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AR15.COM
10/20/2006 3:50:54 PM EDT
Hi guys.  I've got a friend who used to buy and sell guns between friends, etc.  He currently has a few that are not registered to himself.  My questions are, when did it become law that a transfer required a FFL, and are you supposed to register guns bought before said date?  Thanks.
10/20/2006 4:31:34 PM EDT
[#1]
The only guns needing registration in CA are handguns, and assault weapons. The time has expired to register any more assault weapons, so I'll assume you mean handguns.

The date for that is Jan 1, 1990, I believe (or 91.. I can't recall)

10/20/2006 5:23:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Did your friend buy various rifles, shotguns, and handguns without an FFL doing the transfer?  I'll bet he has lots of company in California!!  I'm pretty sure buying firearms that way is illegal.  Why is he concerned all of a sudden?  Is he trying to sell them now or run for governor or something?
10/20/2006 5:34:40 PM EDT
[#3]
i really do not think there is any requirement to register your pistol.  Basically what I am saying is you can have a unregistered handgun.
10/20/2006 5:52:03 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
i really do not think there is any requirement to register your pistol.  Basically what I am saying is you can have a unregistered handgun.


That doesn't make sense. Why else would it be the ONLY thing required to register when you move into the state? And why else would they have those stupid 'lending' laws? I was under the impression that it was illegal to be in the posession of a handgun that was NOT registered to you.

As for the topic, I've heard there was a voluntary registration process for people who had firearms aquired that way, but I have no information on it other than it was voluntary (which doesn't help one bit). Hope they are C&R long guns so 'your friend' is in the clear...
10/20/2006 7:30:27 PM EDT
[#5]

Quoted:
I was under the impression that it was illegal to be in the posession of a handgun that was NOT registered to you.


Not really.. The old 1980's "five second rule" (as it pertains to deeming a handgun "loaded" if it has ammo in the close proximity, or the gun can be loaded within 5 seconds) applies to handguns that you are not the registered owner of - so keep the gun locked when transporting. However, having a handgun that is not registered to you is not a crime in itself - handguns bought before the registration requirement did not have to be registered, however it is strongly recommended to register them. If you were too young to possess a handgun back then, then you should not be in possession of a handgun that you are not the registered owner of, unless it's with special permission.
10/21/2006 5:36:27 PM EDT
[#6]
So, it seems there's a lot of misinformation out there.  Yes, we're talking pistols, no FFL, and many years ago.  As laws change and popular opinion shifts, it's good to know how to behave...or have behaved.