A Roster Question

[cush619]

I am a CA resident and have bought handguns from retailers here in the State so I am familiar with the procedures for retail purchases. I know that a handgun must be on the CALDOJ Roster as having passed the required tests in order for it to be "imported" and sold in the Peoples's Republic....err.....California.

My question is this: If one is buying an older used handgun through an online auction site does the handgun have to be on the Roster before it's sent to a CA FFL for transfer? I'd like to buy an older S&W or Colt double action revolver that I don't imagine has ever been submitted for testing to the State. I know that CA dealers don't like to do these transfers as they would rather sell you a new gun but I want the quality and workmanship that older revolvers offer. I know I can get the straight scoop here.

[PlacerTactical]

It doesn't matter if it is used, if it gets sent to a dealer for a transfer, it must be on the roster. It can be converted to a single action and dros'd as exempt though, as long as it meets the single action requirements for exemption such as barrel length etc.

[JB-Norcal]

It's my understanding that all non-roster purchases need to be private party sales through an FFL face to face with the seller, and that the item itself needs to be a CA "resident". This is what I had to do, it's been a few years though.

[Cokebottle]

Roster exemptions for non-exempt persons are:
1 - Person to person transfer... online auction is cool IF and only if you can meet the seller face to face at a gun shop
2 - Intrafamilial transfer... this would only be an issue if the transferring family member is out of state or out of the area to where they can't just hand it to you
3 - Consignment sales (only if the FFL logs it as a PPT)
4 - C&R
5 - Dimensionally-compliant single shot
6 - Dimensionally-compliant single action revolver minimum 5 shots.

Might be a couple I missed, but that's going to cover 90% of situations.

[cush619]

Thanks guys. Guess I'm screwed unless I can find something used in a local gunstore.

[Cokebottle]

Post up a WTB thread and list your location... maybe someone has one they would sell.

[PlacerTactical]

Thanks guys. Guess I'm screwed unless I can find something used in a local gunstore.

Why? As long as it holds at least 5 cartridges, has a barrel not less than 3 inches, and an overall length of at least 7 1/2 inches it can be converted to single action and dros'd. On most revolvers, it is easily done and then converted back, at your leisure after you receive the firearm.

Just need to find an FFL to convert it. Search around, lots of info on it. Below is the relevant PC

12133. (a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a single-action revolver that has at least a 5-cartridge capacity with a barrel length of not less than three inches, and meets any of the following specifications:
(1) Was originally manufactured prior to 1900 and is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 478.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(2) Has an overall length measured parallel to the barrel of at least 7 1/2 inches when the handle, frame or receiver, and barrel are assembled.
(3) Has an overall length measured parallel to the barrel of at least 7 1/2 inches when the handle, frame or receiver, and barrel are assembled and that is currently approved for importation into the United States pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (3) of subsection (d) of Section 925 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

[zfields]

Beat me to it.

[Cokebottle]

+1

You mentioned "older"... How much older?
If 50 years old, it's exempt.
If it's already a single action, it's most likely already exempt unless it's a snubbie.

What model are you looking at?

[aghauler]

Thanks guys. Guess I'm screwed unless I can find something used in a local gunstore.

Not unless you can find an "older pistol" that is a C&R. You don't mention how "old" you're looking at.