View source for What about MAGAZINES?

[[Frequently Asked Questions]]:  What about MAGAZINES?

Simple answers for simple questions.

California defines ‘large-capacity magazines’ as those which hold more than 10 rounds.

====Possession====

POSSESSION of a large-capacity magazine is NOT illegal, no matter how you got it or when you got it.  This includes magazines issued to military. 

*EXCEPT in the City of Richmond - possession of large-capacity magazines ([http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/archives/66/ord.%2040-07%20large%20capacity%20magazine%20ban.pdf ORDINANCE NO. 40-07 N. S.]) is a misdemeanor.

You do not have to prove magazines are legal.

New (to the state) large-capacity magazines were banned, effective January 1, 2000.

If you possessed such magazines in California before that date, they are legal.

If you bought them, manufactured them, or brought them into California for the first time after that date, they are illegal.

It is illegal to transfer large-capacity magazines inside California, except to law enforcement.

====Repair and Rebuild====

It is not illegal to possess all of the parts to manufacture a new large capacity magazine, as long as you do not manufacture the magazine in the state of California.

*Existing (old) magazines may be repaired with new parts.

*The parts can also be used to create new magazines when out of state, provided that before they return to the state, they are disassembled.

====Use====

It is not illegal to convert a large-capacity magazine to a 10-round or smaller magazine.

Some magazines designed for 10 rounds of one caliber can accept more than ten rounds of a different caliber, and function in some guns.  This is not illegal.

A magazine with ammunition in it is NOT a ‘loaded gun’.  It does not meet the Penal Code definition of a firearm.

When transporting a firearm, magazines MAY contain ammunition, so long as the magazines are not inserted in the magazine well of a firearm.

====Lending====

You CAN lend a large-capacity magazine to a friend, if you stay together, as at a range.

You cannot loan a large capacity magazine to anyone, including family members, outside of your immediate presence.

====Use of Large Capacity Magazines in "Bullet Buttoned" firearms====

Use of large capacity magazines in rifles or pistols equipped with "evil features" and a bullet button cannot use large capacity magazines. Large capacity magazine laws are different from assault weapons laws.

The use of a bullet button with a large capacity magazine creates a Category 3 assault weapon.

==References==
[[Large-capacity magazine restrictions]]

[http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=124709 Large-capacity magazines in California] 

[http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=213734 Legality of "hi-cap" mags]

[[Category: FAQ]]
[[Category: Legal]]