// STATE GUIDE — CA

Buying Ammo & Guns Online in California (2026)

Q: Can I buy ammo online and have it shipped to California?

Online ammo purchases in California cannot be shipped directly to your door. They must go to a licensed dealer for a background check. Check with your preferred retailer about their CA shipping policy before ordering.

Q: What is the magazine capacity limit in California?

California restricts magazines to 10 rounds or fewer. Possession of magazines holding more than 10 rounds may be a criminal offense. Some grandfathered magazines may be exempt under specific conditions — consult an attorney for guidance.

Q: Are AR-15s legal in California?

California bans "assault weapons" by name and feature set. AR-15 platform rifles must be "featureless" (no pistol grip, adjustable stock, flash suppressor, etc.) or use a fixed magazine. Consult a CA-licensed firearms attorney before purchasing.

Q: Does California require a background check to buy ammo?

Yes. California requires a background check for every ammunition purchase, including online orders. This check is performed at a licensed dealer. There is typically a fee of $1–$19 per transaction.

Q: Which online ammo retailers ship to California?

Retailers commonly shipping to California include: Lucky Gunner, Ammunition Depot, Target Sports USA, MidwayUSA. Always verify current shipping policies on the retailer's website, as they can change. Retailers known not to ship here: SG Ammo, Grab A Gun.

UPDATED 2026ISR 24HEDITORIAL REVIEW

// DIRECT ANSWER

Buying ammo online in California (CA) requires all shipments to go through a licensed dealer for a mandatory background check — direct-to-door shipping is prohibited. Firearms purchases follow federal FFL transfer rules with additional state-level requirements. Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds. California is among the most regulated states for firearms and ammunition.

// 01 — AMMO SHIPPING RULES

California Ammo Shipping Rules

California requires all ammunition purchases — including online orders — to ship to a licensed vendor (FFL or approved ammo dealer) for a background check ($1–$19 fee) before pickup. Direct-to-door online ammo shipping is illegal.

⚠ Background Check Required: Every ammunition purchase in California requires a point-of-sale background check through a licensed dealer. Budget extra time (typically 1–3 business days) for dealer processing in addition to shipping time.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) governs baseline ammunition eligibility requirements. California adds state-level requirements on top of federal minimums. Online retailers are responsible for complying with both federal and CA state law, which is why shipping policies differ significantly by retailer.

// 02 — FIREARM PURCHASE RULES

California Firearm Laws (2026)

All firearm purchases in California — whether from a brick-and-mortar store or shipped from an online retailer — must go through a licensed FFL dealer. Federal law mandates a background check (NICS) for every retail firearms sale.

California bans "assault weapons" under state definitions. Standard AR-15 rifles require "featureless" compliance or a Bullet Button Replacement Device. .50 BMG rifles are banned.

California imposes a waiting period between purchase and pickup for some or all firearms. Handguns typically require separate permitting beyond a standard NICS check. Always verify current waiting period requirements with your local FFL dealer before purchasing.

// 03 — MAGAZINE CAPACITY

Magazine Limits in California

ROUND LIMIT

California state maximum magazine capacity

California prohibits magazines (and feeding devices) capable of holding more than 10 rounds. This applies to pistol magazines, rifle magazines, and drum magazines. Magazines imported, manufactured, or sold in violation of this limit may result in criminal charges.

When purchasing firearms or magazines online, ensure the retailer ships CA-compliant versions. Many manufacturers offer state-compliant models. Online retailers serving California should automatically sell compliant products — if they don't, contact the retailer before purchasing.

// 04 — RETAILERS SHIPPING TO CA