Frequently Asked Questions

Safe Guns in Safe Places for Safe Families

Can I throw a gun away?

No. California law is not specific on this question, although California law does state in CPC Sec 25110 (9):

Criminal Storage of a Firearm in the First Degree.

(Summary) You cannot dispose of a firearm if you know or reasonably should know that a child or someone not legally eligible to be in possession (such as a felon), is likely to gain access to the firearm.

Penalty is 16 months in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine.

In short, all trash in Orange County is required to go to a transfer station where the trash is divided up for recycling and would “likely” be found at that point.

SOLUTION: With our California gun disposal and transfer services, CGS can legally take possession of the unwanted firearm and disassemble, destroy or sell it.

Is possessing an unregistered firearm illegal?

No, owning an unregistered firearm in California is not a crime, however; being in possession of an unregistered firearm outside of your home is. Basically, this means you can NOT remove the gun from your home, transport or use the gun.

SOLUTION: California Gun Services can help with California gun transport and storage. We can also legally take possession of the firearm and transport, destroy or sell the firearm for you.

How do I get rid of old bullets?

It's crucial to remember: DO NOT dispose of bullets in the trash. Doing so isn't just illegal in California, but also potentially dangerous. If a bullet gets crushed, for instance in a trash truck or compactor, it might detonate, posing a risk to anyone nearby.

The environmental impact is of concern as well, as most bullets contain lead. Lead is considered a hazardous material if the State of California and can cause major birth defects and poisoning. Sending bullets to a landfill can contaminate water and soil.

SOLUTION: You may be able to take small quantities of ammunition to a local Firing Range or Police Station for disposal, or California Gun Services will come and pick up any amount from your home at no charge, and will recycle it. Jeff with California Gun Services is certified with the EPA for safe handling of lead and the removal of lead.

Can I give a gun away?

Yes. You will need to take the gun along with the person you are giving the gun, to a dealer/gun shop that holds a Federal Firearms License (FFL). A person to person transfer will need to take place and the new owner must be able to lawfully own a firearm, have a valid ID and proof of residence along with a hand gun safety certificate (HSC). The new owner must also successfully complete a background check by the California Department of Justice. There is a cost for the background check (about $25) and a 10-day waiting period.

Can I keep a gun if I found it?

Yes, if you register it. My advice is to take the gun into your local Law Enforcement. To my understanding, Law Enforcement will return the firearm to you after 90 days, if the gun does not come back stolen or has not been used in a crime. After the 90 days, you would need to register the firearm in your name. Since there is no seller, I believe you can do a voluntary registration with the California Department of Justice.

Can I sell a gun that I have inherited or am in possession of?

Yes, if you do it through a dealer/gun shop that holds a Federal Firearms License (FFL). The gun will then be registered to the new buyer.

Examples:

Finding a firearm in your grandfather’s, father’s or brother’s belongings.
They belonged to your ex-husband or ex-wife
You purchased a home and found a gun in the attic.

When selling a firearm, the process goes through a Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) where the State of California runs a background check on the buyer. If the new owner can legally own a firearm, there should be no problems. NOTE: If the gun comes back stolen or has been used in a crime, you may have some explaining to do!

California Gun Services can come to you and provide an appraisal for your firearm. If you are interested in selling, California Gun Services can make you an offer, put the gun up for sale on consignment or explain other options on selling your firearm.

California Gun Services has a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and can legally come to you for a California gun disposal or transfer, taking possession of a firearm without a gun transfer. The transfer process happens when the gun is transferred to the next owner.