Are LEO exempt?

[KimoBBZ]

A buddy of mine is switching departments and is in the market for a 1911 w/ accessory rail. He stumbled upon several pistols that are not on the CA DOJ approved list... and asked me my opinion on a few pieces.

He's not sure, but was told by brother officers that they are not restricted by the list. Is that correct? I was under the impression that they weren't restricted by the magazine limits, but the whole list? WOW. Are they also exempt from the AW laws too?

Bonus question: if he does aquire a pistol NOT on the list, can he transfer it to non-LEO in the future (namely ME)?

[code33]

Check out Penal Code section 12125(b)(4).

[homerm14]

Not exempt, must get a letter from his department. Same for AW's, and no he can not transfer the weapon to you.

[antarius]

As stated above.

If he gets a letter from his department he can purchase an off-list handgun. Same goes for an assault weapon. Also, when purchasing with a letter, it does not count towards your "1 handgun every 30 days" limitation.

[KimoBBZ]

darn, no "loophole"!!

I thought as much... the penal code seemed pretty clear, except for the possible transfer down the road. Aww well, at the very least if he gets something interesting, I'll get a chance to shoot it. Thanks guys!!

[saki302]

Yes, a LEO CAN transfer a non-listed pistol he registered at a later date. But he needs a dept. letterhead to get it, so it's not easy- i.e. don't ask your LEO friends to go get STIs for you. but he can get duty/backup weapons for himself, then sell them later if he upgrades them.

-Dave