What Makes A Glock California Compliant?
Glock California Compliant: What You Need to Know
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and Glocks are no exception. In order to be sold in California, Glocks must meet a number of requirements, including a microstamping requirement and a magazine capacity limit.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes a Glock California compliant, and we’ll discuss the implications of these requirements for Glock owners in California.
We’ll also provide some tips on how to find a California-compliant Glock if you’re looking to purchase one.
So, if you’re curious about what makes a Glock California compliant, or if you’re thinking about buying a Glock in California, read on for more information.
What Makes A Glock California Compliant?
| Feature | Description |
|—|—|
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds or less |
| Firing Pin Safety | Must be drop-safe |
| Loaded Chamber Indicator | Must be visible when a round is chambered |
| Magazine Locking Device | Must be installed to prevent the magazine from being removed when the firearm is loaded |
| Overall Length | Must be 26 inches or longer |
| Weight | Must be 50 ounces or more |
These are the main features that make a Glock California compliant. Other features, such as a fixed magazine or a thumb safety, may also be required depending on the specific model of Glock.
Glock pistols are some of the most popular handguns in the world, and for good reason. They are reliable, accurate, and easy to use. However, not all Glock models are legal to own in California. This is due to California’s Assault Weapons Ban, which was passed in 1989.
The Assault Weapons Ban is a complex law with many provisions. However, the most important provision for Glock owners is that it bans the sale of any semi-automatic pistol that has a detachable magazine and one or more of the following features:
- A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
- A forward grip
- A folding or telescoping stock
- A barrel shroud that is attached to the barrel and that substantially reduces the overall length of the weapon
- A magazine that holds more than 10 rounds
If a Glock model has any of these features, it is considered to be an assault weapon and is therefore banned in California.
California’s Assault Weapons Ban
The Assault Weapons Ban has been amended several times since it was first passed in 1989. However, the basic provisions of the law remain the same.
The law defines an assault weapon as a semi-automatic pistol that has a detachable magazine and one or more of the features listed above. The law also bans the sale of any parts or accessories that can be used to convert a semi-automatic pistol into an assault weapon.
The Assault Weapons Ban is not retroactive. This means that Glock models that were manufactured before the law was passed are not considered to be assault weapons. However, Glock models that are manufactured after the law was passed must comply with the law’s provisions in order to be sold in California.
Which Glock Models Are Banned Under the Law?
Not all Glock models are banned under California’s Assault Weapons Ban. However, many popular Glock models are banned, including:
- The Glock 17
- The Glock 19
- The Glock 22
- The Glock 23
- The Glock 26
- The Glock 27
- The Glock 31
- The Glock 32
- The Glock 33
These models are banned because they have all of the features that are listed in the Assault Weapons Ban.
How to Tell if a Glock Is California Compliant
If you are not sure if a Glock model is California compliant, there are a few things you can check.
First, you can check the model number. Glock models that are California compliant will have a “CA” designation in the model number. For example, the Glock 17 that is California compliant is called the Glock 17 CA.
Second, you can check the features of the Glock model. Glock models that are California compliant will not have any of the features that are listed in the Assault Weapons Ban. For example, the Glock 17 CA does not have a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, a forward grip, a folding or telescoping stock, a barrel shroud that is attached to the barrel and that substantially reduces the overall length of the weapon, or a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.
If you are still not sure if a Glock model is California compliant, you can contact Glock or a Glock dealer. They will be able to tell you if the model is compliant with the law.
Glock’s California Compliant Models
Glock offers a number of California compliant models that are identical to the non-compliant models except for the features that have been removed to comply with the law.
The following is a list of Glock’s California compliant models:
- Glock 17 CA
- Glock 19 CA
- Glock 22 CA
- Glock 23 CA
- Glock 26 CA
- Glock 27 CA
- Glock 31 CA
- Glock 32 CA
- Glock 33 CA
These models are all reliable, accurate, and easy to use. They are also legal to own and use in California.
Features of California Compliant Glocks
California compliant Glocks have a number of features that make them different from non-compliant Glocks.
First, California compliant Glocks do not have a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. This feature is often removed by adding a “thumb rest” to the grip.
Second, California compliant Glocks do not have a forward grip. This feature is often removed by adding a “shelf” to the front of the grip.
Third, California compliant Glocks do not have a folding or telescoping stock. This feature is often removed by welding the stock in place.
Fourth, California compliant Glocks
3. Making a Glock California Compliant
There are a number of modifications that can be made to a Glock to make it California compliant. These modifications include:
- Adding a fixed magazine. California law requires that all semi-automatic pistols have a fixed magazine that cannot be removed without the use of a tool. Glock pistols typically have a magazine release button that allows the magazine to be dropped free, but this button can be modified to make the magazine fixed.
- Adding a loaded chamber indicator. California law requires that all semi-automatic pistols have a loaded chamber indicator that is visible when a round is in the chamber. Glock pistols typically do not have a loaded chamber indicator, but this feature can be added by installing a small metal tab in the slide.
- Adding a magazine disconnector. California law requires that all semi-automatic pistols have a magazine disconnector that prevents the gun from firing if the magazine is not inserted properly. Glock pistols typically do not have a magazine disconnector, but this feature can be added by installing a small part in the trigger assembly.
- Reducing the magazine capacity. California law limits the magazine capacity of semi-automatic pistols to 10 rounds. Glock pistols typically come with magazines that hold 15 or 17 rounds, but these magazines can be modified to hold fewer rounds.
In addition to these modifications, California law also requires that all semi-automatic pistols have a barrel length of at least 4 inches and a loaded weight of at least 35 ounces. Glock pistols typically meet these requirements without any modifications.
Costs of Making a Glock California Compliant
The cost of making a Glock California compliant will vary depending on the modifications that are made. The most expensive modification is adding a fixed magazine, which can cost around $100. Adding a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnector will cost around $50 each. Reducing the magazine capacity can be done by simply removing the magazine spring and follower, which is a free modification.
Legal Implications of Making a Glock California Compliant
It is important to note that making a Glock California compliant does not make it legal to own or possess in California. California law still prohibits the possession of certain types of semi-automatic pistols, even if they are made compliant with the state’s requirements. It is important to consult with an attorney to make sure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws before making any modifications to your Glock.
4. Resources for California Glock Owners
There are a number of resources available for California Glock owners. These resources include:
- The California Department of Justice website has a page dedicated to California gun laws. This page includes information on the requirements for making a semi-automatic pistol California compliant.
- The National Rifle Association (NRA) website has a page dedicated to California gun laws. This page includes information on the requirements for making a semi-automatic pistol California compliant, as well as information on the state’s other gun laws.
- The California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA) website has a page dedicated to California gun laws. This page includes information on the requirements for making a semi-automatic pistol California compliant, as well as information on the state’s other gun laws.
- The Glock website has a page dedicated to California Glock owners. This page includes information on the modifications that can be made to a Glock to make it California compliant.
Making a Glock California compliant is a relatively simple process that can be completed by most gun owners. However, it is important to note that making a Glock California compliant does not make it legal to own or possess in California. California law still prohibits the possession of certain types of semi-automatic pistols, even if they are made compliant with the state’s requirements. It is important to consult with an attorney to make sure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws before making any modifications to your Glock.
What Makes a Glock California Compliant?
There are a few features that make a Glock California compliant. These include:
- A fixed magazine that cannot be removed without the use of a tool
- A magazine disconnector that prevents the gun from firing if the magazine is not inserted correctly
- A loaded chamber indicator that shows when there is a round in the chamber
- A barrel that is no longer than 16 inches
- A grip that is not too wide
How do I make my Glock California compliant?
If you have a Glock that is not California compliant, there are a few things you can do to make it compliant. You can:
- Buy a magazine that has a fixed capacity of 10 rounds or less
- Install a magazine disconnector
- Install a loaded chamber indicator
- Buy a barrel that is no longer than 16 inches
- Buy a grip that is not too wide
Is there a way to make my Glock California compliant without changing anything on the gun?
No, there is no way to make a Glock California compliant without changing anything on the gun. The features that make a Glock California compliant are required by law.
What are the penalties for owning a non-compliant Glock in California?
The penalties for owning a non-compliant Glock in California can be severe. You could be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. You could also be fined up to $10,000.
Can I bring my Glock into California from another state?
No, you cannot bring a Glock into California from another state if it is not California compliant. If you try to bring a non-compliant Glock into California, it will be confiscated and you could be charged with a felony.
I’m thinking about buying a Glock. Is there a way to make sure it’s California compliant before I buy it?
Yes, there are a few ways to make sure a Glock is California compliant before you buy it. You can:
- Ask the seller if the gun is California compliant
- Check the gun’s serial number online to see if it is registered as a California compliant gun
- Have the gun inspected by a qualified gunsmith
I already own a Glock that’s not California compliant. What should I do?
If you already own a Glock that’s not California compliant, you have a few options. You can:
- Sell the gun to someone who lives in a state where it is legal to own
- Have the gun modified to make it California compliant
- Keep the gun in a safe place where it is not accessible to anyone who is not allowed to own a gun
I’m not sure what to do about my Glock. Can I get some help?
If you’re not sure what to do about your Glock, you can contact a qualified gunsmith or attorney for advice. They can help you understand the law and your options.
there are a few key features that make a Glock California compliant. These include:
- A fixed magazine with a capacity of no more than 10 rounds.
- A loaded chamber indicator that is visible from the outside of the firearm.
- A magazine disconnector that prevents the firearm from firing if the magazine is not inserted properly.
- A firing pin safety that prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger is pulled.
These features are designed to make Glocks less dangerous in the hands of criminals and law enforcement has determined that they are sufficient to make Glocks California compliant. However, some gun owners argue that these features make Glocks less safe for law-abiding citizens and that they should not be required on California-compliant Glocks.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a California-compliant Glock is a personal one. However, it is important to be aware of the features that make a Glock California compliant and to decide if these features are acceptable to you.