How to buy a firearm (pistol)

[Rickybillegas]

Hello everyone.

I decided to start a new thread on how to buy a gun currently in Ca.
I haven't bought a firearm since 2019 (a rifle) and the laws have changed and continue to be confusing.

I'm thinking about buying an on roster pistol, but haven't made up my mind yet
Currently my pistols are non-roster.

So, I'm asking folks who have bought in the last year or so what their experience is. Might help others too that might be thinking about buying.
I can't find my FSC, but I'm on the DOJ website because I've bought ammo and been cleared to buy.

I thought I read on another thread that you need to show proof of having a DOJ approved home safe??? I store my weapons in locked small gun cases, except for the one I hold on to for SD. And I have a big old heavy safe that I store when I'm gone for vacation.

So besides FSC clearance and waiting the ten days or whatever it is now, what are the current headaches we need to go through?

[edgerly779]

Must have fsc card in possession or no sale for handgun . For long gun hunting license is fine . Database meaningless for firearm purchase. Fill out safe affidavit.

[Librarian]

Read the Real ID (former sticky) http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1629288

[Usmc0844spare]

Hello everyone.

I decided to start a new thread on how to buy a gun currently in Ca.
I haven't bought a firearm since 2019 (a rifle) and the laws have changed and continue to be confusing.

I'm thinking about buying an on roster pistol, but haven't made up my mind yet
Currently my pistols are non-roster.

So, I'm asking folks who have bought in the last year or so what their experience is. Might help others too that might be thinking about buying.
I can't find my FSC, but I'm on the DOJ website because I've bought ammo and been cleared to buy.

I thought I read on another thread that you need to show proof of having a DOJ approved home safe??? I store my weapons in locked small gun cases, except for the one I hold on to for SD. And I have a big old heavy safe that I store when I'm gone for vacation.

So besides FSC clearance and waiting the ten days or whatever it is now, what are the current headaches we need to go through?

Here is my recent experience purchasing an on-roster pistol from Bass Pro. This is just my experience, yours will vary based on retailer, clerk experience, firearm, etc.

• Went online, purchased pistol; selected BP store to pick up from, entered CC, etc. Hit checkout.
• Hour later got an "order is ready for pick up"
• Next day, went to store with copy of that email, non-FLA CA DL, plus an assortment of utility bill print outs to prove residency (with non-FLA DL you only need one but I wasn't taking any chances)
• Gave clerk my stuff, he was fine with my water bill print out. Note, I would recommend, if using a utility bill as proof of residence, to make sure it lists a service address. Not sure this is a requirement or not but they did take note of it in my case.
• Clerk brought out gun for inspection. I verified it's what I ordered. They took it back to the vault area for it's 10 day rest.
• My FSC had expired, so I took that test while they were doing other paperwork
• Paperwork success, 10 day wait commenced (actually BP does 11 days)
• On the 11th day, went and picked up, which is a story in itself, but that is more about Bass Pro than Cal DOJ
• Gun COMES WITH A CABLE LOCK FROM MFR. What is weird is that they GAVE ME the exact same kind of lock and locked the gun up with it before I left the store. So... not sure why they did that, but those kind of cable locks are dirt cheap, so who knows. But yeah, I walked out of there with 2 brand new cable locks; the one that came with the gun, and the one they gave me. NEVER IN THE PROCESS did they ask me if I had a lock or a safe or anything.

I am not sure, but I'd guess that if you don't have your FSC on you... you'll need to get a new one. Someone smarter than me might be able to tell you differently, but I would not count on the store being able to query some FSC database on the fly to prove you have a current one.

[Rickybillegas]

Read the Real ID (former sticky) http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1629288

Yeah, I'm in the process of getting my REAL ID.
Should have it in the next few weeks.

I've been buying ammo with my old DL and my passport.

I guess I'll have to get a new FSC at Turners because my old one is buried somewhere in all my crap. If I remember it's 25 questions and not too hard.
Costs 20 bucks or something.

I see DOJ approved safes are not too expensive; looks like you can get one for under $200.00.

What a giant headache. I might just shine on it and just keep my non-roster weapons, but I'm concerned the way Ca. is going, they're going to introduce some bill that will make non-roster guns illegal for carry.

I know there's a lawsuit going on challenging the whole roster rigamoroe, but who knows how long it will take to get struck down if ever.

BTW, I don't like any of the on roster pistols that I've seen. I like 1911's, but they're non-roster except some high end ones like Wilson Combat and such for mega bucks.

[Librarian]

[*]Gun COMES WITH A CABLE LOCK FROM MFR. What is weird is that they GAVE ME the exact same kind of lock and locked the gun up with it before I left the store. So... not sure why they did that, but those kind of cable locks are dirt cheap, so who knows. But yeah, I walked out of there with 2 brand new cable locks; the one that came with the gun, and the one they gave me. NEVER IN THE PROCESS did they ask me if I had a lock or a safe or anything.

Locks are really weird. It's easily the case that the lock that came with the gun is not on the list of approved safety devices, so another one that IS on the list is required.

At least BP gave you one rather than selling you one.

See also the archived wiki article section on locks, http://web.archive.org/web/201910180...es.2C_and_Laws

[igs]

At least BP gave you one rather than selling you one.

Well that was nice of them, I might start buying there now.

[pythonfan]

Locks are really weird. It's easily the case that the lock that came with the gun is not on the list of approved safety devices, so another one that IS on the list is required.

At least BP gave you one rather than selling you one.

See also the archived wiki article section on locks, http://web.archive.org/web/201910180...es.2C_and_Laws

If memory serves, bass pro shops in california do charge for the lock. It's their policy to always sell you a lock with every firearms purchase. They don't do the safe affidavit form. It should be a list item with your dros form. I think it's $5.

[Scooooter7]

So sorry for you guys still in CA, sucks to be you when trying to purchase a weapon.

[kydave]

Re: FSC

I have never had any of the Firearms Safety Certificate or predecessor documents. There are exemptions. I've always used X41 or X81. If you're dealing with a kid at the firearms desk, these sometimes involve bringing the manager to the counter. Lots of folks blindly say "FSC, please" and draw a blank when you say, "Don't have one, just use exemption X81". I took to keeping a copy of all that with a copy of my storage certification and appropriate code, all kept with my registration and copy of lease & just walk in with it all from the get go.

From the CA DOJ Website:
What are the Firearm Safety Certificate requirement exemption codes?
X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
X02 = Operation of Law Representative
X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
X21 = Military - Active Duty
X22 = Military - Reserve
X25 = Military - Honorably Retired
X31 = Peace Officer - California - Active
X32 = Peace Officer - Federal - Active
X33 = Peace Officer - California - Honorably Retired
X34 = Peace Officer - California - Reserve
X35 = Peace Officer - Federal - Honorably Retired
X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
X98 = Valid Hunting License (long guns only)

Just saying...

[Usmc0844spare]

If memory serves, bass pro shops in california do charge for the lock. It's their policy to always sell you a lock with every firearms purchase. They don't do the safe affidavit form. It should be a list item with your dros form. I think it's $5.

Idaknow... they post their DROS fees and what they charged me didn't seem to have an unaccounted for $5 based on the fee chart. Then again I didn't look too closely.

IF they snuck this in without letting me know, that's... annoying. But that's about it. I ain't gonna get irate over a $5 fee when I perfectly well understand why a huge *** company like BP would do it. Simple expediency.

[Librarian]

If memory serves, bass pro shops in california do charge for the lock. It's their policy to always sell you a lock with every firearms purchase. They don't do the safe affidavit form. It should be a list item with your dros form. I think it's $5.

Well, since the affidavit does not work for handguns for the Feds, easier to train the counter people that way.

[igs]

If you're dealing with a kid at the firearms desk, these sometimes involve bringing the manager to the counter. Lots of folks blindly say "FSC, please" and draw a blank when you say, "Don't have one, just use exemption X81".

Well how are they supposed to know unless you give them your certificate?

[Wlee]

Re: FSC

I have never had any of the Firearms Safety Certificate or predecessor documents. There are exemptions. I've always used X41 or X81. If you're dealing with a kid at the firearms desk, these sometimes involve bringing the manager to the counter. Lots of folks blindly say "FSC, please" and draw a blank when you say, "Don't have one, just use exemption X81". I took to keeping a copy of all that with a copy of my storage certification and appropriate code, all kept with my registration and copy of lease & just walk in with it all from the get go.

From the CA DOJ Website:
What are the Firearm Safety Certificate requirement exemption codes?
X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
X02 = Operation of Law Representative
X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
X21 = Military - Active Duty
X22 = Military - Reserve
X25 = Military - Honorably Retired
X31 = Peace Officer - California - Active
X32 = Peace Officer - Federal - Active
X33 = Peace Officer - California - Honorably Retired
X34 = Peace Officer - California - Reserve
X35 = Peace Officer - Federal - Honorably Retired
X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
X98 = Valid Hunting License (long guns only)

Just saying...

^^This, I always use either X13 or X91 when I buy guns for my FSC exemption. X91 applies to CA Security guards who are in possession of an exposed firearm permit. Not surprisingly, because the way CA words it, not many armed guards know about that.

[ar15robert]

Last time I bought a handgun in ca was 2016. Previous was 2001 and 2016 was like a 10 step process that I didn?t bother buying another.

Get bfsc take test pass,fill out forms do skills test buy lock etc come back 10 days fill more papers out etc.

Now in az I have bought 3 more in out in 15 min tops.