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.