About The Authors

Learn more about our authors, who are recognized as the foremost authorities in gun law. With decades of combined experience, they are at the forefront of firearms legislation, regulatory compliance, and advocacy. Their experience spans complex federal and state regulations, offering invaluable insights for individuals, businesses, and organizations navigating the evolving landscape of firearms law.

C. D. Michel

C.D. “Chuck” Michel is a prominent authority in firearms law and regulation, bringing extensive experience to Michel & Associates, P.C., where he serves as Senior Counsel and owner of the Long Beach-based boutique law firm. Known for his strong advocacy and specialized knowledge, he focuses on adversarial litigation and regulatory compliance across multiple areas. Learn more about Chuck Michel here.

Matthew D. Cubeiro

Matthew Cubeiro, co-author of California Gun Laws, heads the firearms law regulatory compliance and legislative affairs division at Michel & Associates. Specializing in complex state and federal firearm regulations, he provides guidance to a wide range of clients, including manufacturers, wholesalers, associations, and individuals. Learn more about Matthew Cubeiro here.

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Unanimous Rave Reviews!

Review

Stephen A

California Gun Owners Need This Book

I am not gunna lie I was thinking this book was going to be a dry read. Not to

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Review

Stephen A

California Gun Owners Need This Book

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!

Recovering Democrat

A must have for all California residents!

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.

Review

Warren Kelly

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

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Review

Warren Kelly

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!

Review

David Dominguez- Retired Police Officer, Onpoint Firearms and Training

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

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Review

David Dominguez- Retired Police Officer, Onpoint Firearms and Training

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.

Review

Cat Simonson – NRA Certified Instructor in California

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

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Review

Cat Simonson – NRA Certified Instructor in California

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.

Cat

Review

Ora O. Gardner,Jr.-Chief of Police (Ret.)

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

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Review

Ora O. Gardner,Jr.-Chief of Police (Ret.)

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.

Review

R. Stern

Excellent Book

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

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Review

R. Stern

Excellent Book

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.

Calgunner

Worth Every Penny

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.

Frontier Gunleather

California Gun Laws by C. Michel is a must read for every gun owners library

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.

Review

Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney (Ret.)

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

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Review

Steve Cooley, Los Angeles County District Attorney (Ret.)

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.

Review

David Yadidi – The Yadidi Law Firm

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

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Review

David Yadidi – The Yadidi Law Firm

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....

Review

John Frazer, Director, Research and Information Division, NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

A must for California gun owners

If you are a gun owner living in or moving to California, this is one of the most important

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Review

John Frazer, Director, Research and Information Division, NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

A must for California gun owners

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.)

Review

Richard O’Connell

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

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Review

Richard O’Connell

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.

souuth

A must for California Gun Owners!!!

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!

Ora O. Gardner Jr. - Chief of Police (Ret.)

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.

Review

A guy “A decent guy”

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

I read it cover to cover, 277+

...more

Review

A guy “A decent guy”

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.

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California Gun Laws Book

Official Website | A guide to state and federal firearm regulations

About The Authors