What Every Fresno Gun Owner Should Know About CA Senate Bill 23

If you live in California and own a gun, it is critical that you know CA Senate Bill 23, for both your safety and others. Effective since January 1, 2000, CA Senate Bill 23 established new criteria to define assault weapons. Penal Code Section 12276.1 defines an assault weapon as any weapon that exhibit any of the following:

• A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that accepts detectable magazines and one of the following:
  • A pistol grip beneath the action of the weapon
  • A thumbhole stock
  • A folding or telescoping stock
  • A grenade launcher or flare launcher
  • A forward pistol grip
• A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle equipped with a magazine that can hold over 10 rounds
• A semi-automatic, centerfire rifle less than 30 inches
• A semi-automatic pistol that can accept detachable magazines and any of the following:
  • A threaded barrel that can accept a suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer
  • A second handgrip
  • A shroud that allows a person to fire the weapon without burning their hands
  • The ability to accept a detachable magazine some location outside of the pistol grip
• A semi-automatic pistol that can accept more than 10 rounds
• A semi-automatic shotgun that has both a folding or telescoping stock and a pistol grip underneath the action, a thumbhole stock, or a vertical hand grip
• A semi-automatic shotgun that can accept detachable magazines
• Any shotgun with revolving cylinders
• "Assault weapon" cannot be applied to any antique firearm
  • "Antique firearm" is defined as any firearm manufactured before January 1, 1899

Any firearm that fits any of the criteria mentioned above must be registered with the Department of Justice. If you or someone you know owns a firearm that fits the description and is not registered with the Department of Justice or would like to know more about California gun laws, contact us and we will gladly give you the proper legal consultation that you deserve!