Very Restrictive
California Gun Laws 2026
California gun law rating: A (Very Restrictive). Ranked #1 out of 50 states for gun law strength. Key policies: permitless carry (No), red flag law (Yes), assault weapons ban (Yes).
A
Overall Grade
#1
State Rank (strength)
Permitless Carry: No
Constitutional Carry
Red Flag: Yes
ERPO Law
Key Gun Law Provisions
| Provision | Status |
|---|---|
| Permitless (Constitutional) Carry | No |
| Red Flag Law (ERPO) | Yes |
| Assault Weapons Ban | Yes |
| Universal Background Checks (private sales) | Yes |
| Waiting Period | 10 days |
| Magazine Capacity Limit | 10 rounds |
Overview
California has the strictest gun laws in the nation, including an assault weapons ban, 10-day waiting period, 10-round magazine limit, universal background checks, and a red flag law. The state also requires a safety certificate for handgun purchases.
2026 Political Impact
Gun control is popular in California\'s blue cities and suburbs. However, recent Supreme Court rulings (Bruen 2022) have challenged several California laws, leading to ongoing litigation.