Handgun Laws

Obtaining a handgun in the State of California is a thorough process that may require weeks or even months to successfully and legally complete. When an individual in California decides to purchase a handgun, he or she should go through the proper channels.
The first step in getting a handgun is obtaining a handgun safety certificate. Some individuals, such as police officers, may be exempt from this stage. Other individuals, though, may need to complete a course and several training session to obtain the certificate.
After completing this requirement, individuals must seek out a licensed California firearms dealer to purchase their weapon of choice. The arms dealer will collect information about the individual, which he or she will use to have a background check performed on the potential buyer.
The background check usually takes 10 days. During these 10 days, the dealer will usually require a monetary deposit from the buyer and will have possession of the handgun until the 10 days period passes. An individual who is found to have a criminal background will not be able to receive the gun at the end of the 10 days.
If the individual does pass the background check, the dealer will deliver the handgun to that individual after the tenth day.
After an individual receives his or her handgun, he or she must obtained a concealed weapons permit to legally carry the gun in public places. The permit does not allow individuals to carry their weapons on private properties, as some private establishments may not allow individuals to bring their concealed weapons on the premises.
Individuals who move to California from other states must register their handguns with their law enforcement agencies within a 60-day period. After this time frame has passed, the individual may face legal ramifications if caught with the weapon.
Unfortunately, sometimes individuals are charged with illegal handgun possession even if they have obtained their weapons through completely legal means.