Magazine Capacity in California

[OIS]

Is the magazine capacity limit for an auto loading handgun consistent throughout the state of California or does the limit vary from county to county? I have tried to search "California Gun Laws" to no avail. Any help / citation would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

[tango-52]

The State law pre-empts on the mag. capacity. Maximum of 10, unless you possessed the mags prior to the law taking effect (mid-90's I think).

[Glock32]

12020. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison:

(2) Commencing January 1, 2000, manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, or lends, any large-capacity magazine.

Commencing January 1, 2000, prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, or transfer of
any large capacity magazine unless to specifically designated parties and under specified
conditions. A violation of this provision is a misdemeanor or a felony. A large capacity
magazine is defined as any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than
ten rounds but shall not include any .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device. Firearms
dealers may sell large capacity magazines only to parties who are exempt under PC section
12020 from the large capacity magazine restriction.

[Tom98915]

Originally Posted by Glock32

12020. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison:

(2) Commencing January 1, 2000, manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, or lends, any large-capacity magazine.

That law seems pretty useless. If you carry multiple magazines it adds up to the same thing - lots of ammo at your disposal with a quick and easy reload. And I always have spare mags on me like most CCw'ers. But our not-so-bright politicians think they know everything...

[Scout]

Originally Posted by Glock32

12020. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or in the state prison:

(2) Commencing January 1, 2000, manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, or lends, any large-capacity magazine.

Commencing January 1, 2000, prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, or transfer of
any large capacity magazine unless to specifically designated parties and under specified
conditions. A violation of this provision is a misdemeanor or a felony. A large capacity
magazine is defined as any ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than
ten rounds but shall not include any .22 caliber tube ammunition feeding device. Firearms
dealers may sell large capacity magazines only to parties who are exempt under PC section
12020 from the large capacity magazine restriction.

Refering back to tango-52's statement.

If you possessed such mags prior to January 1, 2000, they are legal ?

[tango-52]

If you look at the statute, it has no prohibition against possession for your own use. Only if you try to lend or sell it do you have a problem. For example, I have a ParaOrdnance P12-45 that I got pre-2000, along with a bunch of magazines. They are all legal for me to own and use, even if it were my carry weapon.

[Scout]

Originally Posted by tango-52

If you look at the statute, it has no prohibition against possession for your own use. Only if you try to lend or sell it do you have a problem. For example, I have a ParaOrdnance P12-45 that I got pre-2000, along with a bunch of magazines. They are all legal for me to own and use, even if it were my carry weapon.

Excellent choice.

I too have a ParaOrdnance P14-45, purchased prior to 2000.

Also purchased numerous mags when I saw the change coming

[spc]

It is a must to stock up on full capacity magazines when the authorities put down such an ultimatum. What is the first thing someone does when told they can not have or do something???? They go out and acquire or do what is to be prohibited.

I know I did. The Government is what got me started with handguns in the early '90s when they proposed elimination of full capacity magazines, and the same is true with my evil black rifles late in the '90s

spc

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by Scout

Refering back to tango-52's statement.

If you possessed such mags prior to January 1, 2000, they are legal ?

Correct.

[sigfreed&freud]

My father bought me a handgun for Christmas several years ago. He is an FFDO and thus had access to the option of 12 rd magazines, which he got. The gun is being transferred into my name. I have an appointment for my application in a little while. So, even though these are NOT pre-ban mags, is it legal for me to carry these while CCWing?

[PHM]

Originally Posted by sigfreed&freud

My father bought me a handgun for Christmas several years ago. He is an FFDO and thus had access to the option of 12 rd magazines, which he got. The gun is being transferred into my name. I have an appointment for my application in a little while. So, even though these are NOT pre-ban mags, is it legal for me to carry these while CCWing?

NO, it is not legal, you must have had them in your possession before the ban took effect.

[CCWInstructor]

Originally Posted by sigfreed&freud

My father bought me a handgun for Christmas several years ago. He is an FFDO and thus had access to the option of 12 rd magazines, which he got. The gun is being transferred into my name. I have an appointment for my application in a little while. So, even though these are NOT pre-ban mags, is it legal for me to carry these while CCWing?

Your dad must keep the mags. He can loan them to you as long as he stas with the mags. The LEM he bought also came out after 2000.

[Grog45]

As long as I am in the locality and teaching or shooting with someone I am not "loaning them" correct? Since I am planning to teach several "liberal folks" the joys of shooting I want to make sure I don't end up in matching bracelets for the effort up at Burro Canyon. Since the locals LEO's are almost always in cruz mode...

[Gronk Bronson]

How do I prove I've had my Glock 23 since 1990 along with the 13 round mags? It's list on my CCW permit and I want to make sure I'm legal to carry the 13 round mags at all times.

[tango-52]

Originally Posted by Gronk Bronson

How do I prove I've had my Glock 23 since 1990 along with the 13 round mags? It's list on my CCW permit and I want to make sure I'm legal to carry the 13 round mags at all times.

You don't have to prove when you bought them. The DA has to prove you bought them after 2000.