Interesting Case Law - Large Capacity Magazines

[nakatomi]

I got tired of the speculation so I picked up the phone and called Green Valley Range myself.

Spoke with Ashley at the store. She confirmed exactly what common sense would tell you: they don't report anything to the California DOJ. Her words, she could not care less about California's laws. That's not her problem and not her jurisdiction.

There is no state-sponsored surveillance. So there it is. No narcing. No reporting. No conspiracy between out-of-state FFLs and CADOJ.

I keep hearing "I heard," "they said," "someone told me." None of that is evidence. If CADOJ has ever prosecuted a NV merchant under some interstate conspiracy theory, show me the case number. Show me the charges. Show me literally anything besides forum hearsay.

Until then it's FUD.

 

[lactoast]

Spoke with Ashley at the store. She confirmed exactly what common sense would tell you: they don't report anything to the California DOJ. Her words, she could not care less about California's laws. That's not her problem and not her jurisdiction.

Hah, I wonder what went through her mind when she got the call. Probably not a common question she gets.

Also, I think she was the one who helped me when I visited their store and range.

 

[nakatomi]

Hah, I wonder what went through her mind when she got the call. Probably not a common question she gets.

Also, I think she was the one who helped me when I visited their store and range.

I was extremely friendly and framed it as settling a concern among friends who are also supporting customers. They sound exactly like a store I’d want to shop at. Turners on the other hand comes across as a store so afraid of the rules that they would unintentionally yet excessively enforce them to the point of becoming mini Bontas.

 

[treelogger]

I got tired of the speculation so I picked up the phone and called Green Valley Range myself.

You called one person at one store, and then ...

There is no state-sponsored surveillance. So there it is. No narcing. No reporting. No conspiracy between out-of-state FFLs and CADOJ.

... jump to that conclusion.

And you ignore evidence, such as what used to get posted on Calguns (when that was still a going concern with people with brains posting), for example Bill W's observations of CA DoJ vehicles in parking lots at gun stores in NV, writing down license plate numbers, followed by the CHP pulling cars over once in California.

It is possible that since the early 2010s, the DoJ has stopped that (when AG Brown streamlined things). But we can be quite sure that it used to happen.

 

[exnds]

One of the reasons when I'm in Vegas I don't go near any gun shops.

 

[NorCalBusa]

You called one person at one store, and then ...

... jump to that conclusion.

And you ignore evidence, such as what used to get posted on Calguns (when that was still a going concern with people with brains posting), for example Bill W's observations of CA DoJ vehicles in parking lots at gun stores in NV, writing down license plate numbers, followed by the CHP pulling cars over once in California.

It is possible that since the early 2010s, the DoJ has stopped that (when AG Brown streamlined things). But we can be quite sure that it used to happen.

What does a "DOJ vehicle" look like?
(Not arguing, just never seen one.)

 

[2A in the CA]

How the hell does this guy have the money to make so many stupid decisions after his legal battle and prison time?

This one made me wonder. Although, it’s a probable assumption he may have been involved with other illegal money making activities. I did some searching on it out of curiosity. This what I read and I had no idea, but I was not surprised. The following quotes are about released inmates from California Prison system.

“Released inmates may receive direct cash payments of $2,400 under a new re-entry program.”

“Approximately 80% of incarcerated individuals in California qualify for Medi-Cal, ensuring access to healthcare services.”

To be fair we don’t know if this person got any cash or benefits upon release. One could argue that if no benefits are given to released inmates then they would get out and commit crime for money. This guy twice went back to committing crime, although not sure if it was for profit.
I don’t think every released inmate gets out and goes back to committing crime, but there are numerous repeat criminals arrested for firearms possession.

 

[RickD427]

You called one person at one store, and then ...

... jump to that conclusion.

And you ignore evidence, such as what used to get posted on Calguns (when that was still a going concern with people with brains posting), for example Bill W's observations of CA DoJ vehicles in parking lots at gun stores in NV, writing down license plate numbers, followed by the CHP pulling cars over once in California.

It is possible that since the early 2010s, the DoJ has stopped that (when AG Brown streamlined things). But we can be quite sure that it used to happen.

All,

It's worth noting that in the late 2000's to the mid 2010's, the Chief of the DOJ's Firearms Division held a very strong enforcement posture, and were "telegraphing" an intent to put together "test cases" to expand the impact of existing statutes. It was during this time that we saw the People v Nguyen case come down which significantly expanded the scope of the Possession of an Assault Weapon statute and did so through case law, rather than statutory law.

That Chief was also supported in her efforts by a DOJ Senior Special Agent who also worked to expand the statutory enforcement efforts.

In the late 2010's, that Chief left the Firearms Branch and went to the Horse Racing Board. The Senior Special Agent left to work for another law enforcement agency in the bay area. The DOJ legal staff now hands their hands full with a number of civil cases going through the appellate process.

The legal "arm-twisting" of out of state vendors still continues, but with maybe less effort. If you don't believe me, just try purchasing legal firearms parts and supplies from the large out-of-state vendors.

It's always good to remain aware of DOJ's enforcement efforts. As an individual firearms owner, and one not involved in other criminal ventures, I would not lose much sleep over the current efforts of DOJ. "Test Cases" are always to be concerned about, but the defendants in "test cases" are carefully chosen. The Nguyen case being a good example. Mr. Nguyen was hard core knucklehead who really needed to be in prison, and the prosecutor needed a good charge. But we have to remember that once Nguyen created the case law rule that having the separated component parts of an AW, and the intent to later assemble them, was a crime, then that same case law can be applied to the Eagle Scout in same circumstances.

It's also worth noting that DOJ's enforcement efforts can, and have, changed with a change in their key personnel. That makes it worth keeping a close eye on the landscape, and having just a bit of healthy paranoia, but not too much paranoia.

 

[Gawernator]

You called one person at one store, and then ...

... jump to that conclusion.

And you ignore evidence, such as what used to get posted on Calguns (when that was still a going concern with people with brains posting), for example Bill W's observations of CA DoJ vehicles in parking lots at gun stores in NV, writing down license plate numbers, followed by the CHP pulling cars over once in California.

It is possible that since the early 2010s, the DoJ has stopped that (when AG Brown streamlined things). But we can be quite sure that it used to happen.

I’ve been hearing this rumor for like 15 years now, never seen any proof it happens or happened lol or one person charged

There is no way post defund the police movement they have the manpower for Mickey Mouse bs like that and operating out of state

 

[treelogger]

What does a "DOJ vehicle" look like?
(Not arguing, just never seen one.)

I've never seen one either ... but trustworthy people in the late 00s reported seeing them at gun dealers across the border. Could be just a generic Chevrolet with state license plates.

 

[ar15robert]

I left ca in 2020 but i did leave a couple old mags i owned from the 90s there in a safe.So if i go with family i still have a normal ar mag.If it gets taken i have plenty here at home.Handguns not a problem with my 1911 but others i have to neuter a mag.

One thing how some claim to have "freedom week" mags they are all date stamped my okay ar mags are stamped inside so just make sure they stamp matches with the claim.

 

[RickD427]

I left ca in 2020 but i did leave a couple old mags i owned from the 90s there in a safe.So if i go with family i still have a normal ar mag.If it gets taken i have plenty here at home.Handguns not a problem with my 1911 but others i have to neuter a mag.

One thing how some claim to have "freedom week" mags they are all date stamped my okay ar mags are stamped inside so just make sure they stamp matches with the claim.

There is no current legal significance to a "Date Stamp" on a large-capacity magazine.

 

[dvoncock]

There is no current legal significance to a "Date Stamp" on a large-capacity magazine.

Correct, as usual. In 2016, Prop 63 retroactively banned noncompliant magazines that were grandfathered in under the previous ban. The Ninth Circuit issued an en banc Bonta decision in 2025 upholding that statute.

 

[Gawernator]

Correct, as usual. In 2016, Prop 63 retroactively banned noncompliant magazines that were grandfathered in under the previous ban. The Ninth Circuit issued an en banc Bonta decision in 2025 upholding that statute.

Until they get smacked down by the US SC

 

[dvoncock]

Until they get smacked down by the US SC

I certainly hope so