Gift rifle for neice and nephew

[IntoForever]

Can I legally gift a rifle to my Niece and Nephew who are both under 13? I'm not looking to do anything illegal or even grey area however I want to get them started with their own rifles.

[jtmkinsd]

Unfortunately you, as their Uncle, are not considered "immediate family" under CA law. You would have to gift the firearm to a parent/grandparent, who would take possession of the firearm through a dealer transfer at an FFL, then they could "give" it to your Niece and Nephew. Obviously, "ownership" would remain with the parents and they cannot use the firearm without adult supervision.

CA PC 12078:

(c) (1) Subdivision (d) of Section 12072 shall not apply to the
infrequent transfer of a firearm that is not a handgun by gift,
bequest, intestate succession, or other means by one individual to
another if both individuals are members of the same immediate family.

(3) As used in this subdivision, "immediate family member" means
any one of the following relationships:
(A) Parent and child.
(B) Grandparent and grandchild.


(c) (1) Subdivision (d) of Section 12072:

(d) Where neither party to the transaction holds a dealer's
license issued pursuant to Section 12071, the parties to the
transaction shall complete the sale, loan, or transfer of that
firearm through a licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Section 12082.

[IntoForever]

Thanks much! I guess I'll hold on to them until they turn 18. Not up for giving the state $$$ every time I twitch.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

...Obviously, "ownership" would remain with the parents and they cannot use the firearm without adult supervision.

Children can own long guns at any age in California. But yes, it is a good idea for the parent to maintain control of all firearms until the youngster is responsible enough.

[IntoForever]

Children can own long guns at any age in California. But yes, it is a good idea for the parent to maintain control of all firearms until the youngster is responsible enough.

Thanks. These will be in my safe until they are of age/responsible. No way I want to see another armed idiot.