Gun Laws/California/Reviewed September 16, 2026

Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in California?

Quick answer

Restricted

California has an assault weapon ban in effect.

0 of California's 3 neighboring states have the same status. Check each one before you cross a state line with assault weapons.

Not legal advice. Source: GunPartPicker state law review, September 16, 2026

Assault weapon bans by state

Alabama: No banAlaska: No banArizona: No banColorado: PartialFlorida: No banGeorgia: No banIndiana: No banKansas: No banMaine: No banMassachusetts: BanMinnesota: PartialNew Jersey: BanNorth Carolina: No banNorth Dakota: No banOklahoma: No banPennsylvania: No banSouth Dakota: No banTexas: No banWyoming: No banConnecticut: BanMissouri: No banWest Virginia: No banIllinois: BanNew Mexico: No banArkansas: No banCalifornia: BanDelaware: BanHawaii: PartialIowa: No banKentucky: No banMaryland: BanMichigan: No banMississippi: No banMontana: No banNew Hampshire: No banNew York: BanOhio: No banOregon: No banTennessee: No banUtah: No banVirginia: Ban blocked in courtWashington: BanWisconsin: No banNebraska: No banSouth Carolina: No banIdaho: No banNevada: No banVermont: No banLouisiana: No banRhode Island: BanALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWY
No ban (36)Partial or local (4)Ban in effect (10)Assault weapon bans by state. Tap a state
Map legend: clear means No ban; caution means Partial or local; restricted means Ban in effect

Featureless parts for a California legal build

A compliant AR-15 is still legal to build in California. These are the parts that make one featureless.

In stock, ranked by what builders add most. One listing per model.

Magpul Ar-15 Moe Stock Fixed Mil-Spec Blk
MagpulMagpul Ar-15 Moe Stock Fixed Mil-Spec Blk
$30.99In stock
B5 Systems Bravo-C Fixed Mil-Spec Stock - Wolf Grey
B5 SystemsB5 Systems Bravo-C Fixed Mil-Spec Stock - Wolf Grey
$46.69In stock
Strike Industries Ar Simple Featureless Grip
Strike IndustriesStrike Industries Ar Simple Featureless Grip
$31.95In stock
Leapers UTG Polymer Standard A2 Fixed Stock Assembly, Black - RB-T469B
LeapersLeapers UTG Polymer Standard A2 Fixed Stock Assembly, Black - RB-T469B
$70.52In stock
Plan a compliant build →

Prices update hourly. Not legal advice, confirm your own configuration before you buy. All California gun laws

California law in detail

  • Yes (Assault Weapon Ban) — Semi-auto rifles with features like pistol grips, thumbhole stocks, folding/telescoping stocks, or flash suppressors are banned. Fixed-magazine 'featureless' builds are common workarounds.

The federal rule

There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.

Assault weapons in neighboring states

Next steps

Frequently asked questions

Are AR-15s and assault weapons legal in California?

Restricted. California has an assault weapon ban in effect. Reviewed September 16, 2026.

What is the federal rule on assault weapons?

There is no federal assault weapon ban; the 1994 federal ban expired in 2004. States that restrict them either name specific models or define an assault weapon by features such as a pistol grip, an adjustable stock, a flash hider or a threaded barrel, which is why featureless and fixed magazine builds exist.

How many states restrict assault weapons?

Nationwide by our review: 36 states: no ban; 4: partial or local; 10: ban in effect.

More California gun laws

Legal disclaimer: This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can be stricter. Confirm with the California statutes, the state attorney general or a licensed attorney before buying, building or traveling.