California Legal Shotgun

A shotgun is a long-barrelled firearm that fires a shot-shell, a straight-walled cartridge that shoots multiple small spherical projectiles called shot or a single solid projectile called a slug. Its long barrel and smooth bore are designed to cut down on friction. Because of the lower pressure, the walls of the barrel are thinner. A shotgun with a rifled barrel may be intended to fire slugs. Shotguns are usually used for airborne targets that are in motion.

How California Penal Code Defines Shotguns

According to California penal code 17180 PC a shotgun defined as:

1. A gun with a barrel or barrels shorter than eighteen inches in length that is made or modified to fire a fixed shotgun shell.
2. A gun that is intended to fire a fixed shotgun shell and has a total length of not more than 26 inches.
3. Any weapon constructed from a shotgun, regardless of how it was altered or modified, provided that the weapon's modified length is no more than 26 inches or that its barrel or barrels are under 18 inches.
4. Any device that can be easily reconditioned to fire a fixed shotgun shell and when reconditioned is a firearm defined in subdivisions (a) to (c).
5. Any piece or set of pieces made to turn something into what's described in (a) to (c), or parts that can be put together to create something that fits those descriptions, as long as those parts are owned or controlled by the same person.

How To Get Shotgun Permit in California

Step 1: Personal Firearms Eligibility Verification

Visit the California Office of the Attorney General's website (oag.ca.gov/firearms/forms) to obtain a personal firearms eligibility check. It will cost you $20, but if you recently applied and were rejected for any reason, this could help you avoid some heartache, time, and frustration.

Step 2: Residency Proof

Make sure you have multiple documents attesting to your California residency. Acceptable forms of documentation include identification cards or driver's licenses, utility bills from the previous three months, residential leases or property deeds, and military orders proving permanent duty station assignment in California.

Step 3: Choose the Right Shotgun

Investigate your options and "test" a few of them at a nearby shooting range. Your local gun store's staff or its instructors are qualified and able to point you in the right direction.

Step 4: Additional Requirements

You need to pass the necessary safety and functionality tests, obtain a firearm safety certificate (FSC), demonstrate safe handling (SHD), and possess a firearm safety device that is officially listed on the state Department of Justice's approved device roster.

A 75 percent score on a written exam covering safety regulations and firearms laws is required by the FSC. It could cost up to $25 and is good for five years. A DOJ-certified instructor conducts the instruction.

From the time the DROS is turned in to the DOJ until the firearm is delivered, SHD must be carried out under the supervision of a certified DOJ instructor. An affidavit certifying the completion of the demonstration must be signed by the instructor.

Step 5: Assume responsibility

There's one more thing to do after passing your background check and fulfilling all the prerequisites. obtaining your gun (unless it is mailed in some circumstances). According to state law, the dealer is required to cancel the sale if you do not take "physical possession" of your gun within 30 days of the DROS information being submitted. You'll have to go through the entire DROS process again, including paying, if that time elapses.

Shotgun Restrictions and Regulations in California

• Certain models of shotguns, such as the Franchi SPAS 12, LAW 12, Striker 12, and Streetsweeper type S/S Inc. SS/12, are forbidden as assault weapons.
• Revolving-chamber shotguns are prohibited.
• Pump shotguns are generally safer because they lack revolving cylinders, allowing pistol grips.
• Semi-automatic shotguns can have one "evil feature," such as a pistol grip, but no revolving cylinders or detachable magazines.
• Shotguns with barrel lengths less than 18 inches are prohibited.
• Even if the barrel is 18" or longer, shotguns with an overall length of less than 26 inches are considered "short-barrelled."

Conclusion

It is very important that you follow firearm laws in California, as violating them has serious consequences. If you are caught carrying an assault weapon or a firearm without a permit, you can face up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 dollars, or both. Moreover, possessing a firearm with a felony conviction, while addicted to a narcotic drug, or after being convicted of specific violent crimes escalates the offense to a felony, carrying penalties of up to 3 years in prison or fines up to $10,000 dollars, or both.