How To: How does an out of state person buy ammo in CA?

[ar15robert]

I can give you my out of state anecdotal experience.

I drove my daughter to Arizona for a 4 day soccer tournament. Took some of my stuff since it would be more fun to use it out of the state. But did not bring a bunch of ammo, assuming I would be able to buy it like in Nevada. I got denied could not buy any ammo.

You went to the wrong store then.Could have gone to ammo az at bell and 53rd got a case of 9mm for 217 out the door paying cash.I live in az and never been asked for an id to buy ammo.Maybe if a cc is used but i try and not use a card.Theres a place in east valley cant remember the name but in tempe and they also have pretty good deals too.

usually i reload but in a pinch local ace hardware carries 5.56 for pmc for 10 bucks a box.And like mentioned i get 9mm as i havent found it worthwhile to reload as my dillion sdb is set up for 45acp.

I come to ca often for work and if i bring a gun with me and plan to shoot on way home or meet up with friends i gotta bring my own ammo.And if i go with the friends or family they somehow happen to just find a case of ammo that fell off the truck or something.LOL

 

[Dvrjon]

Not sure what the ammo purchasing environment in AZ has to do with an out-of-state individual trying to buy ammo in California?

 

[ar15robert]

Not sure what the ammo purchasing environment in AZ has to do with an out-of-state individual trying to buy ammo in California?

He said it was like ca where they wouldnt sell ammo to him in az.I just corrected him.

 

[ShootFirstFirster]

You went to the wrong store then.Could have gone to ammo az at bell and 53rd got a case of 9mm for 217 out the door paying cash.I live in az and never been asked for an id to buy ammo.Maybe if a cc is used but i try and not use a card.Theres a place in east valley cant remember the name but in tempe and they also have pretty good deals too.

usually i reload but in a pinch local ace hardware carries 5.56 for pmc for 10 bucks a box.And like mentioned i get 9mm as i havent found it worthwhile to reload as my dillion sdb is set up for 45acp.

I come to ca often for work and if i bring a gun with me and plan to shoot on way home or meet up with friends i gotta bring my own ammo.And if i go with the friends or family they somehow happen to just find a case of ammo that fell off the truck or something.LOL

Both stores told me I needed an AZ ID to purchase ammo.

 

[ar15robert]

Both stores told me I needed an AZ ID to purchase ammo.

Next time try one I mentioned but there is no law saying you need an az id to purchase. It could be store policy possibly. But like I said I have never been carded for purchase. Bass pro doesn’t card either. What stores did you try?

 

[ShootFirstFirster]

Next time try one I mentioned but there is no law saying you need an az id to purchase. It could be store policy possibly. But like I said I have never been carded for purchase. Bass pro doesn’t card either. What stores did you try?

Bass Pro first then thinking a smaller shop wouldnt hassle me I ventured down the road. I dont remember the name of the second smaller shop but same deal. This was in September.

 

[ar15robert]

Bass Pro first then thinking a smaller shop wouldnt hassle me I ventured down the road. I dont remember the name of the second smaller shop but same deal. This was in September.

A friend visited few months ago he wanted to buy ammo but local place with best deals was closed Sunday he went to bass pro in Glendale next to stadium had no issues. They’re a little pricey but he mentioned still cheaper than home. He picked up a variety of ammo though.

When I’m in ca workin like now I can buy at a range but suppose to use it all there. I don’t do indoor ranges much as it gets pricey. That’s only option if I want to shoot and somehow forgot my ammo. Law sucks for sure as it limits lots of legal buyers access to buy ammo

 

[Warpspeed]

I can give you my out of state anecdotal experience.

I drove my daughter to Arizona for a 4 day soccer tournament. Took some of my stuff since it would be more fun to use it out of the state. But did not bring a bunch of ammo, assuming I would be able to buy it like in Nevada. I got denied could not buy any ammo.

Not my experience at all.

Sportsman's Warehouse was more than happy to sell me ammo

 

[Tere_Hanges]

It's perfectly legal for your friend to bring in as much ammo as he wants from out of state. But the system isn't set up for out-of-state residents to purchase ammo here.

 

[ar15robert]

It's perfectly legal for your friend to bring in as much ammo as he wants from out of state. But the system isn't set up for out-of-state residents to purchase ammo here.

There’s no law against finding ammo though is there?

 

[hamburglar]

You don't need a background check if you buy ammo at a range and intend to shoot it all there.

 

[Dvrjon]

You don't need a background check if you buy ammo at a range and intend to but must shoot it all there.

FIFY

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Hello,

My friend is visiting from Washington and he wanted to take his Grandson shooting. He went to Sportsman Warehouse in Murrieta to buy some 22lr and they said he couldn't buy any ammo in CA at all. They stated he needed to be a CA resident with a valid CA ID and had to have purchased a gun in CA within the last 5 years.

So is there any way possible for him to buy ammo at all? (this state is ridiculous and it's frustrating in situations like this)


Thanks

Matt

If going to a gun range, after you check in, they won’t do background check if you buy ammo before you go in and shoot.

 

[AR15barrels]

We ain't there, yet.....

April 2018: The original complaint was filed.
April 2020: We won at the District.
Appealed.
Nov 2022: 9 CA remanded to the District Court to evaluate under Bruen.
Jan 2024: We won at the District (again).
Appealed.
July 2025: We won at 9 CA Panel.
Appealed.
Dec 2025: Ordered to En Banc hearing. En banc oral argument will take place during the week of March 23, 2026, in Pasadena, California. The date and time will be determined by separate order.

We are currently 7 years and 7 months past April 2018 and we all know which way en-banc panels find.

 

[Dvrjon]

We are currently 7 years and 7 months past April 2018 and we all know which way en-banc panels find.

Yes, and the post which I responded said it would take 7 years. I pointed out we were past that and still not done. And I’m sure the en banc won’t settle for us. And any decision by SCOTUS in the next year could wind up remanding everything back to the district for rehearing.

Duncan is at 9 and counting.