Buying from a private party?

[Stork]

First off I'm new here. Anyway I'm just a young Marine interested in buying a handgun. I don't know anything about CA laws so I figured I'd ask. I'm only 20 which makes things a little difficult but I'll be 21 in Dec so I'm doing my homework now. Sorry if this has been covered but I tried the search and didn't find what I wanted.

I'd rather buy from a private party and not deal with paperwork and all that bs. This is the only way I can buy a handgun right now, so I'd like to be somewhat knowledgeable if I find something before Dec. Is there any paperwork that I have to do if I buy from a private party? Are there any laws that would prevent a simple "I give you cash and you give me a gun" kind of sale? I've done this back in WI with rifles. Is it that simple here? Any links would be appreciated as well.

I'm sure someone will tell me it is not that simple, but asking can't hurt. Thanks for any advice.

[lunde]

If you are in California, there will be paperwork, specifically that a PPT (Private Party Transfer) must be effected through a licensed dealer (FFL), and that you'll necessarily be filling out a 4473 (a Federal form) and DROS (a State form). Unless you are being given a handgun from an IFM (Immediate Family Member, defined as only parent-child and grandparent-grandchild relationships) and are over 18, you need to be 21 or older.

And yes, it is quite sad that you have committed to serving this country, in the Marine Corps no less, yet this wonderful state is preventing you from acquiring a handgun until you turn 21.

[luchador768]

In California you have to go through a FFL for all handgun purchases. And be over 21. A person to person cash and carry deal is a felony here. You will need a Basic Handgun Safety card, and proof of residence. There is also a 10 day wait. We have some of the most restrictive gun laws here, sorry. If I forgot another rule or two some one will jump in.
Peter

[Stork]

damn all that paperwork just to own a handgun. What do I have to do to get that Safety card? Does it cost anything? I guess I can wait 10 days if I have to wait till I'm 21. CA laws sure do blow my mind. Emissions and crazy gun laws are really annoying me. At least I can get around the emissions by having my car licensed in WI.

[team1320]

california is strict on emissions and hand guns, not to mention all other types of things.. hell we follow OSHA guidelines and made them even tougher making Cal/OSHA

[halifax]

HSC costs $25 and requires passing a 30 question test. Most dealers can administer the test if they sell handguns.

HSC Study Guide

If you are ACTIVE military, you can claim an exemption.

[B Strong]

First off I'm new here. Anyway I'm just a young Marine interested in buying a handgun. I don't know anything about CA laws so I figured I'd ask. I'm only 20 which makes things a little difficult but I'll be 21 in Dec so I'm doing my homework now. Sorry if this has been covered but I tried the search and didn't find what I wanted.

I'd rather buy from a private party and not deal with paperwork and all that bs. This is the only way I can buy a handgun right now, so I'd like to be somewhat knowledgeable if I find something before Dec. Is there any paperwork that I have to do if I buy from a private party? Are there any laws that would prevent a simple "I give you cash and you give me a gun" kind of sale? I've done this back in WI with rifles. Is it that simple here? Any links would be appreciated as well.

I'm sure someone will tell me it is not that simple, but asking can't hurt. Thanks for any advice.

First of all, thank you for your service.

Second, no such animal in California as a paperless firearms purchase, except for firearms considered to be Curio & Relics under Federal Law - if you want a good quality modern pistol or revolver, you're going to be filling out paperwork if you want the transaction and your possession of the firearm to be legal.

Here's the state DOJ BOF website with all the facts:

http://www.caag.state.ca.us/firearms/

[Lucky Scott]

The process is a hassle, but not that bad. Being in the military, I am sure you are used to "hurry up and wait" and delays.
I grew up in an Air Force family, so I know how it is.

Once you do it a couple times you get used to it.
Probably worse since its your first time, and the first time you go thru a 10 day wait it takes forever, but after that its no big deal.

The $25 HSC and then the $35 DROS fee. But you can still save money by getting a gun private party if you shop around. No Tax, and sometimes the seller will have extras to throw in like ammo, holster, etc.

[Stork]

Thanks everybody for helping me understand things.

[napalmspork]

Active military do not have to have the HSC, I have never had one and have bought several handguns.

[Stork]

Glad I'm active duty. One less hoop to jump through.