C&R in California...

[Flintlock Tom]

I just got my Type 3 FFL (C&R) and am ready to spend my children’s inheritance.
Now, the ATF regulations are fairly straight forward, however, California laws are an indiscernible rat’s nest of inter-connected legislation.
Can anyone out there give me some guidance on what to watch out for in purchasing C&R firearms in CA and from other states?
Do I need to inform DoJ, fill out forms, etc. when I receive a firearm on my license? Any prohibitions/requirements on receiving firearms through the mail from out-of-state?

Any shared experience would be appreciated.

 

[Gord]

Any handgun, regardless of C&R status, must be transferred to you through an 01 FFL - so forget about all those CZ-52s (or at least saving the 25 bucks/10 day wait on 'em).

Other'n that, any C&R long gun that isn't already prohibited in CA as an "assault weapon" can be acquired normally, just log it into your bound book and that's it.

One nice thing - the roster of approved handguns? Doesn't apply to C&Rs. Example: CZ-52s are perfectly legal here but aren't listed on the Roster. You're good for any C&R handgun you want, as long as it still goes through a dealer.

Places like SOG and (i think) Empire Arms specify whether or not any given C&R is Cali-legal (or at least whether they're willing to ship said C&R to CA). Handy.

The usual disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, just a 19-year-old kid, but I'm pretty sure I'm right. Just beware that "pretty" part and wait for a second opinion if you feel it prudent.

 

[EOD Guy]

Here is a brief explanation of the California C&R rules:

There is a lot of confusion around concerning the California regulations on C&R Firearms. The first thing to remember is that California, with few exceptions, requires all firearms transfers in the state to be processed through a dealer [Penal Code 12072(d)]. There is no exception for C&R FFL holders. There is however, an exception to the dealer transfer requirement for C&R rifles and shotguns that are over 50 years old. [PC 12078(t)(2)] This exception is available to anyone legally able to possess firearms. California doesn’t care if you are licensed or not, that’s a Federal matter. The 50 year rifle and shotgun exception is the reason that C&R FFL holders in California can receive these types of firearms directly from an out of state supplier.

The California definition for a C&R firearm is exactly the same as that used by BATF in 27CFR. California references both Title 18 and 27 CFR for the definition. If the Feds say a firearm is C&R, so does the California DOJ.

There are a couple of exceptions to the firearms laws that are available to C&R FFL holders. If the licensee also holds a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the California DOJ, they are exempt from the 10-day waiting period when buying C&R firearms from a dealer. [PC 12078(t)(1)] The same C&R FFL holder with a COE is also exempt from the one handgun a month law for both C&R and modern handguns. [PC 12072(a)(9)(B)] You also would not need a handgun safety certificate when purchasing C&R handguns. [PC 12807(a)(6)]


Where the C&R FFL comes in handy is when the holder is out of the state. They may purchase any C&R firearm and bring it back to California. The exceptions of course include those “evil” “assault weapons”. Also, magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds cannot be brought back. Any C&R handguns purchased must be registered with the California DOJ within 5 days and are reported on Form BCIA 4100A along with a $19.00 payment for each handgun. [PC 12072(f)(3)]

 

[Flintlock Tom]

Thanks for the info.
Much appreciated.

 

[Flintlock Tom]

New Question...

In California a C&R FFL holder can purchase a C&R handgun out-of-state and bring it back, but must "declare" it to the DoJ within 5 days.
There is a special "C&R Handgun report form" but I can't find one anywhere. I have requested one from the CA DoJ via e-mail but have not heard back from them.
Does anyone have an on-line link to this form, or a copy they can share?