Red dot sights are the talk of the town in the firearms market, and there is no doubt that they should not be as they serve a crucial purpose in the shooting despite being just an accessory. But have you ever wondered if this accessory is even legal in your state? Or you might have already brought one or thought of buying one but have no idea of its legality. In a nutshell, in your mind, you may have already come across the question that ” are red dots legal in California?”
To answer the burning question in your mind: YES! the red dots are legal in California. But here are a few things you need to keep in mind, even if the red dot is legal, the weapon or the weapon holder may not be.
Legal Age
The first thing is knowing the legal age limit for possessing weapons in California. The legal age limit is 21 years to buy, own and possess firearms. The state at this age permits you. But if you are under 21, the state does not allow an individual to sell a gun, supply a gun, or transfer it.
Transportation
Where the state permits you to the firearms, it also imposes some laws such as
- the transportation of weapons
In California, you can transport handguns legally if
- the weapons are not loaded.
- The firearms are locked in a container.
- If not the container, then in the car’s trunk.
- The weapon should be apparent while in a vehicle.
The Storage of Weapons
You can store your firearms legally if you have a state-approved “firearm safety device.”
Strict Gun Laws
Yes! my dear fellas, California has strict gun laws which prevent an individual from multiple things. The following are big no’s in this state.
- Rifles can not have night vision scopes mounted on them.
- You can not make a person-to-person purchase.
- Magazine limit exists.
- If you purchase a firearm, you can not take it home on the same day.
And the list goes on.
Firearms that are prohibited
Only certain types of firearms are allowed in California, while the prohibited ones are required to be transferred and stored when they are not loaded. The following ammunitions and equipment are strictly prohibited.
- The short-hand barreled shotguns and rifles
- Cane guns, zip, and wallet guns are illegal under Penal Code 24410 PC, 17330 PC, and 33600 PC, respectively.
- Obsecure or undetechtable guns
- Explosive bullets
- And camouflaged firearms are not up for production, assembling, selling, and buying.
Prohibited places
Even though mass shootings have increased in the past several years, they are actually illegal in many places. Bringing weapons or firearms into such areas could danger anyone’s life. The six places in California where ammunitions are prohibited are.
- The school grounds under penal code 626.9 PC
- Areas and places open to the public, such as buildings and state halls under penal code 171b PC.
- Government buildings under penal code 171c PC
- The governor’s mansion also bans the use of firearms under penal 171d PC.
- Airports and terminals are also places where no guns and no ammunition are allowed under penal code 171.5 PC
- Last but not least is the public transport facilities, such as busses and subways, under the penal code 171.7 PC.
CONCLUSION
Again the red dots are a big YES in Californian state and are legal for shooting at both long and short ranges. Yet, weapons or certain firearms are illegal in California, such as short-hand barreled rifles, shotguns, cane and zip guns, etc. You might think that California is strict in its gun-abiding policies, but the sudden wave in the rise of firearms has alerted the authorities. Putting the legal age up to 21 years was done to minimize school shootings so that an individual can handle the firearm as a responsible citizen. In the end, I would conclude by saying that we are not giving you any legal advice, instead helping you know what is and is not legal regarding firearms.
FAQ
Is the usage of ghost guns legal in California?
Yes! It is legal to buy gun parts and assemble them. The background check is not necessary, but the state may require those gun parts to have their individual serial numbers.
Who can not use firearms?
Well, typically, the state prohibits people who have committed a felony, are drug addicts, people who are mentally challenged, and are under 18. But this prohibition also extends to those charged with misconduct or misdemeanour against a family member.
