California Firearm Magazine Law
California Large Capacity Magazines
With limited exceptions, California law prohibits any person from manufacturing, importing into
the state, keeping for sale, offering or exposing for sale, giving, or lending any large capacity
magazine. Cal. Penal Code § 12020(a)(2), (b). A "large capacity magazine" is defined as any
ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than ten rounds, but does not include
any .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device, any feeding device that has been PERMANENTLY ALTERED so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds, or any tubular magazine that is
contained in a lever-action firearm. Section 12020(c)(25). California does not ban the possession of
large capacity magazines.
Upon a showing of good cause, the California Department of Justice may issue permits for the
possession, transportation, or sale of large capacity ammunition magazines between a licensed
California firearms dealer and an out-of-state customer. Section 12079(a). This requirement applies
for only the out-of-state importation and exportation of large capacity ammunition magazines,
including the transportation of such magazines as necessary to complete a transfer to or from an out
of state source. See Cal. Code Regs. tit. 11, § 978.40.
Large capacity magazines may be manufactured for any federal, state, or local government or law
enforcement agency, or for use by agency employees in the discharge of their official duties,
whether on or off duty. Section 12020(b)(30). Large capacity magazines may also be purchased or
loaned for the sole use as a motion picture, television or video prop. Section 12020(b)(31), (32)(A).
Such magazines may also be resold to law enforcement agencies, government agencies, or the
military, pursuant to applicable federal regulations. Section 12020(b)(32)(C).
For additional large capacity ammunition magazine regulations, see Cal. Code Regs. tit. 11, §§
978.40-978.44.
It is your responsibility to ascertain and obey, and keep current on all applicable local, state, and federal laws in regard to the possession, use, and sale of any item purchased from Calegalmags. Laws and regulations are continuously changing.
It is your responsibility to ascertain and obey, and keep current on all applicable local, state, and federal laws in regard to the possession, use, and sale of any item purchased from Calegalmags. Laws and regulations are continuously changing.