California Handgun Roster Explained (2026)

What Is the California Handgun Roster?

The California Department of Justice maintains a [roster of handguns certified for sale](https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search) in California. If a handgun isn't on this roster, licensed dealers cannot sell it to the general public.

This roster system has been in place since 2001, with major changes in 2007 (requiring loaded chamber indicators and magazine disconnects) and 2013 (microstamping requirement that effectively froze the roster).

The Microstamping Problem

In 2013, California added a requirement that new handguns must have "microstamping" technology to be added to the roster. This technology would imprint a microscopic serial number on shell casings when fired.

What This Means for CA Gun Buyers

You CAN Buy:

✅ Handguns on the roster (800+ models) ✅ Gen 3 Glocks (still on roster) ✅ Classic 1911s, revolvers, many mainstream models ✅ Off-roster handguns via private party transfer (PPT)

You CANNOT Buy From Dealers:

❌ Glock Gen 4 or Gen 5 ❌ Sig P365 ❌ Springfield Hellcat ❌ Smith & Wesson Shield Plus ❌ Most handguns designed after 2013

The "Grandfathered" Guns

Handguns that were on the roster before 2013 (and that manufacturers keep paying fees for) remain available. This includes:

• Glock Gen 3 (19, 17, 26, 43, etc.)
• Smith & Wesson M&P (original series)
• Sig Sauer P226/P229 (original series)
• Beretta 92FS
• 1911s (various manufacturers)
• Revolvers (many models)

These work fine! The "outdated" Gen 3 Glock is still one of the most reliable handguns ever made.

Workarounds (Legal Ways to Get Off-Roster Handguns)

1. Private Party Transfer (PPT)

If a California resident already owns an off-roster handgun, they can sell it to you through a licensed dealer. You'll pay:

• The seller's asking price (often 50-200% markup)
• DROS fee ($19)
• Standard 10-day wait

• CalGuns marketplace
• Local gun stores (ask about off-roster consignments)
• Gun shows
• Word of mouth

2. Intra-Familial Transfer

Parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren can gift off-roster handguns across state lines:

1. Family member in another state buys the gun
2. They ship to a CA FFL (or bring it when visiting)
3. You complete the transfer with CA DOJ
4. Pay $19 fee
5. No DROS wait for transfers (but FFL may hold)

3. Law Enforcement Purchase

Active law enforcement officers can buy off-roster and later sell via PPT. This created a market of "LEO pipeline" guns.

4. Moving to California

If you legally owned off-roster handguns in another state, you can bring them when you move:

1. Bring guns with you (follow transport laws)
2. Register within 60 days using [CFARS](https://cfars.doj.ca.gov/)
3. Pay $19 per gun
4. Now you can keep or sell via PPT

5. Single Shot Exemption (Historical)

Previously, you could buy off-roster handguns converted to single-shot (break-top or bolt-action). This loophole was closed in 2014.

Roster Requirements for New Handguns

To be added to the roster (theoretically), a handgun must have:

1. Drop safety (firing pin block)
2. Loaded chamber indicator (visual/tactile)
3. Magazine disconnect safety (can't fire without magazine inserted)
4. Microstamping (firing pin stamps serial on casing)

The first three are common. The fourth (microstamping) is the dealbreaker.

Is the Roster Constitutional?

Multiple lawsuits challenge the roster:

• Renna v. Bonta - Claims roster violates Second Amendment
• Pena v. Lindley - Previous challenge, partially successful
• Miller v. Bonta - Challenge to assault weapon ban, may affect roster logic

The "Unsafe Handgun" Irony

California labels off-roster handguns as "unsafe." Yet:

• Police can buy and carry them
• Off-roster guns are legal to own and possess
• Criminals don't follow the roster anyway
• The "unsafe" Glock Gen 5 is carried by police nationwide

The roster isn't about safety—it's about limiting handgun availability.

What Guns Are on the Roster?

Popular 9mm Handguns on Roster:

• Glock 17, 19, 26, 43 (Gen 3)
• Smith & Wesson M&P9, M&P Shield
• Sig Sauer P226, P229, P320
• Springfield XD, XDS
• Beretta 92FS, PX4
• CZ 75B, SP-01
• FN FNS-9, FNX-9
• HK USP, P2000

Popular .45 ACP on Roster:

• 1911s (many manufacturers)
• Glock 21, 30, 36 (Gen 3)
• Sig Sauer P220
• Smith & Wesson M&P45

Revolvers on Roster:

• Smith & Wesson 686, 442, 637
• Ruger GP100, SP101, LCR
• Colt Python (new production)

.22 LR on Roster:

• Ruger Mark IV
• Browning Buck Mark
• Smith & Wesson Victory

How to Check the Roster

1. Visit [oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search](https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search)
2. Search by manufacturer or model
3. Verify exact model number matches
4. Check "Date Certified" and "Date Expired"

Shopping Tips

When Buying from a Dealer:

• Verify the exact model is on roster
• Some guns have similar names (Glock 19 vs 19X)
• Caliber matters (Glock 22 is .40, different from Glock 17)

When Buying Used:

• Check the roster if unsure
• Some older guns aren't on roster (pre-2001 guns exempt for possession, not purchase)
• PPT doesn't require roster compliance

When Building a Collection:

• Off-roster guns hold value better (scarcity)
• Common roster guns (Gen 3 Glocks) are affordable
• Consider what you might want to PPT later

The Future of the Roster

1. Courts strike it down - Best case, roster eliminated
2. Microstamping requirement dropped - New guns could be added
3. Status quo - Roster slowly shrinks as models drop off
4. Expansion - Unlikely, but roster could be loosened

• Support CRPA and FPC lawsuits
• Vote for pro-2A candidates
• Stay informed on legal challenges

Roster Alternatives

Since the roster limits handguns, many Californians focus on:

Conclusion

The California Handgun Roster is frustrating, arbitrary, and under legal challenge. But it's the law for now, and savvy gun buyers work within it.

Whether you buy on-roster Gen 3 Glocks, hunt for PPT deals on modern guns, or focus on rifles and shotguns, you can still build an effective collection in California.

Stay informed, support the lawsuits challenging the roster, and make smart purchases within the current system.