First time Handgun buyer

[man11withaplan]

I am going to be a first time handgun buyer here in California, I already am familiar with the process of purchasing a firearm here in California or just about anywhere. With that said, I am a bit unfamiliar with the registration process here and if anybody can tell me how it works would be much appreciated.

Second, when it comes to purchasing a handgun online, how does one register and/or go through the legal process here in The People's Republic of California. Again than you so much for your assistance

[tacticalcity]

Nothing usual to do on your part, it all happens on the FFLs side of things. You fill out the exact same forms as on a long gun, still wait the same number of days. If buying new thru and FFL you can only do 1 every 30 days, but other than that nothing is unusual about it. If doing a PPT (buying from another individual rather than the dealer) you can do more than one.

[Blackhawk556]

Yup, just go to the gun store and buy one.they will take care of all registration for you. Take your drivers license, car registration, & HSC and you'll be good to go.

[tacticalcity]

Forgot about the HSC (handgun safety certificate). If you don't have an HSC they will issue the quick multiple choice test at the store. Bring a debit or credit card because it costs a little bit of money. Questions are common sense stuff, but I think there are practice tests online if you need them. I always use the same FFL so mine is on file.

[man11withaplan]

But overall, when owning a handgun, all has to be registered to California, correct?

[Munk]

But overall, when owning a handgun, all has to be registered to California, correct?

Ownership is not the prerequisite for registration.

Purchase or transferring one is.

If you purchased one before the registration came into effect, then you have a Legally owned, unregistered firearm.

However, for you, this is moot. Any way you legally acquire a handgun that passes through an FFL, it will be registered to you.