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I have been wanting to buy a gun now for some time and was wondering what the requirements are. What are the different permits and licenses I keep hearing about? I have asked different friends who own guns and they just tell me that it's simple and to go down to any store that sells guns and they will register you. But what exactly should I be registering for if I want to eventually buy a shotgun and/or rifle and possible a handgun? Thanks for the help! I feel silly asking this question but I can't seen to get a specific answer from my friends.
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there is no registration, yet. go to your local gunshop and explore your options. -
Welcome to Calguns
If you have never been to the range, go and get a feel for what you would like.
If your friends do not time, I am sure calgun members are always out and about.
Either long-gun or hand-gun, you need to pass DROS/background check.
Long-guns. Just walk in store and buy.
Hand-guns will need a HSC card.
Just take the HSC test before you buy, it's that simple/common sense questions.
Oh, since you are new, post on this forum if it's a good deal before buying.
The current market is a little wacky.
But yea, basically the shop that sell will take care of all paper work needed.
Just find something that you are comfortable and shoot your best with.
good luckComment
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Not hard at all, dont worry about it. You will need ID and something to prove your address in addition to ID. A utilities bill or an auto registration works. Must have same address as your IDComment
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A smart@$$ answer would just to a nation that get free assualt weapons paid via our government...Comment
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Ok....don't know if the above made you more confused but buying a gun is relatively simple. Registering, you do not do that. What that means in CA, when you buy a handgun it is registered in your name. You don't have to register yourself but when you buy a handgun it is registered in your name with the paperwork you fill out when buying a gun. A rifle isn't registered in your name when you buy one. However, at the beginning of next year they will have to be registered when you buy one also.
If you want to buy a handgun you need to have a "handgun safety card". You get this card by passing a handgun safety test that you take at the gun store. They have a little booklet that goes over the test before you take it. It covers basic gun safety. When you pass this test, you get your Handgun Safety Card (HSC) which shows you passed the test and you can now buy a handgun. You pass this test once every 5 yrs before you have to pass it again.
When you buy any gun, rifle or handgun, you have to pass a background check to ensure you are not prohibited from buying a gun. You fill out a form at the time you buy your gun and the store then does the background check. If it comes back and you are not a "prohibited person" (not a convicted felon or have domestic violence or etc) you can pick up your gun. CA has a 10 waiting period so even if you are not a prohibited person you have to wait 10 days before you can pick up your gun. When you pick up your gun you might have to do a function/safety check with your weapon. I don't remember if this is required or not but its to show that you know how to safely handle the gun you bought. How to unload it, check that it is unloaded, how to safely load it.
If you have little or no experience with guns, I would highly recommend you learn and get some experience first before you buy one. The NRA has local sponsored classes you can take or if you have someone who can teach you the ins and outs of gun safety and etiquette. Some gun ranges also have classes to familiarize people who have no experience and some have different guns you can rent. That way you can ask advice and find one you are comfortable and can shoot with. There are women on this forum who can help you also which gun to buy. Women have smaller hands and most guns are made with men in mind. What fits a mans hand might not be a good fit in your hand. Also some men think a woman can not shoot a larger caliber gun (more powerful)and try to stear a woman away from them but I think you can shoot what ever suits YOU. It is YOU who will be shooting it and its up to you to determine what works best for you.
I hope this helps. Lots of people are helpful on here, and if you want to talk to ladies, go to the ladies forum.
Last edited by SWalt; 07-20-2013, 4:31 PM.^^^The above is just an opinion.
NRA Patron Member
CRPA 5 yr Member
"...which from their verbosity, their endless tautologies, their involutions of case within case, and parenthesis within parenthesis, and their multiplied efforts at certainty by saids and aforesaids, by ors and by ands, to make them more plain, do really render them more perplexed and incomprehensible, not only to common readers, but to lawyers themselves. " - Thomas JeffersonComment
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If you are near me I will take you to my range to try different firearms. I would also help to buy what you decide you want if you desire. I have a fair number of firearms for you to try.
Besides that I suggest a 22RF for your first firearm if you have not shot before.
My best advise to a newbie on this site is to read the rules and post in the correct forums----Especially if you have something to sell or want to buy! Also list your town in your header so people can be more helpfulA 30cal will reach out and touch them. A 50cal will kick their butt.
NRA Life Member, NRA certified RSO & Basic Pistol Instructor, Hunter, shooter, reloader
SCI, Manteca Sportsmen Club, Coalinga Rifle Club, Escalon Sportsmans Club, Waterford Sportsman Club & NAHA Member, Madison Society memberComment
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Welcome to Calguns!Comment
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Sorry, but with a name like "Pinupgirl" somebody needed to say it.
Welcome to the forum btw. And please don't feel silly about asking questions. Everyone here was new at some point. Ask away and we'll try to help."Kestryll I wanna lick your doughnut."
Fighter PilotComment
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I was gonna say watch out for the leg humpers with a name like pinupgirl. Too late.
Welcome anyway, kiddo!RKBA Clock: soap box, ballot box, jury box, cartridge box (Say When!)
Free Vespuchia!Comment
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WelcomesigpicComment
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Hi, welcome, an good luck w/you new purchase...Comment
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welcome to the forum.Comment
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