What about MAGAZINES?
Calguns Foundation Wiki FAQ: What about MAGAZINES?
Simple answers for simple questions.
Calguns Discussion1 Calguns Discussion2
California defines ‘large-capacity magazines’ as those which hold more than 10 rounds.
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 (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.
You CAN lend a large-capacity magazine to a friend, if you stay together, as at a range.
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.
Existing (old) magazines may be repaired with new parts.
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.
