The following semi-automatic pistols are Category 3 assault weapons: Although the term „assault weapon“ has taken on different meanings in the political and popular culture fields, it has a specific definition under the Penal Code that may not be intuitive for some gun owners who assumed their firearms were legal. There are cases where the defendant may have the assault weapon in a place that he or she otherwise possesses or controls, but it was placed there by another person without the defendant`s knowledge. „The legislator declares and declares that the proliferation and use of offensive weapons constitute a threat to the health, safety and security of all citizens of this State. The legislature has restricted the offensive weapons specified in section 30510 because it has been found that each firearm has such a high rate of fire and firepower that its function as a legitimate sporting or recreational firearm is significantly offset by the risk that it may be used to kill and injure people. 15 assault weapons are generally illegal in California. California law defines assault weapons in two ways: First, state law includes a list of specific models and types of firearms called assault weapons, including all AK series and Colt AR-15.6 series firearms (The California Attorney General must maintain an updated list that includes all of these firearms).7Three, California`s assault weapons law also refers to firearms as assault weapons, if they contain certain features that are most commonly used for the offensive. instead of defensive fire:8 Firearms that fall into one of the following categories are typically defined as offensive weapons, based on this feature test: Last Access to: giffords.org/lawcenter/state-laws/assault-weapons-in-california/ [Editor`s Note: The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence regularly updates its websites with new data as U.S. gun regulations evolve from state to state the other. For the most up-to-date information on U.S. gun laws, see giffords URL below]Assault weapons in California With a few exceptions, California prohibits anyone from owning an offensive weapon unless they own the firearm before the date it was defined as an assault weapon and registered the firearm with the California Department of Justice („DOJ“) in the time limit set by the law of the State. (This period has expired. The GM does not accept new offensive weapon registrations.) California also prohibits any person from manufacturing, distributing, transporting, importing, storing for sale, offering for sale, giving away, or lending offensive weapons in the state.

However, the Department of Justice may issue permits for the manufacture or sale of offensive weapons to certain authorities, persons, entities, governments or law enforcement agencies if a significant reason is established. In general, no legally owned assault weapons can be sold or transferred to anyone in California, except to a licensed arms dealer who has obtained a license to sell offensive weapons, or to a police or sheriff`s department. California law lists certain firearms that are considered offensive weapons, including all AK and Colt AR-15 series. The California Attorney General is required to publish a list of all such firearms. These conditions include: – At the residence, establishment or other property of the person or on the property of another person with the express permission of the owner;- In certain shooting ranges and shooting clubs;- On public land, if expressly authorized by the administrative authority of the country; or – Proper transportation of the firearm between one of the above locations or to a weapons dealer licensed for maintenance and repair. The DOJ has the authority to conduct an annual safety and secure storage inspection and to review the offensive weapons inventory of individuals, businesses or businesses that have a licence to possess or possess an offensive weapon. Licensees who maintain an inventory of fewer than five assault weapon devices are subject to such DOJ inspections only once every five years or more frequently if the DOJ deems it necessary. California law provides that possession of an offensive weapon that violates state laws is a public nuisance. Accordingly, any assault weapon possessed in violation of state laws must be destroyed, unless it is determined by a court or a statement by the DOJ, district attorney, or city attorney that the preservation of the assault weapon is in the interest of justice. The courts have rejected legal challenges to California`s assault weapons ban. Antique firearms (i.e.

Firearms manufactured before 1899)11 and certain pistols specifically designed for use at Olympic targeting events are generally not considered offensive weapons.12 California law also does not prohibit kits that allow a person to convert a legal firearm into an offensive weapon. Two scientists wrote: „An inherent problem in the study of [assault weapons (AW)] is that AW classifications are based on the cosmetic characteristics of firearms. For example, the Colt AR-15 series of semi-automatic rifles – the civilian version of the M-16 fully automatic rifle issued in the United States. Soldiers – subject to the AW restrictions of 1994, but the Ruger Mini-14 rifle was not banned. Still, the Mini-14 is of the same caliber, has a similar barrel length, the same semi-automatic action and can use magazines containing 30 cartridges. The only really significant difference between the two firearms is cosmetic: the AR-15 rifle looks more dangerous. [50] California defines an offensive weapon by the specific make, model, and series of the firearm, as well as its general characteristics.