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Question Can a CA resident obtain an off roster handgun from an out of state relative( brother/sister)?

Sheldon

⚜️ Member
CAguns Supporter
2026
Messages
19
Can a CA resident obtain an off roster handgun from an out of state brother or sister?
 
The exemption only applies to lineal ascendants and descendants (e.g., parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren). Transfers to siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins must go through a licensed dealer.
 
I see two different answers. I wasn’t talking about a gift. If my brother in another state has a legal handgun( that is off roster here) can he have his (01) FFL send it to my local (01) FFL for transfer to me ?
 
I see two different answers. I wasn’t talking about a gift. If my brother in another state has a legal handgun( that is off roster here) can he have his (01) FFL send it to my local (01) FFL for transfer to me ?
No. Intra Familial transfer will allow the transfer of off-roster handguns, but your brother doesn't qualify for that because of CA's parent/child requirement. Other out-of-state handgun transfers are possible, but the handgun must be on the roster. No path for an off-roster transfer from a brother unless it's in his will and he dies, or the handgun is C&R eligible.
 
The firearm must be legal to own in California (e.g., not an assault weapon). Handgun transfers within the eligible family are exempt from the state's Handgun Roster.
 
The firearm must be legal to own in California (e.g., not an assault weapon). Handgun transfers within the eligible family are exempt from the state's Handgun Roster.
OP wants to transfer an off-roster handgun from his out of state brother, that’s not legal in CA unfortunately
 
The only route I’ve heard is if you had a relative (not parent/grandparent) that lived out of state and bought an off-roster firearm, they would have to permanently move to California first, register the out of state firearm as theirs within California as a new resident, and then transfer it to you through the standard PPT process with an FFL
 
No. Intra Familial transfer will allow the transfer of off-roster handguns, but your brother doesn't qualify for that because of CA's parent/child requirement. Other out-of-state handgun transfers are possible, but the handgun must be on the roster. No path for an off-roster transfer from a brother unless it's in his will and he dies, or the handgun is C&R eligible.
His brother could move to Kaliforniastan and bring the gun & then once he's established residency he could xfer, no?
 
I would never condone anything "grey area", but... there are specific rules about how an off-roster gets here, yes. Once it's legally here, though, it can be PPTd (to you) like anything else. With some creativity and patience you could get your hands on it.
 
Just to show what I’m talking about if anyone is interested. In 1980 Colt made 1000 Electrolus nickel of each type,Pythons,GM,
Etc. What I’m looking for is the 22 SM Ace—- identical to the Govt 45 in all respects. The gun pictured is my blued one. Note the bluing on the slide! Pete
 

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