A Brief Guide to Gun Laws in California
California is known for having some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. As a general rule, all firearm transfers, even private sales, must occur through a federally licensed firearms dealer. However, California’s gun laws are particularly focused on handguns. The California Safe Handgun Law states that all handguns must be on a list of approved models maintained by the California Attorney General. This list is known as the Safe Handgun Roster. The only way to purchase a handgun that is not on this safe-roster is through a Private Party Transfer (PPT). However, as exemptions apply, those seeking to buy or sell a Colt 1911 in California should first seek to gain a comprehensive understanding of these restrictions.
The Safe Handgun Roster is not an exhaustive list of all the handguns that can be legally owned in California. Among the handgun models listed are those handguns that are not inherently unsafe but simply have never been submitted to the California Department of Justice for approval. In addition, some gun owners may also choose to use an exemption or apply for a one-of-a-kind permit. Suppose a handgun is not listed on the roster and the seller chooses not to use an exemption . In that case, the buyer must wait until the firearm becomes eligible to return to the list (which will happen if the seller or another party submits the weapon to the California Department of Justice) or find a way around the restrictions. One such way around the Safe Handgun Roster is through the use of a Private Party Transfer, another way around is through the use of a Single-Action Exemption.
As a modern handgun, a Colt 1911 can be used to increase its likelihood of making it onto the Safe Handgun Roster. That said, the Colt 1911 is an older, "single-action" style of handgun. The "single-action" designation means that the Colt 1911 is only capable of being fired after the hammer has been cocked. Alternatively, "double action" handguns require only that the trigger be pulled. As a result, certain restrictions apply to these guns. Accordingly, if the Colt 1911 is modified to function as a "double-action" handgun, through the use of a modification kit for example, even though it was originally a "single-action" handgun it can be purchased as a double-action handgun.
Due to the popularity of the Colt 1911, certain exemptions exist that potentially exempt them from the more restrictive handgun transfer rules in California. For example, if a Colt 1911 satisfies all of the criteria for this exemption, that Colt 1911 may be possessed or purchased without being listed on the Safe Handgun Roster.
Why is the Colt 1911 Considered Legal in California?
The Colt 1911 that is legal in California will need to conform to certain design characteristics and may be subject to some modifications to meet state law’s requirements. The following model of the Colt .45 pistol is considered appropriate:
– Stainless Steel Colt Combat Commander .45 ACP, with a barrel length of 4.25 inches.
However, the stainless steel that is used for the firearm’s slide and frame will need to go through a type of etching that no longer makes it shine after it has been treated with a black oxide chemical process known as "Melonite" that gives it a dull, matte color.
Other modified features that a California gun owner will find to be acceptable are:
– An installed magazine disconnect. It lets users fire a bullet only when a magazine is in place. This type of disconnect can be located within the slide, in the sear or inside the grip’s frame.
– A magazine that is limited in capacity to ten rounds.
It is critical to acknowledge that a number of various Colt 1911 pistols with a variety of various features may be shown, including the following examples:
Brand new buyers for this type of firearm should check to verify the legality of other models as an important first step with regard to their purchase.
California Legal Colt 1911 Models that are Popular
Several models of the Colt Series 70 and Series 80 1911 pistols are among the most popular handguns in California. These specifically modified Colt 1911 models are made and sold with carefully specified magazine configurations (such as fixed magazines and 10-round magazines) which California law allows for the time being.
Some of the popular California-compliant Colt 1911 models include:
Colt Series 70 Government Model and Gold Cup National Match Pistol
Colt Series 80 Government Model and Gold Cup National Match Pistol
Colt Combat Commander Pistol
Colt Series 80 Lightweight Commander Pistol
Colt Lightweight Commander Pistol
Colt Defender 9mm Pistol
Colt Wiley Clapp Commander Pistol
Colt Defender 10mm Pistol
Colt Lightweight Commander 9mm Pistol
Colt CCO Pistol
Colt Combat Elite Pistol
Colt Special Combat Pistol
Many of these models have options such as cocked and locked hammer positions, ambidextrous safety levers with a speed bump feature, and fixed magazines or detachable magazines which hold ten rounds of .45 ACP or 9mm cartridges. Some of these are also offered with the tasteful addition of a stainless steel frame and slide.
How to Legally Purchase a Colt 1911 in California
Before you can legally own a Colt 1911 pistol in California, you must go through a dealer. Firearm dealers exist to help the public safely and legally purchase firearms. They are usually small business owners, so this is their bread and butter. It is in their interest to ensure that you, the consumer, follow all state and local laws. The Colt 1911 pistol is on the California approved list of firearms. This means that you may not need start off your journey looking for a way to apply for an exception, because this gun is one native to the Golden State. However, be advised that even though the Colt 1911 is on the list, you may have trouble acquiring one of a different caliber – this has to do with the way that they are serialized. Just be sure that the pistol you are looking at is .45 ACP before you attempt to buy. If the dealer tells you that the 1911 that you want is truly compliant , then you can proceed to fill out Federal and State paperwork. This includes background checks, fingerprinting, and other procedures. It may seem like just "buying a gun" to you; but for gun owners, it is at the very least a small hassle, and the firearm is something that will be with you for life. Long-term gun owners take this responsibility seriously, and think of it as an investment, much like a car, or your personal home. These documents will remain in the dealer’s possession for years. The Colt 1911 is a mass-produced pistol. This means that the process of buying one is relatively simple via a dealer. But, in truth, it does come with a bit of red tape. The paper trail is relatively long, and there are many copies of the documents signed to create a trail from manufacturer, to dealer, to end-user. So, needless to say, if you are looking to buy one of these pistols, keep all your paperwork in one place.
Colt 1911 FAQ: Answers to Common Questions
Do I need a special permit to buy a California Legal Colt 1911?
No, in order to legally purchase a California Legal Colt 1911 a firearm safety certificate (FSC) is required. These are offered by vendors with California licenses and require successful completion of basic gun safety education and testing. This is free and takes around 30 minutes to complete on your visit to your local California licensed vendor.
Can I take my Colt 1911 to the range without a case?
Yes, you may directly transport your California Firearm without a case if you are going to a shooting range. However, California Penal Code § 25145 (b) requires that all guns be unloaded. So be sure to open the action and remove the magazine before leaving home.
What are storage requirements for a California Legal Colt 1911?
To comply with California Penal Code § 25100, firearms must be stored in one of the following ways:
- In a locked container within a locked container; or
- In a locking firearm disabling device; or
- Within the residence of the owner in a locked safe, gun safe, or other secure locked storage that is inaccessible to children; or
- On the person of the owner.
Can I modify my Colt 1911 after purchase?
Yes, you can perform most upgrades such as grips and sights. If the upgrades involve a reduction in size of the pistol then Written Approval from the manufacturer to do so is required to legally possess the firearm in California.
California Legal Colt 1911 Carry Laws
A concealed carry permit is required to carry a Colt 1911 in California. The Colt 1911 is an acceptable handgun on the list of guns that are legal to own and readily available with a Colt…*, however, getting the permit to carry one is another story. While the laws may vary slightly from county to county, It seems that micro stamping is a common requirement for a permit. which requires a fingerprint pattern that is so unique that it’s nearly impossible to duplicate and put on ammunition, so that the gun can be traced to the shooter. This still does not guarantee you a permit, as there are certain psychological, physical and even community factors that need to be met . Additionally, if your offense is ‘violent’ you’re likely not going to get your permit. You will need recommendation letters from your employer and law enforcement officials, however, Narcotics, domestic violence, and stalking violations may probably prevent a gun permit even with all of these requirements. Furthermore, open carry is strictly forbidden even at shooting ranges unless the package has been opened at the time of use by its owner, in other words, no outside boxes of ammunition or its own carrying case. It also has to be secured in a locked container before being transported to and from a range.