New California Firearms Laws Coming in 2026–2027: What Gun Owners Should Know
California continues to roll out new firearms regulations that affect both gun owners and licensed dealers. Two recent bills (AB 1127 and SB 704) bring big changes over the next two years.
At Inland Training, we believe it’s important to stay informed, not just to stay compliant, but to understand how these laws may affect your ability to buy, sell, or own certain firearms and components. Here’s a clear, plain-English look at what these laws mean and when they’ll take effect.
AB 1127 – Convertible Pistols
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
AB 1127 targets a category of firearms known as “convertible pistols.” These are semi-automatic handguns that can be quickly or easily modified to fire automatically, essentially turning them into machineguns.
Under this law, California now classifies those pistols as machineguns, which are already heavily restricted under both state and federal law.
What’s changing:
- Dealers can no longer sell or transfer “convertible pistols.” Starting January 1, 2026, firearm dealers won’t be able to sell, offer, exchange, or deliver a pistol that meets the new “convertible” definition.
- Manufacturers and DOJ certification allowed: Dealers can rely on a written certification from the manufacturer or the California Department of Justice confirming that a specific pistol is not a convertible model.
- Current owners are not affected. If you already legally own a pistol that could be considered convertible, this law does not require you to surrender or modify it.
- Law enforcement exemptions remain. The new restrictions don’t apply to police agencies or other authorized entities.
What this means for you:
If you’re a California gun owner, the impact will likely be minimal (at least for now). However, dealers and manufacturers will face tighter scrutiny over how certain handguns are classified.
If you’re shopping for a new semi-auto pistol after January 2026, you may see fewer models available, as manufacturers work to clarify which designs comply with the new rules.
In short: if a pistol can be easily converted to full-auto, it’s going to be treated as a machinegun in California.
SB 704 – Regulation of Firearm Barrels
Effective Date: January 1, 2027
While AB 1127 focuses on pistols, SB 704 goes a step further, regulating firearm barrels themselves. Yes, just the barrel. Currently, you can buy a replacement barrel without going through a background check or a licensed dealer. SB 704 changes that.
Here’s what the law requires:
- All barrel sales must go through a licensed dealer. Just like buying a firearm, every transfer or sale of a barrel will have to take place in person through a dealer.
- Background checks required. Dealers will be required to conduct a background check on anyone purchasing or receiving a firearm barrel.
- Transaction records must be kept. Dealers must record detailed information about each barrel sale, including the buyer’s information and information about the associated firearm (make, model, and caliber).
- Private and online sales will be illegal. Once this law takes effect, individuals will no longer be able to privately sell or mail firearm barrels without going through a licensed dealer.
- Penalties for violations. Selling or offering to sell barrels without a license will be a misdemeanor, but repeat offenses could rise to felony charges.
Why the state says it’s doing this:
Lawmakers argue that controlling barrel sales will make it harder to build “ghost guns” or untraceable firearms using parts sold online. Opponents see it as another example of California extending gun regulations beyond complete firearms into individual parts.
How These Laws Affect Gun Owners and Dealers
For most responsible gun owners, these changes won’t directly impact your day-to-day activities, at least not right away. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Fewer options on the shelf. As manufacturers adjust to these definitions, expect some models to disappear from California’s approved roster or become more expensive to buy.
- More recordkeeping for dealers. Dealers will face new documentation and compliance requirements. If you buy through a licensed FFL, you may notice the process takes a bit longer once SB 704 goes into effect.
- DIY builds and parts sales will get harder. The sale of barrels and possibly other key components will soon be tracked just like complete firearms. Private or out-of-state parts purchases could lead to legal issues if not handled through a dealer.
Looking Ahead
AB 1127 and SB 704 are part of a larger trend: expanding firearm regulation to cover not just guns themselves, but also the parts and accessories that make them function.
At Inland Training, our goal isn’t to take sides: it’s to help you stay informed and compliant. We’ll continue to monitor these and other developments from the California Department of Justice and provide updates as new information becomes available.
In the meantime:
- Make sure you buy from reputable, licensed dealers.
- Keep documentation for all firearm and parts purchases.
- If you’re unsure whether a specific gun or component will be affected, ask before you buy.
Stay Informed. Stay Compliant. Stay Safe.
For updates, training resources, or to learn more about safe and responsible firearm ownership, visit Inland Training.