What Is the California Handgun Roster?
The California handgun roster — officially the Roster of Certified Handguns — is a list maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) that enumerates which semi-automatic pistols are approved for retail sale in the state. The roster was created by the Unsafe Handgun Act (UHA) of 2001, codified at Cal. Penal Code § 31900–32110.
The core rule is straightforward: no licensed dealer may sell, offer for sale, or transfer any semi-automatic pistol that is not on the roster. This applies to all FFL transactions, including new and used handgun sales from dealer inventory. The roster does not apply to revolvers, single-shot pistols, or long guns.
As of early 2026, the roster contains approximately 250 handgun models — down from over 1,100 in 2013. To understand why, you need to understand the three safety requirements that manufacturers must meet.
California Handgun Roster — Quick Facts
The Three Requirements: LCI, Magazine Disconnect, and Microstamping
To be placed on the roster, a semi-automatic pistol must satisfy three safety requirements. Each must be independently met, and the manufacturer must submit test samples to a DOJ-approved laboratory.
1. Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI)
Under Cal. Penal Code § 31910(b)(4), the handgun must have a loaded chamber indicator — a device that clearly shows whether a round is chambered. This requirement took effect on January 1, 2006. Common implementations include a raised pin or tab on the slide that protrudes when a round is in the chamber, or a viewport that allows visual inspection.
2. Magazine Disconnect Safety
Under Cal. Penal Code § 31910(b)(5), the handgun must have a magazine disconnect mechanism that prevents the firearm from firing when the magazine is removed from the gun. This requirement also took effect on January 1, 2006. This requirement is controversial among firearms trainers, as it adds a mechanical component that some argue reduces reliability and can create a false sense of security.
3. Microstamping
The microstamping requirement, codified at Cal. Penal Code § 31910(b)(7), was signed into law in 2007 (AB 1471) but was triggered by a DOJ certification in 2013 that the technology was available. It requires that the firearm engrave a microscopic code onto the primer of each cartridge case when fired. This code is intended to link a fired case to a specific firearm serial number.
This is the requirement that effectively froze the roster. No major manufacturer has implemented microstamping on a production handgun. The technology is widely considered to be unreliable, easily defeated (by replacing the firing pin), and prohibitively expensive. As a result, no new semi-automatic pistol models have been added to the roster since 2013, and the roster shrinks annually as manufacturers discontinue older models or fail to renew their certifications.
Why the Roster Keeps Shrinking
When a manufacturer adds a new model, California requires it to meet all three requirements — including microstamping. Since no manufacturer implements microstamping, no new models are added. Meanwhile, for every new model a manufacturer attempts to certify, three existing models must be removed (a provision added to accelerate the transition to microstamping). Combined with natural discontinuations, the roster loses dozens of models per year while gaining zero.
Popular Handguns Currently on the Roster
Despite the shrinking list, many excellent handguns remain available through FFL dealers in California. Here are the most popular on-roster models as of 2026:
| Manufacturer | Model | Caliber(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glock | Gen 3 (17, 19, 26, 34, etc.) | 9mm, .40 S&W | Most popular on-roster handguns; Gen 4 and 5 are NOT on roster |
| Smith & Wesson | M&P 9 (1st gen) | 9mm | M&P 2.0 is NOT on roster |
| Smith & Wesson | SD9 VE / SD40 VE | 9mm, .40 S&W | Budget-friendly option |
| Springfield | XD (original series) | 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP | XD-M and XD-S are NOT on roster |
| Beretta | 92FS / M9 | 9mm | Classic military sidearm; reliable choice |
| CZ | 75 series | 9mm | CZ 75B remains on roster |
| Sig Sauer | P226 / P229 | 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG | DA/SA models; P320/P365 are NOT on roster |
| Ruger | SR9 / SR40 | 9mm, .40 S&W | Some variants still listed |
| HK | USP (various) | 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP | Premium option; VP9 is NOT on roster |
| Walther | PPQ (early models) | 9mm | Limited availability; PDP is NOT on roster |
Important note: The roster changes frequently as manufacturers renew or fail to renew certifications. Always check the official DOJ roster at oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns before purchasing. You can also use our Roster Search Tool for a more user-friendly experience.
Search the California Handgun Roster
Use our free Roster Search Tool to instantly check whether a specific handgun model is currently on the California roster.
Open Roster Search ToolHow to Legally Acquire an Off-Roster Handgun
The roster restrictions apply only to FFL dealer sales. There are several legal methods to acquire a handgun that is not on the roster:
1. Private Party Transfer (PPT)
Under Cal. Penal Code § 27545, private party transfers between two California residents are exempt from the roster requirement. If a California resident already possesses an off-roster handgun and wishes to sell it, they may do so through a licensed dealer (who processes the DROS and background check) even though the firearm is not on the roster.
This is the most common method for obtaining off-roster handguns. Platforms like CalGuns Classifieds facilitate these transactions. Expect to pay a significant premium — off-roster handguns frequently sell for $1,000 to $2,500+ above retail because of the limited supply.
2. Intrafamilial Transfer
Under Cal. Penal Code § 27875, handguns (including off-roster models) may be transferred between parent and child, grandparent and grandchild without going through a dealer, though an Intrafamilial Firearm Transaction Report must be filed with the DOJ within 30 days. As of 2015, sibling-to-sibling transfers are no longer exempt and must go through an FFL (and are subject to the roster).
3. Law Enforcement Officers (LEO Exemption)
Active and retired law enforcement officers are exempt from the roster under Cal. Penal Code § 32000(b)(4). LEOs may purchase any handgun from a dealer regardless of roster status. This exemption is often cited as a source of off-roster handguns entering the private market — once an officer purchases a handgun, they may later sell it via PPT to any eligible California resident.
4. New Resident Move-In (Within 60 Days)
If you move to California and already own handguns, you must register them with the DOJ within 60 days of establishing residency by filing a New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership (Cal. Penal Code § 17000). This includes off-roster handguns. Once registered, these firearms may later be sold via PPT.
AB 1078: Three-Per-Month Purchase Limit
Effective January 1, 2025, AB 1078 limits all firearms purchases (including handguns) to three per month. This applies across all transaction types — FFL sales, PPT, and intrafamilial transfers all count toward the monthly limit. Previously, a one-per-30-day rule applied to handguns only. The new law extends this concept to all firearms, including long guns, while slightly relaxing the per-handgun pace (3 per month vs. 1 per 30 days for handguns alone).
Legal Challenges to the Roster
The handgun roster has faced multiple constitutional challenges, and the legal landscape is shifting:
Boland v. Bonta
The most significant challenge to the roster. Plaintiffs argue that the microstamping requirement, in particular, is a de facto ban on new handgun models, violating the Second Amendment. After the Bruen decision, this case was remanded for reconsideration under the new "text, history, and tradition" standard. The central question: can California point to a historical analogue that supports restricting which handguns citizens may purchase based on a technology requirement that no manufacturer has implemented?
Renna v. Bonta
Another challenge focused on the microstamping requirement, arguing that requiring a technology that does not commercially exist in any production firearm is functionally equivalent to a ban.
The outcome of these cases could fundamentally alter the roster. If courts find that the microstamping requirement fails the Bruen test, California may be forced to either abandon the requirement or significantly modify the roster system. Track these cases on our Law Tracker.
Revolvers and the Roster
Revolvers are NOT subject to the roster. Under Cal. Penal Code § 31900, the Unsafe Handgun Act applies only to semi-automatic pistols. Any revolver that is legal under federal law may be sold by a California FFL. This means you can buy a brand-new Smith & Wesson 686 Plus, Ruger GP100, or Colt Python from any California dealer without roster concerns.
Common Misconceptions
"Off-roster handguns are illegal in California"
NO. Off-roster handguns are perfectly legal to own and possess in California. The roster only restricts FFL sales. If you legally acquire an off-roster handgun through PPT, intrafamilial transfer, inheritance, or move-in registration, you may lawfully own, carry (with CCW), and use it.
"The roster bans certain calibers"
NO. The roster does not restrict calibers. It restricts specific make/model combinations. A 9mm Glock 19 Gen 3 is on the roster, while a 9mm Glock 19 Gen 5 is not — same caliber, different model.
"I can buy an off-roster gun at a gun show"
NO. All gun show sales in California must go through an FFL and are subject to the same roster restrictions as any other dealer sale.
Protect Your Investment
Whether you own an on-roster Glock Gen 3 or an off-roster acquisition, a quality gun case protects your firearm during transport and storage. California law requires firearms to be transported in a locked container.
Browse Gun Cases on AmazonMaintaining Your Handgun
Regardless of whether your handgun is on or off the roster, proper maintenance is essential for safety and reliability. California law does not regulate cleaning supplies or maintenance equipment. Regular cleaning and inspection ensures your firearm functions safely.
Keep Your Firearms Clean and Reliable
A comprehensive cleaning kit is a must-have for any firearm owner. Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends the life of your investment.
Browse Cleaning Kits on AmazonChoosing an On-Roster Holster
If you have a CCW permit, a quality holster matched to your specific handgun is essential. Since on-roster handguns tend to be older designs (Glock Gen 3, Beretta 92FS, CZ 75, etc.), holster availability is excellent — these are among the most widely supported handgun models in the holster market.
Find the Right Holster
A properly fitted holster ensures safe carry and quick access. Whether IWB, OWB, or appendix, find the perfect fit for your on-roster handgun.
Browse Holsters on AmazonConclusion
California's handgun roster is one of the most restrictive firearms regulations in the country. The microstamping requirement has effectively frozen the list since 2013, and the roster continues to shrink annually. For California residents, this means fewer new handgun options through FFL dealers, higher prices for off-roster firearms on the private market, and a legal landscape that may change significantly as constitutional challenges work through the courts.
Stay informed about roster changes, track legal challenges, and verify the current status of any handgun before purchasing. Use our Roster Search Tool to check the latest roster data, and follow our Law Tracker for updates on Boland v. Bonta and related cases.