The Conversation That Started It All
Well, not at first. It started with a long, honest conversation with my spouse about why I believed we needed a firearm. I laid out the pros and cons, focused on personal safety, and explained why I thought it was important to take responsibility for our family’s security.
We’re often in situations where we could be potential targets, and we’ve known people who were attacked in similar circumstances. The most sobering statistic? The average police response time in our area: 7 minutes. That’s 7 minutes where everything could change. 7 minutes of relying on others to protect us — whether at home or out in public.
To be clear, I’ve never envisioned myself as some kind of hero. But I firmly believe that if we were ever cornered, and there was no escape, only then would drawing a weapon be on the table. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Buying a Gun in California
I did what most people do these days — I turned to the internet. Mistake #1. It’s a rabbit hole of opinions, misinformation, and tribal warfare between brands. You’ll hear it all:
- “You should only buy a 1911. It won two world wars.”
- “.45 ACP is the Lord’s caliber.”
- “Glocks are the best!”
- “Glocks suck — get a SIG!”
Eventually, I found clarity in a recurring piece of advice: “You need to find what works for you.”
How to Actually Try Guns in California
Think of buying a gun like buying a car — you want to test drive it. But in California, you can’t just walk into a range alone and rent a firearm. Due to past incidents, solo rentals aren’t allowed.
Options include:
- Taking an introductory firearms class at a local range
- Bringing a friend who owns a firearm
- Connecting with groups like Operation Blazing Sword, which pairs marginalized or left-leaning individuals with gun owners for education and training
Full disclosure: Some gun ranges can be overwhelmingly “MAGA.” If you’re left-leaning, it can be uncomfortable. But your safety, skills, and knowledge matter more — and once you find the right environment, it’s incredibly empowering.
My Checklist for My First Firearm
When I began researching, I had a strict list of non-negotiables:
- Reliability: Must work out of the box, every time
- Size: Compact enough to conceal once I get my CCW, but usable for home defense
- Caliber: Affordable and widely available (hello, 9mm)
- Safety: Should only fire if the trigger is pulled — no accidental discharges
- Ease of Use: Minimal controls — no fumbling with safeties under pressure
What to Buy? Hello, Roster…
In California, we have the “Roster of Certified Handguns”, a list of approved firearms that can be sold by dealers. If it’s not on the roster, it can’t be sold unless:
- You’re law enforcement
- You’re buying via Private Party Transfer (PPT) — often at a premium
The roster restrictions (California Penal Code § 32000–32110) require:
- Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Magazine Disconnect Safety
- Microstamping (currently not implemented by any manufacturer)
Thankfully, the lawsuit Boland v. Bonta ruled that the microstamping requirement was unconstitutional. That had opened the door to new handguns joining the roster.
With limited options, I chose the Glock 19. It’s not flashy or trendy, but it’s ultra-reliable, easy to clean, and dead simple to operate. Aftermarket support is widely available. It’s Toyota Corolla of handguns.
Buying Process: Step-by-Step
Before stepping into the store, I joined the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), which gave me access to a law-enforcement level discount (Blue Label pricing).
1. Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)
Required under California Penal Code § 31610. It’s a 30-question multiple choice test with a 75% passing score, valid for 5 years.
2. Bring the Right Documents
- REAL ID or U.S. citizenship proof (birth certificate, passport)
- Two proofs of California residency — utility or internet bills work best
3. Fill Out the Forms
- ATF Form 4473 (federal background check)
- DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) entry — triggers the CA background check
4. Wait 10 Days
Under Penal Code § 26815, California requires a full 10-day (240-hour) waiting period.
Example: If you buy your gun at 9:00am on 01/01/2025, you can’t pick it up until 9:01am on 01/10/2025.
Delays can occur, especially for people with common names. Some shops release on “undetermined” status — others do not.
Taking It Home — Legally
After the waiting period, you must perform a Safe Handling Demonstration. Then you’re allowed to transport your firearm home, following California transport law:
- Unloaded
- Locked in a secure case (Penal Code § 25610)
- Out of reach if you’re driving
Now I Own a Gun. Now What?
Owning a firearm is just the beginning. The responsibility doesn’t end after the 10-day wait.
In upcoming posts, I’ll cover:
- How I got my California CCW
- How I securely store my firearm
- Why ongoing training is essential
- What progressive gun ownership actually looks like
- More about the roster
- Standard Capacity Magazines
- AR’s
Final Thoughts
Yes, I’m a Democrat.
Yes, I believe in common-sense gun laws.
Yes, I own a gun.
Because when it comes to protecting my family, I believe in being prepared — not paranoid.
Tags: California Gun Laws, Democrat Gun Owner, Buying a Gun in California, Glock 19, CA Roster, FSC, CCW California
Categories: Gun Ownership, Personal Safety, California Politics