The worst part of CA gun laws in the AW ban. More than one evil feature = illegal. That includes AR-15s, AKs, FALs, etc, etc.. Also pistols like Mac-10s, UZIs, Tec-9s, etc are banned. .50 BMG rifles are also banned.
This is a may-issue state which means you probably wont be getting a concealed carry permit unless you can demonstrate a bonafied "need" to have one. Self Defense generally isnt accept as a reason for getting a permit.
You dont need any special licenses or permits to buy guns. Just walk into the store and pay your money.. There is a 10 day waiting period however, and you can only purchase one pistol per month. Private Party transfers must go through FFLs and the 10 day waiting period still applies. IIRC, The one handgun a month does not apply to private party transfers though.
Aditionally, when buying a handgun, you will need a "Handgun Safety Cert." .. you just pay a fee and pass a basic firearms safety test at the gunshop. It's good for five years.
When transporting long guns, they need to be unloaded. When transporting pistols or registered assault weapons, they need to be unloaded and in a locked container.. the trunk counts as a container, however the glove box does not.
