First time gun buyer in Ca. What do I need to know or do?

[fixmy59bug]

So since this seems to be the unofficial gun forum, I figured I should ask here.

I am looking at purchasing my first gun. I am familiar with and have fired many types of guns.

But I have never owned one, so I do not know what is required of me.

I know if I buy from a Firearms Dealer, I will have to go through a background check and a 10 day waiting period. But what about if I am buying a friends gun?

Do I have to get a permit to own a gun? Once I purchase the gun, I am sure I have to register it. How do I do that?

Also, Who can I call with the serial number to make sure it is clear? God knows I don't want to buy a gun that the police are looking for....

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I think just for S&G I will also post this in the "Ask A Cop" forum on one of the law enforcement forums I visit...

[1lojet1281]

Step 1. Move to another state
Step 2. Acquire as many firearms as you can afford

Haha, sorry I couldn't help it! . Seriously though I have no idea, hopefully someone else from that rediculous state can help you jump through all the crazy hoops. Good luck, and hope you enjoy your first purchase!

[UKGTI]

If you are buying a friends gun it still needs to go through an FFL. Go into a store, run background and pay transfer fee. Not sure if there is a ten day waiting period on transfers. I would assume so given our laws.

For handguns take handgun safety test which if you can't pass you have no right owning a gun in the first place.

Ten day waiting period begins when the gun is in the possession of the FFL. So if he has to order a gun and it takes a week to get there, you will be waiting a week longer.

[fixmy59bug]

Thanks for the info.

While I was waiting for a response, I also asked over on forums.officer.com where only registered license law enforcement officials are allowed to answer the questions asked and they pretty much told me the same thing.

It has to be done through a FFL (Federal Firearms Licensed) gun shop. Failure to do so is a felony.

The PPT (Person to Person Transfer) fee should be no more than 35 dollars (25 to the government for the transfer, $10 to the shop). There will be a 10 day waiting period during which time they will run my background. Once clear, I will be able to come pick it up.

The officers did mention that there are no permits necessary for gun ownership unless I want a (notoriously hard to obtain in Ca) CCW. This handgun safety test you mention, Is it like a defensive driving course where it is not necessary but advised? I have found the paper test on the DOJ website and have printed it and studied it already. I think I should be Ok there.

They also directed me to Calguns.net where I have found A LOT more information.

[dorifto]

yes, welcome to this state's retarded gun laws. for handguns, just know that whether you buy used or new, it has to be processed by an FFL (usually any gun shop), and there's always a mandatory 10-day waiting period.

also, get familiar with the CA gun roster: http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

the best thing to do is like you mentioned, just go on calguns.net. that site has everything youll ever need to know, and the members are usually always helpful. good luck!

[Egilbe]

Holy crap! California is a retarded state I'm glad I live in Maine. They still celebrate Hiram Maxim day in Sangerville where people bring their machine guns to shoot.

[Power5]

Wow, 10 day still? Is California the only state that does that? I just walk into my LGS and see a gun I like and pick it up. After the typical 30 minutes of paperwork I am shooting in their range.

[fixmy59bug]

also, get familiar with the CA gun roster: http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

That roster is for sales from a gun shop, correct? I checked the roster and the one I am looking at is not on there (Beretta PX4 Storm Type C), however it also says Private PartY Transfers are exempt from the roster requirement.

Is this correct?

[dorifto]

That roster is for sales from a gun shop, correct? I checked the roster and the one I am looking at is not on there (Beretta PX4 Storm Type C), however it also says Private PartY Transfers are exempt from the roster requirement.

Is this correct?

yup your best bet is getting it thru a PPT. if you MUST have it brand new, then youd have to find a shop that will do a Single-Shot Exemption (SSE) of the handgun for you.

[fixmy59bug]

OK.

This is definitely a PPT, thus the whole reason for this thread. I am buying the gun from a friend.

Thanks for all the help.

I think I am set with what I need to know to legally purchase the gun.

Next up, set up a target and backdrop in backyard and get lots of practice.















































KIDDING!

[BHB]

Curious what you want the type c for? There are better guns out there if you want a gun without a strong safety.

Not trying to talk you out of a PX4, i carry one daily, but seems like a lot of work for a civilian to get one off the roster, for a non mainstream pistol.