Frequently Asked Questions

At a minimum, you'll need:

• A valid, unexpired California driver's license or ID card
• A current Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC)
• A second proof of California residency

The address on your second proof must match the address on your ID, and both should reflect your current address. Accepted second proofs include:

• Current DMV vehicle registration
• Current DMV disabled placard
• Valid California CCW permit
• Valid Curio and Relic (C&R) Federal Firearms License with name and address
• Valid resident hunting license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Valid commercial, resident sport, or lifetime fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

If your ID has "Federal Limits Apply" printed in the top right corner instead of the gold bear and star, you'll also need to bring a valid U.S. passport or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate. If you don't have an FSC, we offer the test in-store and it takes about 20 minutes. For the full breakdown of the California purchase process, visit our How to Buy page.

If the handgun you're looking for is currently on the California Department of Justice roster of certified handguns, there's a good chance we can order it in for you. If you don't see it in store, check the official CA DOJ roster to confirm the specific model is eligible for sale in the state, then give us a call or stop by with the make and model and we'll look into availability and pricing.

The default minimum age to purchase any firearm from a licensed dealer in California is 21, which applies to both handguns and long guns. Buyers between 18 and 20 may still be able to purchase certain long guns if they have a valid California hunting license, which covers shotguns, bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, and in some cases semi-automatic centerfire rifles. Handguns require the buyer to be 21 regardless of hunting license status. Additional exemptions exist for active law enforcement and military. If you're between 18 and 20 and thinking about buying a long gun, give us a call before you come in and we can walk you through what applies to your situation.

Yes. California currently limits firearm purchases to three firearms within a 30-day window, and the limit applies to all firearms including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. The rule has shifted recently due to legislative changes and is subject to ongoing litigation, so if you're planning ahead and want to know if the rules have changed, give us a call and we can tell you what currently applies.

Range ammunition, often called ball or full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo, is designed for target shooting and practice. It's typically less expensive, feeds reliably in most firearms, and is built to punch holes in paper and knock down steel targets. Self-defense ammunition, usually jacketed hollow point (JHP) or similar expanding designs, is engineered to expand on impact, transfer more energy to the target, and reduce the risk of overpenetration. Self-defense rounds cost more per round and are what most people keep loaded in a home defense firearm or carry gun. A common approach is to train with range ammo for practice and keep your firearm loaded with self-defense ammo for actual use. If you want recommendations for either, stop by the store and we'll point you toward what we typically stock.

Once the 10-day waiting period ends, you have 20 days to come in and pick up your firearm. If those 20 days pass without pickup, the DROS expires and we have to restart the entire process, which includes running a new DROS, paying the background check fee again, and waiting another 10 days before you can take possession. If you're getting close to the end of your pickup window and can't make it in, give us a call as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.

Yes. We buy used firearms and stock them alongside new inventory when they fit what our customers are looking for. We also accept consignment on a limited basis. If you have a firearm you're thinking about selling or consigning, stop by with it and we'll take a look.

If the DROS background check comes back as a denial, California does not require the dealer to tell you the reason, and in most cases we won't know it ourselves. The California Department of Justice will send you a letter within about two weeks explaining why the application was denied and how to request a copy of the record that triggered the denial. The letter will also explain how to dispute and correct any information in your record that you believe is inaccurate. One of the most common reasons for a denial is an address mismatch. Make sure the address on your ID reflects your current residence before you start the paperwork. Also worth knowing: to purchase ammunition in California, you need to have a firearm registered to your current address within the last five years. If your ID or registered firearm address is out of date, it can block purchases even if everything else is in order.