CA Gun Permit question
 

I have a friend that recently moved into a house. The fellow that owned the house prior had passed away. The fellow owned a few pistols that his kids did not want, so they left them in the house.

My friend would like to register/permit/whatever it is in California the guns to ensure that everything is legal. One gun is a war bring-back CZ. The other is an S&W .38.

My friend nor the kids of the fellow that passed know if the guns were ever registered.

Does anyone know what the process is to ensure that my friend does things properly? And so that no one gets into any hot water?

TIA

I hope one of the California residents checks in...

With the "drop test" requirements in CA, I could easily see "doing the right thing" turn quickly into confiscation of the guns and criminal charges.

+1

I'd let sleeping dogs lie.

Give these guys a call.......

http://caag.state.ca.us/firearms/


They really will work with you and explain how it works. I had a pistol (CZ) as you mentioned and filled out a form and mailed a check for $14 and was done:)

Good Luck;)


P.S. The drop test only is only for new handguns.

Have fun wading through this mess. It'll either put you to sleep or get you so outraged you'll want to scream.

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/

Private Party sales in CA are legal, the drop test does not apply to private sales. One gun is C&R (over 50 years for sure) and the other Smith is quiet possibly so. Go to a Gun Dealer and for a small fee he will be able to run the DROS throught the state. All will be legal.

You will just have to drag the kids who are the owners into the store to accomplish the deal. However in CA only one handgun a month is the limit on the purchase. However that is not to say both can not be registered at the same time. But only one per month can be picked up. Check with the dealer on this.

I lived in CA until a couple years ago, here's my answer based on CA firearms law then, if you want up-to-date then ask at calguns.org.

There is no actual gun "registration" requirement in CA. In other words, merely because you own a gun, doesn't mean you have to "register" it. (Not applicable to unusual firearms like Class 3).

Any paperwork requirement comes when ownership of a gun changes. Then the transfer has to be done through an FFL. AFAIK, even if it is a gift. In your friend's case - who legally owned the guns when the guy died, his heirs I assume? Would have to get one of the heirs (kids) to go down to the FFL and sign the transfer papers w/ your friend.

As a practical matter, if I was your friend, I would not go through those hoops. I'd simply keep and use the guns. Depends how paranoid he is.

Legion is mis-informed though well-meaning. The "drop test" in CA does not apply to transfers of used guns, only to what new handguns may be certified for sale in CA.

NO the law is not just for NEW GUNS...Colt series 70 1911's are not legal for sale by a dealer in CA, they can be consigned and be sold privatily however. The rule is that the gun has to be 50 years or older or be classified as a C&R to be legal for sale. (Any gun over 50 years old is basically considered to be a C&R). Other wise the drop test is mandatory.

Colt S&W etall are not going to submit a discontinued gun for a drop test...that is why so many guns are not legal for sale by dealers.

Ask me how I fking know, I dare ya!

+1 on checking over at calguns.net, I have got a lot of good info over there.

However those guns are old and probably malfunctioning, tell your friend I will take them off his hands for a few bucks;)

Sorry, I was thinking of private party sales of used guns, those are exempt from the certification requirement. So in the case described by the OP, certification shouldn't apply, as it would be a private party transfer.

What about when a dealer displays a "consigned" used gun? I would see Colt sr 70's in gun dealers "used" cases - were those legal because they were on consignment?