California Handgun Roster 2026 — Complete Guide to CA Compliant Handguns

Cal Gun Roster Editorial Team on July 6, 2026

If you want to buy a handgun in California, there is one thing that stands between you and the gun shop counter: the official DOJ California Handgun Roster 2026.

California is one of only a handful of states that restricts which handgun models can be sold by licensed dealers. Not every gun made by Glock, Smith & Wesson, or SIG Sauer is available at your local California gun store. The handgun must appear on the state’s approved list — or the dealer cannot legally sell it to you.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the California Handgun Roster in 2026, including what it is, why it exists, how it has changed, what AB 1127 means for buyers, and how to find what you can actually buy today.

What Is the California Handgun Roster?

The California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale — commonly called the CA DOJ Roster, the California Gun Roster, or simply “the roster” — is a list of handgun models that have been tested and approved by the California Department of Justice for sale by licensed firearms dealers.

Under California Penal Code Section 32000, it is illegal for any licensed dealer to sell, offer to sell, or transfer a handgun to a civilian unless that specific model appears on the roster. Every model must pass a series of safety tests including:

Firing test — the gun must fire 600 rounds without malfunction
Drop safety test — the gun must not discharge when dropped from one meter
Safety device test — the gun must have a manual safety, loaded chamber indicator, or magazine disconnect mechanism

Manufacturers must apply and pay a $200-per-model annual renewal fee to keep their guns on the roster. If a manufacturer stops paying, the model is removed — even if the gun is identical to the previous year.

Cal Gun Roster tracks all 923 currently certified handgun models. You can search the full database here.

Why Does the Roster Exist?

The roster was created in 2001 under AB 273 as a consumer safety measure. The stated goal was to ensure that handguns sold in California met minimum safety standards.

The roster has been controversial from the start. Critics argue that it functions as a de facto ban on many modern firearms, since manufacturers have little financial incentive to certify every model for a state that represents a fraction of their sales, especially given the additional requirements added since 2001.

How Microstamping Killed New Additions

The most significant change to the roster came in 2013, when California’s microstamping requirement went into effect. Under this law, any new semi-automatic pistol added to the roster must incorporate microstamping technology — a mechanism that etches a microscopic code onto shell casings when the gun is fired, theoretically allowing investigators to trace spent casings to a specific firearm.

The problem: microstamping technology does not exist in a commercially viable form for semi-automatic pistols. As a result, no manufacturer has added a new semi-automatic pistol model to the California Roster since 2013.

Every 9mm pistol, .45 ACP pistol, or .40 S&W pistol on the roster today was certified before 2013. If Glock releases a new model, it cannot be sold through California dealers. If SIG Sauer redesigns a pistol, the new version cannot be added to the roster.

Combined with the 3-for-1 rule — which requires manufacturers to remove three models from the roster for every new model added — the roster has been steadily shrinking for over a decade.

What Is AB 1127 and How Does It Affect the 2026 Roster?

In 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1127, which took effect July 1, 2026. The law makes it illegal for dealers to sell handguns that were previously exempt from certain roster requirements under a “safe harbor” provision.

This primarily affects certain single-action revolvers and some older pistol models that had been grandfathered onto the roster under exemptions that no longer apply. California buyers should verify the current roster status of any handgun before purchasing in 2026, as some models that were available as recently as 2025 may no longer be legal for dealer sale.

You can verify current certification status for any handgun at Cal Gun Roster.

How Many Guns Are on the California Roster?

As of July 2026, the California DOJ Handgun Roster contains 923 certified handgun models from 42 manufacturers. This is down significantly from over 1,000 models in previous years.

The roster includes:

Pistols — semi-automatic handguns including full-size, compact, and subcompact models
Revolvers — double-action and single-action revolvers
Pistol Caliber Carbines — a small number of pistol-format long guns

The largest manufacturers currently on the roster include Smith & Wesson (256 models), Sturm, Ruger & Co. (90 models), Springfield Armory (82 models), Kimber (51 models), and Sig Sauer (41 models).

Best California Compliant Handguns in 2026

Despite the restrictions, there are excellent handguns available on the California Roster. Here are some of the best options currently certified for dealer sale.

Best 9mm Pistols on the California Roster

Glock 19 — The Glock 19 remains one of the most popular handguns in California. This compact 9mm pistol holds 15+1 rounds, has a 4.02-inch barrel, and is known for its reliability and ease of use. It is one of the most widely carried handguns by California law enforcement officers.

→ View the Glock 19 on Cal Gun Roster

Beretta 92FS — The Beretta 92FS is an iconic full-size 9mm pistol with a 15-round capacity and 4.9-inch barrel. It has been on the California Roster for years and is available at most California gun stores.

→ View the Beretta 92FS on Cal Gun Roster

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield — The M&P Shield is one of the most popular concealed carry pistols in California. This slim, lightweight 9mm holds 8 or 7 rounds and is easy to conceal.

→ View the S&W M&P 9 Shield on Cal Gun Roster

SIG Sauer P365 — The SIG P365 was a revolution in concealed carry when it launched, offering 10+1 rounds in a package the size of a traditional single-stack micro pistol. California-compliant versions are available.

→ View the SIG Sauer P365 on Cal Gun Roster

Springfield Armory Hellcat — The Hellcat offers 13+1 rounds in an extremely compact package. The California-compliant OSP version includes an optics-ready slide.

→ View the Springfield Armory Hellcat on Cal Gun Roster

Heckler & Koch VP9 — The HK VP9 is a full-size striker-fired pistol known for its exceptional trigger and build quality. California-compliant versions are available on the roster.

→ View the HK VP9 on Cal Gun Roster

Best .45 ACP Pistols on the California Roster

Glock 21SF — The full-size Glock in .45 ACP format. The SF (Short Frame) variant fits more hand sizes. This holds 13+1 rounds of .45 ACP.

→ View the Glock 21SF on Cal Gun Roster

Kimber Custom CDP II — For 1911 fans, Kimber has an extensive lineup of California-compliant 1911 pistols in .45 ACP. The Custom CDP II is a high-end carry option.

→ View the Kimber Custom CDP II on Cal Gun Roster

Browse by Manufacturer

Looking for a specific brand? Browse all California compliant handguns by manufacturer:

Off-Roster vs. On-Roster Handguns in California

You may have heard the term “off-roster” when shopping for handguns in California. Here is what it means and how it affects you.

On-roster handguns are models currently certified on the California DOJ Handgun Roster. Licensed dealers can sell these to any qualified California resident. This is the only way most civilians can purchase a new handgun from a dealer in California.

Off-roster handguns are models that are not currently on the roster — either because they never were, or because the manufacturer’s certification lapsed. Licensed dealers cannot sell off-roster handguns to civilians.

However, there are some limited ways to acquire off-roster handguns legally:

Private Party Transfer (PPT) — If an individual owns an off-roster handgun, they can sell it to another California resident through a licensed FFL dealer using the PPT process. The FFL charges a fee and conducts a DROS background check.
Law Enforcement — Active duty and retired law enforcement officers can purchase off-roster handguns under specific conditions.
Bringing guns into California — If you legally own a handgun in another state and move to California, you can bring it with you regardless of roster status.

Off-roster handguns are popular for this reason — many modern pistols that would otherwise be unavailable to California civilians can be acquired through private party transfers. However, prices for popular off-roster models are often significantly higher than retail due to supply constraints.

Cal Gun Roster only lists on-roster, dealer-legal handguns. All 923 models in our database can be legally purchased from a California FFL dealer.

How to Buy a Handgun in California

If you find a handgun on the roster you want to purchase, here is the process:

Step 1: Find a licensed California FFL dealer

You must purchase through a licensed FFL dealer. Most gun stores are FFLs. You can also buy from online retailers like Guns.com, GunBroker, or Brownells — they will ship the handgun to a California FFL near you for transfer.

Step 2: Complete a DROS (Dealer Record of Sale)

The dealer will have you complete a DROS form, which records the transaction and initiates a background check through the California DOJ. There is a $31.19 DROS fee paid to the state.

Step 3: Pass the background check

Your information is submitted to the California DOJ and the FBI for a background check. Most checks clear immediately. Some require additional review.

Step 4: Obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)

You must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate to purchase any handgun in California. The FSC requires passing a 30-question written test at a licensed firearms dealer. Scores of 75% or higher pass. The FSC is valid for 5 years.

Step 5: Wait 10 days

California requires a mandatory 10-day waiting period for all handgun purchases. You cannot take possession of the firearm for 10 days after the DROS is submitted, regardless of when the background check clears.

Step 6: Take possession

After the 10-day waiting period, return to the dealer with valid ID to take possession of your firearm. The dealer will conduct a safe handling demonstration.

How to Search the California Handgun Roster

Cal Gun Roster makes it easy to search all 923 currently certified handguns. You can:

Search by make, model, or caliber using the search bar
Filter by caliber — 9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, .357 Magnum, and more
Filter by type — Pistol or Revolver
Filter by size — Full Size, Compact, Sub-Compact, or Micro
Sort by price to find affordable options in your budget
View full specifications including capacity, barrel length, weight, and MSRP
Find where to buy with links to dealers including Guns.com, GunBroker, GrabAGun, Brownells, and Palmetto State Armory

Every listing includes an AI-generated overview with key features, user reviews summary, and buying advice specific to California.

Search the California Handgun Roster →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Glock 17 on the California Roster?

Yes. The Glock 17 is on the California Roster and can be purchased from licensed California dealers.

Is the Glock 19 on the California Roster?

Yes. The Glock 19 is on the California Roster. It is one of the most popular handguns sold in California.

Can I buy a SIG P365 in California?

Yes. California-compliant versions of the SIG Sauer P365 are on the California Roster.

Why are there so few new guns available in California?

The microstamping requirement that took effect in 2013 effectively prevents manufacturers from adding new semi-automatic pistol models to the roster. No new semi-auto pistol has been added since 2013.

What happens if a gun I want is off-roster?

You can still acquire it through a private party transfer (PPT) if a California resident is selling one. Expect to pay a premium over retail price for popular off-roster models.

Does the California Roster change?

Yes. Models are added (rarely) and removed (frequently) from the roster. Removals happen when manufacturers stop paying the annual renewal fee. Always verify current roster status before purchasing.

Cal Gun Roster is maintained by 1791 LLC. All information is provided for educational purposes. Verify current roster status with your FFL dealer before purchasing.

Category: California Firearms Law
Tag: AB 1127, CA DOJ Roster, California Compliant Handguns, California Firearms Law, California Gun Roster