California Gun Laws Book

It has more recent thus more relevant information.

Excellent information.

The book is extremely complete with all the nuances of the quirky and often crazy California gun laws. If you own a gun in CA then you need this book and even if you don’t own a gun and live in CA then reading this book will give you an idea of what your state government is doing.

As a CCW instructor and firearm instructor, a must have 👍

This book is an easy to read reference book that is up to the minute at it’s writing. Has an excellent Index. I recommend it for everyone that lives in California.

Every serious gun owner needs this book. With the ever-changing gun laws in CA, it is imperative reading.

Don’t get caught saying, “I didn’t know.”

This is a great book. So important to keep up on the laws and what is being taken away. California has so many gun laws this book just helps you understand what you needed to do or not do.

A very carefully written and comprehensive guide to CA gun laws. The laws are complex and constantly changing. 492 pages of law summary and explanation. In spite of the law complexity, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

Bold print for new laws or decisions so we can quickly see what is new/changed.

Add info on whether a California citizen can inherit from a friend or relative who lives out of state. May the firearm be “off list?” No assault weapons in this question.

Great book

This newest edition is a necessity for anyone thinking of owning a firearm or possessing one in California.

The book is incredibly well written and informative. For this type of book, it is a really fast read. It really shows that the author knows his stuff.

Chuck has a great book.

Great book, keeps one updated to changes in gun laws!

Easy to use and check updates and new laws.

As always – met expectations – easy order process – delivered as promised.

As a CCW holder and EDC, I keep updates of this book handy for two decades. Nothing worse than not knowing or understanding laws in one of the most restrictive states for firearms ownership and EDC.

If I ever need a gun rights attorney, CD Michel is the one I want by my side. Get your copy today and know how your rights are limited under CA’s onerous weight of laws and regulations. JKL

Unlike the author, I’m not a big fan of the NRA. I point this out because I want to be clear that my praise of the author comes despite not seeing eye to eye with him. There is just no denying he produces a phenomenal resource.

As an attorney, I also know that he gives copies out to both private lawyers and research department’s at public defenders offices for feedback. That is, he checks his ego at the door wants the best and brightest lawyers in the state to look over his work and let him know if they find any flaws with it.

Because C.D. Michel is passionate about the topic and strives to improve it every year, this book has no peers. That being said, it might not be for someone looking for a “quick and dirty” guide to gun laws in California. The law is very complex, constantly changing, and sometimes ambiguous. The book prioritizes accuracy over easy to digest soundbites.

But all things considered, it does a great job of making the subject matter accessible and very easy to find topics (wonderful organization, table of contents and index). Because the law is so complex and constantly changing, this is not a substitute for a lawyer in the area. But it is where I start every gun prosecution I defend against.

Great guide. Has all the info you need. The only problem is its shelf life… California’s gun laws change every 6 minutes so… but for those 6 minutes, you will have a great resource for gun law.

As another reviewer pointed out, this is not an easily accessible book. But that’s mostly because of the confusing interplay between federal law, California statutes, California regulations, and the way the Cal DOJ both interprets and applies those regulations.

A clearer organization might be possible, but I would not want to undertake that task. (Lawyer for 30+ years; family has FFL and NFA dealer.) The best way to navigate it is via the index, with a copy of the Penal Code in hand (or open online). Not for casual readers.

California’s gun laws are insane… cumbersome, confusing and often contradictory. Written by politicians and activists who have absolutely no understanding of firearms. Just feel-good legislation with no real impact on preventing criminals from obtaining and using firearms.

But if you want to own a firearm in California, tis book is a MUST READ – it keeps a law abiding citizen from violating one of California’s labyrinth of laws.

Well written, excellent and meaningful content.

This book is “The Bible” on California gun laws! It’s definitely a must have.

A must have for California gun owners. Very thorough and informative. Well organized.

If you area gun owner and live in California this book is a must. The laws in California are very complex. This book explains them to people who do not have a law degree.

Excellent book that breaks down the complex California Gun Laws. The authors are very clear and concise, yet they have a vast amount of knowledge and experience. I recommend 10/10!!

This book helped me to understand the complexity of the laws here in California if you read through it and look for the information.

Great book to.

California’s firearm laws are a byzantine maze of legislation and confusion, and that’s just how the state wants it. Fortunately, Chuck Michel and Matt Cubeiro know their stuff – and have condensed it all into a much easier way to stay on the right side of the law. It’s no joke: this book will keep you out of jail.

This resource is huge, and (though it does not say so on the front cover) it has a highly detailed index at the beginning. So what you are looking for in the California or Federal gun laws, it can take you there quickly. Quickly!

FYI – the author is just like a farmer, out-standing in his field.

Well written in a style that speaks to every gun owner about the over 800 exceedingly complex firearms laws in California. A must have to keep yourself out of trouble in the golden state. Updated for 2020 addressing all of the changes that have taken place over the last year.

Highly recommended, good read for the layman in non legalize language anyone can understand despite the insanity of the California legislature.

Authoritative and comprehensive analysis of CA gun laws. Living in this state requires the annual purchase of this book, since many (most?) of the gun laws passed in CA are not intended to stop criminals, but to trip up regular folks who haven’t kept up with the myriad traps designed to harass gun makers, stores, and owners into abandoning the 2A.

If you have a question you can always call or send message to the author and you should be referred to the appropriate page in the book. When I’m in the field I make sure to GIVE a copy to law enforcement officers that attend in uniform.

As a California firearms attorney, I have seen this California Gun Laws book by C. D. Michel grow throughout the years as California’s laws have grown in complexity, and it has only gotten better. It takes a very complex issue and organizes it into easily understood categories and chapters, and it translates the Penal Code’s legalese into simple English.

For the price of a tenth of an hour of a California Firearm Attorney’s time, this book provides guidance on the vast majority of issues faced by Californians. If you are a gun owner in California, I highly recommend this book to know how to be a lawful gun owner in California.

I’m attorney in California and this is my go to starting point for firearms law research. The labyrinth of California’s firearm laws are rarely intuitive, and often make no sense at all. Yet a lack of knowledge in even the most arcane areas of CA gun law can and often does lead to serious criminal charges.

Often this is because someone relied on outdated or flat out wrong advice posted online. Don’t let that happen to you, get this book, read it cover to cover, and double check it any time you aren’t sure.

Messr. Michel and Cubeiro’s book is an invaluable resource for anyone that does or wants to own and keep a gun in California. This book is well organized, with a clear table of contents that points the reader directly to critical topics. It is written very clearly, accessible to all audiences.

I received more value than I could ever pay for it in a single incident, when the information in this book helped me navigate a tricky firearm transaction that resulted in a personal phone call from the vice president of a sporting goods chain, assuring me that store management had been informed of their error and my rifle was ready for me to pick up without further delay. Money spent on this book is an immeasurably valuable investment in a California gun owner’s security and peace of mind.

If you are a gun owner who lives in California, you simply must own this book. It is indispensably useful and required reading if you want to be a responsible gun owner, or even if you’re just looking for a very readable and usable resource on California’s myriad firearms laws for other reasons.

I have yet to encounter a question that I’ve come up with or a friend has come up with that I wasn’t able to answer within about 5 minutes of picking up this book. That’s how comprehensive it is.

Because California’s gun laws change in significant ways pretty much every year, I usually get ahold of the new edition pretty much as soon as it is available. This year’s edition is even better because it has a fantastic index.

The book’s section on “assault weapons” is worth the price alone because it succinctly explains the strange way that California has chosen to regulate those items in piecemeal (and very confusing) fashion over decades.

Chuck Michael is a hero in the Second Amendment community. He is one of the pre-eminent firearms attorneys in the U.S. He and his legal team secured the permanent injunction against California recent attempt to unlawfully seize existing magazines over 10 rounds, and more recently headed up the team in RHODE vs. Baccerra that got an injunction against the state’s draconian ammunition regulations, intended to make buying ammo as difficult as buying a firearm!

Because of the constantly changing laws and regulations being put in place by the anti-2A forces in Sacramento, I’ve bought this book every couple of years to make sure that I’m not going to find myself inadvertently violating some law that is going to put me in jail!

Well written and comprehensive, the book explains in laymen’s terms (to the greatest extent possible) the do’s and don’ts for the gun owner in CA.

I am not an FFL or a lawyer, just a guy who has a fair number of firearms, and enjoys using them for hunting, sport and self-defense. This book covered everything that I need to know.

If you want a comprehensive and authoritative resource on California gun laws, then I strongly recommend this book. And sadly, because of the constant assault on our rights in California, you may need the new edition that releases each year to follow along with whatever new nonsensical restrictions the anti-gunners in Sacramento come up with. Hopefully one day we can get to the point where the author does not have to release annual editions just to keep up.

The book is organized in an intuitive way with a detailed table of contents so you can jump to exactly what you need. Everything is covered, from a general overview of the California regulatory environment, to basic topics like who can own and possess firearms, to the current complex rules regarding “assault weapons”.

While the book is heavy on legal citation, it is written in plain language, and mostly not “legalese”. And even where legal language is necessary to convey a point, the book explains it in simple terms. This allows it to be a great resource for both lawyers who can use it to find citations to current law, and regular citizens just doing their best to comply with the confusing web of firearm laws and regulations in California.

If you have even a passing interest in the current state of gun laws in California, pick up this book. I suggest keeping a copy in your car, just incase you are stopped by a police officer who is not aware of the exact rules of firearm transportation in California.

As a Deputy District Attorney I have taught fellow Prosecutors, Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies on the complexities of California firearms laws for over two decades. Even so, when I have a question on the finer points of firearms law, THIS is the book I go to.

The United States Supreme Court has repeatedly held that “A criminal statute must give fair warning of the conduct that it makes a crime.” Sadly, California’s Firearms Laws are voluminous, confusing, and often give little or no warning of the conduct they seek to criminalize. My experience has shown that gun owners, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and even judges have, at best, a very limited understanding of California’s Byzantine firearms laws.

Tragically, I have personally seen numerous cases where gun owners were wrongly arrested and charged with firearms violations by overzealous officers and prosecutors who did not understand the laws they were enforcing. Even more tragically, I have witnessed cases where otherwise law-abiding gun owners were convicted of serious firearms crimes due to their own ignorance or misunderstanding of the law.

To make matters worse, Sacramento continues to churn out new gun legislation every year, and given the current political climate in the state, you should expect this trend to accelerate. If you are a gun owner in California, you are OBLIGATED to understand and comply with each and every one of these new laws or face the very real possibility of becoming a convicted criminal.

Fortunately, Mr. Michel has written the ONE AND ONLY resource you will ever need to prevent this from happening. I have been relying on “California Gun Laws” since the 1st edition in 2012. With 7 editions in as many years, Mr. Michel is super vigilant in keeping his readers up to date on every aspect of California’s ever-changing firearms laws.

If you are holding the latest edition of this book, you are ahead of the curve; you will know your rights and responsibilities as a California gun owner, and be in a position to defend them.

Very happy to get the laws for California.

More than ever, and especially in California, it is important that firearms owners keep abreast of the numerous firearms laws and changes.

A LOT of info and explanation in this book. I hate to say very handy, but the way CA is, it is almost necessary.

This book is a great reference and guide for the firearms owners in California. State laws are ever confusing and changing. Chuck Michel navigates through all of it, breaks it down and lets the reader have confidence they’ll understand at the end of the day.

Excellent book. I am a CCW provider for several counties in Kalifornia and a CCW coordinator for a north state Sheriff’s Department. I have been using this book for several years as a reference. I recommend this book to clients and every officer that as questions about firearms laws.

This book will open your eyes to just how Byzantine California gun law has become. There are so many ways to run afoul of the law in this state, but of course that is by design. If you don’t read this, you are flying blind — good luck. If you do read it, you may move to another state!

CALIFORNIA GUN LAWS BY C.D. Michel is exceptionally well written and organized so that anyone can understand how to navigate through Californians Onerous Gun Laws. This book is a MUST for anyone who wants to own a gun in California!

Tons of great information. All gun owners should own. This book should be a required purchase with the purchase of your first gun.

Well written and easy to understand. I personally want to thank the authors for their great work.

This was an important guide as I learned what it would mean to be a gun owner in California. It is valuable in understanding not just where and how I can transport a gun, but also the spirit in which the laws were made, and which things would be grey areas that could get me into trouble, depending on the police officer.

Folks, this is a legal reference manual. Most legal reference books with this caliber of content start at $450+. “Chuck” and Matt must spend an awful lot of time updating the content, but it is impossible to keep pace with the constant changes being made at the whims of the various federal agencies, CA Legislature, CA DOJ, County, and City governments.

It’s $40 very well spent, considering how much it could cost if you “think” you know the law.

This is pretty much an every year purchase for us. It resides on my desk and I refer to it frequently throughout the year. This book explains the laws in easy to understand language and describes many scenarios that we face as firearms dealers in California.

It is an easy to navigate book. I find it invaluable in our quest to make sure that all of our i’s are dotted and our t’s are crossed. I highly recommend this book!

Written by the top CA firearms attorney, but not written for only a lawyer to understand. Easy to read (almost enjoyable). I got it to clarify a couple of questions and before I knew it, I read most of book! It has a great table of contents to get you to exact info you need.

As a avid California Gun Owner, I have been using this book, as well as previous editions, to try and keep up to date with the hundreds of CA gun laws on the book. This book is pretty easy to use and get to the questions you need to be aware of when living in California with guns.

As a CA certified firearms instructor for the Bureau of Consumer Affairs, and NRA Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun instructor and Hunter Education Instructor, I often use this book to find the harder answers to questions from my students. Once you get used to the book, it is pretty fast to find what you are looking for. Chuck Michel and his team keep us informed so we can abide by the laws until we can fight and get them changed and restore our 2A rights.

Informative

Needs weekly updates in this state.

Great references and has good content from a law perspective. Does have a bit of a lack of clarity especially on some of the more ambiguous laws, but that’s probably because there is no case law to support the theory of how those laws are written until someone goes to court over it.

Obviously the big downside to this book is CA pumps out new laws by the minute, so it will become out of date quickly.

This book covers all the current laws regarding California’s excessive gun control mind set. Having said that, the book does cover all the laws to date very well. As most, if not all law books go, it is a dry read but necessary if you are involved with firearms.

It covers all types of tranporting and how to do it, but what can get you in trouble as well. I have not finished reading it yet as it is a slow read, but have learned a lot to keep me out of jail. That is the real reason to get a copy for youself. California has the most confusing leagal system in the Country, so this book is a must for any gun owner.

Great book! Insane unConstitutional State!!

California has some of the most complicated gun laws in the country. This book was beyond helpful in answering all of my questions in a direct, easy to understand way. This book is well researched and gives the reader a lay mans breakdown of the laws and how they interact with other laws throughout the book.

It would be nice if each of our lawmakers would read this book and recognize how draconian and overlapping so many of our laws have become. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a gun and especially anyone who plans to own a gun in California.

I also recommend this book to the law enforcement officers that are charged with enforcing these laws, so they can avoid an unintentional violation of an individuals 2nd Amendment rights.

I can’t say enough good things about this book.

So I will let others try to do it for me. See some of the glowing reviews for the previous editions of this book, such as those shown at 5th edition, 4th edition, 3rd edition and 1st edition.

And the 6th edition of California Gun Laws is even better than the previous editions. The 6th edition covers all the relevant firearm laws affecting Californians in a way that’s easy to understand, and it is more streamlined than the previous editions. Get this book–you won’t regret it! Firearm laws change so rapidly in California each year that it’s critical to get the most recent updates, which the 6th edition provides.

Very informative easy to read.

Great

Great book covering new and updated laws every one should know!

Important to know the laws regarding Firearms in California.

Most understandable presentation of California gun laws out there updated annually.

Best objectively written book on CA gun laws. Buy one every year.

This is good a reference/guide book if you are a 2nd amendment supporter.

Any person living in or thinking about visiting California should study this book. California is a mess.

A necessary item to keep legal in California. Worth every dollar and very well researched and written.

Did not even make it a year before more retarded CA laws.

This book provides thorough, easy to understand explanations of California’s crazy and unnecessary gun laws.

Very informative. With things changing so quickly in this state (and not for the better), an honest person needs to keep up.

Great book with lots of insights. Could have used summary pages to keep the confusion down. Overall money well spent on important information.

Gotta keep up with what the pols are doing to the honest gun owner. This book will tell you, if you can follow a thread thru it. There are multiple sections that cover the same topic, any one of which can easily put you in jail. A must have!

It’s sad that California has so many gun laws that it requires a several hundred page book to explain them, but at least this book exists! It provides detailed interpretations, by lawyers, about all of California’s confusing gun-related laws. A good reference for hunters and sport shooters.

This book provides me with such clarity on the absurd California Firearm Laws. Such a great reference, a must have especially those part of the AR Cult’s.

It’s not the gun that kills or the vehicle driven by someone under the influence, texting etc… that kills but the person pulling the trigger and that driver behind the wheel. I just wish I would get a call back from Michel & Associates.

You better get one of these… there is zero-tolerance in California with regards to firearms. Our laws are difficult to understand and there are more restrictions and regulations than most are aware of.

As far as gun laws are concerned it is “incumbent upon those who choose to participate in firearms related activities to keep themselves informed of all gun laws.” This is the best book for law abiding people who want to avoid becoming law breakers.

Verified Purchase

Whether you own a firearm or not, if you live in California you should read this excellent and easy to read / reference book on the current laws regarding guns (and other weapons such as pepper spray, mace, etc.)

Tax payers should be outraged by the expense of the many laws and regulations that purport to provide better public safety from firearm abuse. Additionally, thanks to sometimes contradictory regulations and rules, even law enforcement has difficulty in the ultimate goal of making the public safer.

Our State Legislators keep passing more and more laws which primarily impact law abiding citizens who would never harm themselves or others. Governor-elect Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 63 was another example of restrictions that just make gun ownership by law abiding citizens more difficult. BUT criminals don’t follow the law. When one is accosted by a criminal with a gun., knife or other weapon (even their hands), how will you protect yourself or your loved ones? Do you know the law – both statutory and case? This book provides many of the answers to legal ownership and use of a firearm or other weapon for personal defense.

It’s cool but law’s keep changing in communist California lol.

Easy to read and understand unlike the penal code. Living in a socialist state, this information helps gun owners understand the end game in Kalifornia is complete public disarming one inch at a time.

I learned a few things that will keep me legal.

Sad, but true… a slow screw up against the wall as far as disarming California. Good to have stay in formed.

Best California gun law book period.

Very informative and a great reference.

A must have for California gun owners.

Good informative book. Carry without breaking the law.

Very much approve. Great book and came in excellent condition.

Very comprehensive. Be ready for some heavy reading if you really want to dig into this.

I live in the republic of Kalifornia and must keep up with the attacks on my 2nd amendment rights.

All the information I need is right here in this authoritative reference. Well written, clear, and accurate.

An up to date summary of the crazy gun laws of California and how to comply with them. Sad that a book has to be written, and frequently revised, to keep up with all the laws passed by those that would end Second Amendment rights.

This is complicated subject, but the book is well organized. The authors are the prime legal team for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, so they know what they are talking about. All serious gun owners should have this book, especially if you own a semi-auto rifle.

Great book to stay up to date on the crazy stupid gun laws our politicians in California pass. If every gun owner in California voted, I think we could vote all the jerks out of California and give this state back to the people.

A must-have for gun owners in CA.

Very informative.

Very detailed.

GREAT BOOK.

Great book.

Good law overview.

A necessary information book for California gun owners. Outstanding service.

This is a must read for Kammiefornians has all the new freedom removing laws.

While it has a very large Table of Contents I would suggest an index.

Lot of good and great information given.

Very important book for all gun owners to have. I order the new one every year to stay abreast of the ever-changing gun laws.

Great information in this book! Now, I need to buy the 5th edition for the new laws effective in 2018.

Very in depth, almost more information than you can use, but glad to have it, as California gun laws have become ridiculously complicated.

As an FFL dealer I find this to be an excellent reference and it’s updated from previous editions to reflect the latest California law changes in a clear and easy to understand manner.

California is a difficult (polite word)place for gun owners and rules chance daily. This guide is great for Cal gun owners and those that are planning to start.The author is a gun rights attorney in Ca.

Excellent and thorough. If you are a California Gun Owner, you need to use this book. California law is full of “land mines” put there by the legislature to make ownership and use of firearms more difficult.

INAABIMHO (Internet jargon for, I’m not an attorney, but in my humble opinion…) a coupon for this book should be included with every CA firearm sale. A look at the table of contents alone prepared you for the breadth of thorough coverage — from purchasing and transporting to storing and concealed carry — Chuck Michel brings you current on the very latest changes to all laws related to guns.

He furthers your knowledge and currency via his firm’s website and newsletters with the most recent changes through the next edition. Even lawyers confess, plowing through laws’ details can get a bit dry. Thankfully, Michel’s done the hardest part and accurately summarized what you need to know, and, as the saying goes, forewarned is fore-armed.

I liked the book very much. It is a shame California Gun Laws cover close to 450 pages. If you are thinking of, or are serious about Gun Laws & Concealed Carry: You should read and understand this book.

Best source available for comprehensive California Gun Laws.

Combined with the related websites, you have no excuse for violating California’s complex gun laws.

Messrs.’ Michel & Silvoso have done it again. An easy-to-read explanation of California’s confusing and oppressive gun laws. A MUST HAVE for ANY CA gun owner. I didn’t realize everything I was doing WRONG until I read this book. Probably will keep me out of jail.

This book will help you navigate and stay compliant with California gun laws. It carefully examines the complexities and connections between various laws to give sound recommendations on how to avoid even unintentional violations. The law firm also regularly conducts seminars and webinars that are similarly helpful and informative.

Really good book I recomended.

Very helpful and informative.

Happy to have received this book.

A comprehensive resource for CA’s overlapping and confusing gun laws.

Plenty of good information.

Fast shipping good info thought it would be bigger won’t fault it for size though.

Purchased for husband. He says it is chock full of great info.

If you own a gun in California, you need this book. Well thought out and arranged.

This book is a useful, well written, and informative tool for anyone interested in learning about California gun laws. The depth and breadth of information included in this book is impressive as the author addresses a broad swath of gun-related topics ranging from concealed carry to self-defense to ammunition. All in all, a well executed publication on California gun laws.

It was bought as a gift.

A very well-written book with with lots of information that is important for any California gun owner.

A must have book to cope with the onerous California gun laws. If you are living in California and own or want to own gun this is a must read.

Comprehensive (with the update). But CA laws change so quickly, that I can see where this book is easily outdated in a few months to a year.

Book is hard to navigate. Besides that it is informative. If you own a gun be reonsible and know the laws. All gun owners need to know the laws so your actions don’t hurt others rights.

The author does a good job staying on point for a Californian interested in being in compliance. The layout is good for finding individual issues you may be uncertain about. He is also well versed and advises on the many grey areas where local, state and fed overlap and sometimes collide. I will be looking for future revisions to keep abreast of the ever changing and often nonsensical lawmaking going on.

Received as advertised and satisfied.

Authoritative reference for Cal gun owners.

Simply put, this is the most comprehensive review of gun laws that regulate California gun owners I have ever seen. The additional material offered about specific subject matters that are available on the author’s website are also quite helpful. 10 out of 10. Thank you Mr. Michel for undertaking this daunting task for California gun owners.

WOW, if you own a firearm in California, this book is a MUST HAVE! C.D. Michel is a nationally recognized expert on state and federal firearms laws. How lucky is California to have an expert of this caliber (pun intended) sharing this information with us! All responsible California firearms owners will definitely have this book on their Christmas list!

Product as described.

The author’s legal compendium of the complex legal structure is presented in an easy to understand quick reference that is highly recommended and the most comprehensive reference book I have seen in my 55 years in the firearms industry.

This book contains all the essential information a California gun owner needs. It answers all the questions you could possibly have about California’s numerous gun laws. An absolute MUST for anyone who owns a gun in California!

After reading this book, I realized several ways in which I had inadvertently violated California’s gun laws. It’s a lot easier to do than I thought. Glad to know this now to avoid trouble later. I also learned a couple of things the CW of which was wrong, such as how to lawfully transport a shotgun.

Great tool for anyone who owns a gun in California and doesn’t want to have to spend thousands of dollars on a criminal attorney because you screwed up in some unintentional way and violated some arcane or too complex law.

1. California gun laws are written by people with little or no firearms knowledge
2. California politicians are tree hugging hippies.
3. Buy this book if you support 2nd Amendment in Commiforlia.

This is not the current edition though. Get the current edition! As of 2016 the current edition is the 3rd edition.

This book is great, but this is not the current edition of this book. For 2016, the current edition is the 3rd edition, which is also available on Amazon and through Amazon Prime from Coldaw Publishing. A new edition will be produced each year around Thanksgiving to cover the laws passed in the last legislative session. Get the latest edition!

I am not gunna lie I was thinking this book was going to be a dry read. Not to mention I don’t like reading books that much. I needed this book because I am relatively new to owning guns and wanted to make sure I knew the laws. I have read a couple chapters and this book is pretty easy to follow and is full of great info.

If you own a Gun you really should own this book. It will answer many questions you may have or clarify confusing things like, if you have a Hatchback can you use your Glove Box or Center Console as a locked container since you don’t have a trunk? I would be willing to bet most people don’t really know the laws on how to legally transport your guns to and from the range.

A lot of people think they do, but it’s worth having the correct info just in-case. If you get a Felony for illegally concealing a handgun because you don’t know the laws you won’t get off by claiming stupidity. Get this book. It could save your a lot of trouble in the long run!

Excellent resource. Very easy to read and enjoyable. Yes, you read that right. It is ENJOYABLE. It is not the dull, boring law book you might expect. Michel does an excellent job of taking the tedious law and breaking it down, putting it into plain English, and explaining it to us without DUMBING it down.

I stayed up past midnight one night reading this thing for about 2 hrs. I couldn’t put it down. It’s fascinating, informative and absolutely necessary to know if you want to own a gun in Kalifornia. Michel is able to make difficult topics understandable but he also provides the text of the law, when necessary, to a) show why there is confusion in a particular area or b) clear up any confusion that there might be.

With a monumental task like this (ie, explaining ALL of Kalifornia gun laws), it would be easy to either slip into one of two pitfalls: either 1) a too-simplistic, lay approach or 2) getting bogged down in technical legalese and inane details. Clearly, Michel knows this area of the law, in and out, and he avoids these two pitfalls. This is a perfect balance between being readable, while also showing the intricate details of the law (when necessary) to further your understanding.

If you are a gun owner living in or moving to California, this is one of the most important books you will read. In California Gun Laws: A Guide to State and Federal Firearm Regulations, long-time California attorney C.D. “Chuck” Michel (winner of the 2013 Defender of Justice award from the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action) details the pertinent parts of over 800 California gun laws currently in effect. (To allow for the state government’s constant changes in laws and regulations, updates are posted regularly at […]

Although many of California’s laws are obscure, Michel explains them in an accessible format, capitalizing on his years of firearms law experience to illustrate their impact on ordinary gun owners. For example, few would suspect simply applying to purchase two pistols within a 30-day period can result in a fine. Even if you do not actually purchase the pistols, applying to do so is a violation of California law. With this and hundreds of other restrictive laws in effect, navigating them successfully can be challenging without the knowledge contained in this book.

While Michel is an accomplished attorney, the book is written in easy-to-understand terms for non-lawyers. However, it is also a valuable resource for legal professionals due to its detailed citations to the applicable statutes and regulations.

While this book is an important resource for California residents, it is a must for gun owners moving to California. The vast differences between California gun laws and those of other states can easily result in well-meaning gun owners inadvertently breaking the law. Recognizing this hazard, Michel specifically addresses these issues to assist gun owners relocating to California. This includes a section specifically addressing issues for military service members with orders to California.

This comprehensive book includes important definitions, ownership laws, and gun transportation and travel laws. Michel also addresses self-defense laws and issues, the sale and transfer of firearms, and the possession and use of non-lethal devices. While covering these topics, he doesn’t just state the black letter law, but also includes detailed analysis to help the reader truly understand the application of the law in the real world. Additionally, he includes a discussion of the applicable federal gun laws where appropriate.

Every gun owner living in or moving to California should read this book. The information it contains will help you better understand California’s complex firearm laws and will go a long way to helping you stay out of trouble while exercising your Second Amendment rights in the Golden State.

by John Frazer, Director, Research and Information Division, NRA Institute for Legislative Action. (This review first appeared in the August 2013 issue of America’s First Freedom.)

Excellent

Good and Thorough.

Lengthy but useful, very current information.

Awesome book covers All the state laws.

An important book for Californian.

This is a must have in California!

Very informative book. The author really knows his field of work.

Great book. A must read for gun owners in California.

For those who need a quick and up-to-date reference, it serves well. Very well wriiten and easy to find laws.

You must read this book if you believe in the 2nd ammendment and live in California.

My Dad wanted this item… he passed his test, so a five star rating is warranted.

Ok. gave me insight and info I needed.

Good

Got this as a gift for my son in California, so he’d be aware all the laws in the heavy-regulated state.

Today’s gun laws are extremely complex so to have a tool like this is extremely important. This is full of great information and I highly recommend.

This book contains a wealth of information. If you own guns in California, this might be money well spent. Better to be well informed rather than rely on word-of-mouth misinformation.

This book is comprehensive, up-to-date, well written and well-organized. It is extremely useful for research and well as being an excellent read for anyone interested in this subject. As a lawyer and California gun owner, I highly recommend it.

Must have in the Anti-Gun State of California! Breaks down all that lawyer speak into terms the average gun owner can understand.

I highly recommend this to all California LAW ENFORCEMENT as well…ignorance is not an excuse.

CA law is complex and contradictory. It is easy for an honest person to be entrapped by it. This is the latest text and most up to date book by one of CA’s most experienced firearms litigators/defense lawyers.

This book has just the type of info you need for California. There are lots of regulations in California that are fully covered in this book. Really opened my eyes to what you can and can’t do.

This probably isn’t the kind of book you want to read cover to cover. But it clears up a lot of Kalifornia’s dumb gun laws for CCW permit holders that need to know. Very good reference book.

The book is perfect for guys like me. It tells you what the law is, then it gives you a straight forward interpretation the law from a lawyers perspective, but it’s dumb’d down so someone with a HS diploma &/or Associates degree can understand. There are plenty of examples of case law as well. Every Californian who legally owns a gun, and wants to stay out of trouble should buy and read this book!

I did not realize how incredibly restrictive gun ownership and usage is in California. I have now joined the California Pistol and Rifle and the NRA. This book is extremely helpful in keeping law abiding people from going to jail or their firearms from confiscation.

I bought this book because I was considering the purchase of a gun in California for self-defense. Reading this book educated me in all the inherent difficulties in this desire and has greatly helped me in my understanding of firearms law.

This is a well-written book that covers a wide range of issues and scenarios. If you own or are planning on owning a gun in California and are not extremely well versed in California gun laws, I would recommend this book to you without hesitation.

This is the best resources I have found on the subject of the confusing and downright ridiculous gun laws in California. Mr. Michel also links California gun laws with federal guns laws, showing law-abiding gun owners how to insure they’re not following federal law and accidentally violating California law. Mr. Michel also goes over how to approach situations where law-abiding gun owners may cross over from California law to federal law, such as taking a firearm on a boat in the ocean or to a nation park.

This book should be read and then, put on the shelve as a reference to refer to often. If you’re a law-abiding gun owner in California and want to make sure you’re not accidentally violating any laws, this is the book for you. Unfortunately, there are many Californians that accidentally violate the gun laws because they’re so confusing and complex.

This book will give all Californians the best opportunity to learn California gun laws and protect themselves again prosecution. Mr. Michel is also a firearms attorney, who works tirelessly to preserve the 2nd amendment rights of Americans all across our great nation.

California is a state with a high level of regulation of gun ownership and use. It can be a challenge to be certain that you know what the law truly is, unless you are a lawyer with knowledge of how to use a county law library to look up everything in the state’s administrative code and statutes.

This book is authoritative. I would advise anyone who relies on any advice from such a book to identify the statute or administrative rule cited by the author and then go online to check that the provision relied upon has not been recently amended (because this subject is very highly regulated, one must be certain that recent amendments have not changed the rules since the author wrote a particular section of this book).

Professional law books usually have “pocket parts” that provide annual updates to show any recent changes since the main text was written. Paperbacks like this book lack such update material, so you have to check on the current status of laws yourself. However, the author’s research in preparation of this book was outstanding, and this is a valuable resource for any gun owner or user in California.

This book is an essential reference for California gun owners. Chuck Michel is an authority on California’s elaborate gun laws, and every California gun owners should own this book and read the pertinent chapters. I am a lawyer myself (nothing like the authority on these gun laws that Mr. Michel is) and I really am impressed by the thoroughness of this book and the clear, lucid writing.

One caveat: California modifies its gun laws constantly, as Democrats never stop assaulting the Second Amendment in our State. Thus, while this book is essential, there is always a danger of a recent law change.

We Californians are lucky that this book exists to help us navigate through California’s treacherous and illogical gun laws.

This is a must have reference book for police, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, and gun owners. California’s gun laws are far more complicated than even the professionals realize.

“There are other books dealing with firearms regulations, but this is the best one this reviewer has seen.” Read the review in the May 2014 issue of TheGunMag.com magazine. See full review HERE.

California’s firearms regulations are both onerous and confusing, but C.D. Michel’s California Gun Laws makes clear what is and isn’t allowed, and warns gun owners of the “gray areas” that can cause problems. It is not only worth reading – it’s worth studying.

If you are a gun owner living in or moving to California, this is one of the most important books you will read . In California Gun Laws: A Guide to State and Federal Firearm Regulations , long-time California attorney C.D. “Chuck” Michel (winner of the 2013 Defender of Justice award from the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action) details the pertinent parts of over 800 California gun laws currently in effect. (To allow for the state government’s constant changes in laws and regulations, updates are posted regularly at www.calgunlaws.com.)

Although many of California’s laws are obscure, Michel explains them in an accessible format, capitalizing on his years of firearms law experience to illustrate their impact on ordinary gun owners. For example, few would suspect simply applying to purchase two pistols within a 30-day period can result in a fine. Even if you do not actually purchase the pistols, applying to do so is a violation of California law. With this and hundreds of other restrictive laws in effect, navigating them successfully can be challenging without the knowledge contained in this book.

While Michel is an accomplished attorney, the book is written in easy-to­ understand terms for non-lawyers. However, it is also a valuable resource for legal professionals due to its detailed citations to the applicable statutes and regulations.

While this book is an important resource for California residents, it is a must for gun owners moving to California. The vast differences between California gun laws and those of other states can easily result in well-meaning gun owners inadvertently breaking the law. Recognizing this hazard, Michel specifically addresses these issues to assist gun owners relocating to California. This includes a section specifically addressing issues for military service members with orders to California.

This comprehensive book includes important definitions, ownership laws, and gun transportation and travel laws. Michel also addresses self-defense laws and issues, the sale and transfer of firearms, and the possession and use of non-lethal devices. While covering these topics, he doesn’t just state the black letter law, but also includes detailed analysis to help the reader truly understand the application of the law in the real world. Additionally, he includes a discussion of the applicable federal gun laws where appropriate.

Every gun owner living in or moving to California should read this book. The information it contains will help you better understand California’s complex firearm laws and will go a long way to helping you stay out of trouble while exercising your Second Amendment rights in the Golden State.

(This review first appeared in the August 2013 Issue of American Freedom Magazine.)

Quite likely, THE authoritative book about firearms laws affecting those who reside in the state of California –

I read it cover to cover, 277+ pages.

I strongly recommend that anyone residing in California and possessing and/or using firearms and/or explosive devices read this book. Why? Well, largely because the California state government is one of the most firearms-explosives regulatory intensive state governments in the USA and as such, your chances of having a problem with the government because of your association with firearms and/or explosives is much higher than in most (but not all) other states.

In addition, if and when you have questions like…

**Can I legally transport a long gun (read: rifle, shotgun) in my vehicle’s locked trunk if I am not traveling between my residence and a shooting range?
(Answer: Yes).

**I have a firearm in my locked vehicle’s trunk, thus it is in a “locked container” as required by state statute. I stop at the grocery store on the way home from the shooting range. I open my trunk in the grocery store parking lot to place the groceries in the trunk. Am I violating the law?
(Answer: Yes you are. The firearm is no longer in a locked container now that the trunk is open).

**When I am lawfully transporting a firearm in my vehicle, must I keep the firearm and ammunition separate?
(Answer: No, but you will likely wish you had should you be stopped by a law enforcement officer).

**If l open the front door of my residence to greet somebody, is it lawful for me to have a handgun sticking out of my pocket or otherwise on my person (body) and visible?
(Answer: Yes).

**If l am mowing my lawn in the front of my residence (unfenced), may I visibly carry a firearm?
(Answer: No).

…you will have this book to quickly and easily make reference to.

I suggest that you read this book before you make a mistake and are faced with:
1. Possible law enforcement action.
2. Possible prosecution.
3. Possible substantial legal fees.
4. Possible incarceration.
5. Possible prohibition from ever owning firearms again.

Or, don’t read the book and have lots of free time while incarcerated to read the book.

I had purchased his first book, which amazed me of just what every gun owner in California is faced with. And when the second edition came out, I wanted to purchase it, to see what had changed. This is a must read for every California gun owner.

It tells it like it is, and will help every reader learn something new about the laws that face every California resident, or visitor. If you own a gun, purchase and read Mr. Michel’s book, you will be a better informed gun owner.

Wow glad I bought this book….I am just getting back into shooting with my wife and the laws have changed quite a bit since I bought my first hand gun.

This book should be required reading at the high school level (for California students) as the second amendment is very much a way of American life. If there was more firearms training and education in the school system the public would be better informed.

This is the best resources I have found on the subject of the confusing and downright ridiculous gun laws in California. Mr. Michel also links California gun laws with federal guns laws, showing law-abiding gun owners how to insure they’re not following federal law and accidentally violating California law.

Mr. Michel also goes over how to approach situations where law-abiding gun owners may cross over from California law to federal law, such as taking a firearm on a boat in the ocean or to a national park. This book should be read and then, put on the shelve as a reference to refer to often. If you’re a law-abiding gun owner in California and want to make sure you’re not accidentally violating any laws, this is the book for you. Unfortunately, there are many Californians that accidentally violate the gun laws because they’re so confusing and complex. This book will give all Californians the best opportunity to learn California gun laws and protect themselves again prosecution.

Mr. Michel is also a firearms attorney, who works tirelessly to preserve the 2nd amendment rights of Americans all across our great nation.

I am not gunna lie I was thinking this book was going to be a dry read. Not to mention I don’t like reading books that much. I needed this book because I am relatively new to owning guns and wanted to make sure I knew the laws.

I have read a couple chapters and this book is pretty easy to follow and is full of great info. If you own a Gun you really should own this book. It will answer many questions you may have or clarify confusing things like, if you have a Hatchback can you use your Glove Box or Center Console as a locked container since you don’t have a trunk? I would be willing to bet most people don’t really know the laws on how to legally transport your guns to and from the range. A lot of people think they do, but it’s worth having the correct info just in-case.

If you get a Felony for illegally concealing a handgun because you don’t know the laws you won’t get off by claiming stupidity. Get this book. It could save your a lot of trouble in the long run!

The author’s legal compendium of the complex legal structure is presented in an easy to understand quick reference that is highly recommended and the most comprehensive reference book I have seen in my 55 years in the firearms industry.

Simply put, this is the most comprehensive review of gun laws that regulate California gun owners I have ever seen. The additional material offered about specific subject matters that are available on the author’s website are also quite helpful. 10 out of 10.

Thank you Mr. Michel for undertaking this daunting task for California gun owners.

This book is comprehensive , up-to-date, well written and well-organized. It is extremely useful for research as well as being an excellent read for anyone interested in this subject. As a lawyer and California gun owner, I highly recommend it.

I am a retired Police Officer here in California. For almost 15 yrs of my career I was a Range Training Officer. I felt as if I knew Gun Laws and would have argued this point while on duty. Since my retirement I instruct firearm classes to include being a CCW provider in my County. I quickly learned, though I had almost 24 years of service, I didn’t know a 3rd of what I thought I did. This book has re-written my class outline.

Though I have taught many people in my classes, once in a while I still get a question I may not have an answer for. But this book does. I am never without it whether it is a Hunter Safety class, Firearms Class or CCW class. You don’t need to be an instructor or Firearms dealer to benefit from this book. If you own a gun in California, do yourself a favor and own this book as well.

I originally purchased this book as a Christmas present for my shooting instructor, but once I started reading it I was so impressed I kept it for myself. It is very informative and well written piece of work. Not only does he do all the legal research he gave pointers that helped me improve not only as a gunner, but an attorney.

Looking for his future books….

As an NRA Certified Instructor in California, I find it hard to keep up with the changes in the laws pertaining to firearms. It is a headache to say the least. What this book does is bring it all together in an easy to understand format. If you are in the firearms industry, this is a must have!

You never have to worry about changes to the laws since you are notified about updates automatically. These upcoming years of 2015 and 2016 have many new laws that you must know about in California! I recommend this book to everyone that owns a firearm, teaches or travels in California.

I consider California Gun Laws a great reference, and I am much better informed on state laws, and the gun hostility in our legislature. My NRA training included admonishment to become familiar with state and local regulations, and the book helped considerably.

Many of the topics don’t pertain to me now, but might in the future. Nice to have a reference to refresh my mind should some of those gun related circumstances arise in the future.

The book is very understandable and concise considering the nature of the information.
A key to success in life is to develop an awareness of what you DON’T know. Where guns are concerned this is particularly true. It is FAR better to reduce what you DON’T know to a minimum.

Thanks for this resource!

I wanted to do a review of Mr.Michel’s book “California Gun Laws” Second Edition). I had purchased his first book, which amazed me of just what every gun owner in California is faced with. And when the second edition came out,I wanted to purchase it, to see what had changed, This is a must read for every California gun owner.

It tells it like it is, and will help every reader learn something new about the laws that face every California resident, or visitor. If you own a gun, purchase and read Mr. Michel’s book, you will be a better informed gun owner.