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

5.0 out of 5 stars 

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.)