recreational activities such as hunting, competitive shooting, and motion picture production, with the permission of a guardian. This new law expands the current restrictions on minors that prohibits them from possessing handguns and semiautomatic centerfire rifles. (Penal Code 29610) Further, if you are an adult with minors in your household, it is important to securely store firearms to prevent access by minors. This means storing guns in a locked safe, or other secure container, and storing ammunition separately from the firearms. Convicted Felons: The "felon with a firearm" law makes it illegal for a convicted felon to own a gun. This California law applies to felons convicted of crimes such as murder, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, and assault with a firearm, under the laws of the ...