California Magazine Laws (2026): The 10-Round Limit Explained

Cal Gun Roster Editorial Team on October 30, 2026

California limits magazines to 10 rounds. It is illegal to make, import, sell, buy, give, lend or receive a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds. The state’s ban on simply possessing larger magazines has never taken effect for magazines acquired legally, because of the long-running Duncan v. Bonta lawsuit, which is now waiting on the Supreme Court. Here is what that means if you live in, move to or visit California.

What the law prohibits

Penal Code 32310 makes it a crime to manufacture, import, keep for sale, offer for sale, give, lend, buy or receive a large-capacity magazine, defined as any ammunition feeding device that can accept more than 10 rounds. These offenses can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. For this reason, new pistols sold in California come with magazines that hold 10 rounds or fewer.

Not counted as large-capacity magazines:

Magazines permanently altered so they cannot hold more than 10 rounds.
.22 caliber tube magazines.
Tubular magazines on lever-action rifles.

Possession of larger magazines

Proposition 63 (2016) added a ban on possessing large-capacity magazines no matter when they were acquired. Courts kept that possession ban from taking effect while Duncan v. Bonta moved through the courts. In March 2025, the full Ninth Circuit upheld California’s magazine law 7 to 4. The plaintiffs asked the Supreme Court to review the case in August 2025, and that petition is still pending. While it is pending, a court order still blocks California from enforcing the possession ban against magazines that were acquired legally. Buying, selling, importing and receiving them remain illegal and enforced.

In practice: if you legally owned larger magazines before the ban, or bought them during Freedom Week, possession is in a legal gray area that depends on the outcome of the case. Buying, selling or bringing new ones into the state is illegal now.

Freedom Week (2019)

From March 29 to April 5, 2019, a federal district court ruling briefly struck down the law, and Californians could legally buy large-capacity magazines. The ruling was stayed on April 5. Keep receipts or other proof of the purchase date for any magazines bought that week.

Visitors and new residents

Bringing a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds into California counts as importing it, which is illegal for residents, new residents and visitors alike. If you are moving to California or driving through, leave larger magazines at home and bring 10-round magazines instead. See how to transport guns in California.

What to buy instead

Most popular pistols are available with factory 10-round magazines, and every handgun sold new in California comes with them. Choose magazines made to hold 10 rounds, or ones permanently altered by the manufacturer. Browse California legal handguns by type.

Frequently asked questions

What is the magazine limit in California?

Ten rounds. California bans making, importing, selling, buying, giving, lending and receiving magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.

Is it illegal to own a high-capacity magazine in California?

California law bans possessing them, but because of the long-running Duncan v. Bonta lawsuit, a court order still blocks the state from enforcing that ban against magazines that were acquired legally. Buying, selling, importing or receiving them is illegal and enforced.

Can I bring 15- or 17-round magazines into California?

No. Bringing a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds into California counts as importing it, which is illegal for residents, new residents and visitors.

Are 10-round magazines for Glocks and other pistols legal?

Yes. Any magazine that holds 10 or fewer rounds is legal, including standard 10-round magazines and magazines permanently altered so they cannot hold more than 10.

What was Freedom Week in California?

From March 29 to April 5, 2019, a federal court ruling briefly allowed Californians to buy magazines over 10 rounds. Magazines bought legally during that week are treated like other lawfully acquired magazines.

Will the Supreme Court decide the California magazine ban?

Possibly. The Ninth Circuit upheld the ban in March 2025, and a petition asking the Supreme Court to review it is pending.

Sources

This article is general information, not legal advice. The magazine law is in active litigation; check current status before acting. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.

Category: California Firearms Law