Posted by DUTYTAC on Oct 14th 2026

California Magazine Laws Explained: 10-Round Limit, Mag Locks and Featureless Rifles

California law guide
10 rounds, mag locks and featureless builds
How California defines large-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and the common ways shooters keep their rifles and pistols compliant. DUTYTAC does not sell magazine-lock devices; this guide is for education.
10
Max rounds a magazine may hold
PC 32310
Large-capacity magazine law
PC 30515
Assault weapon features

1. The 10-round rule

California Penal Code 16740 defines a large-capacity magazine as any ammunition feeding device that can accept more than 10 rounds. It does not include:

  • a magazine permanently altered so it cannot hold more than 10 rounds,
  • a .22 caliber tube magazine, or
  • a tubular magazine in a lever-action firearm.

Under PC 32310 it is illegal to make, import, sell, give, lend, buy or receive a large-capacity magazine in California, including kits that convert a magazine to hold more than 10. Possession has been banned since July 1, 2017. A federal judge struck the ban down in 2023, but the Ninth Circuit sitting en banc upheld it on March 20, 2025 (Duncan v. Bonta). The challengers asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take the case (No. 25-198), and that petition was still pending as of early October 2026. Until a court says otherwise, the 10-round limit is enforced in California.

What about the New Jersey ruling?
In July 2026 the full Third Circuit struck down New Jersey's 10-round limit. That decision covers New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It does not change California law, but it creates a split between circuits that the Supreme Court may resolve.

California-compliant 10-round magazines

Factory 10-round magazines are the simplest way to stay legal. A few examples we carry:

Shop magazines. Always confirm the capacity in the listing before you order for California.

2. What makes a rifle an "assault weapon" in California

Under PC 30515(a)(1), a semi-auto centerfire rifle that does not have a fixed magazine is an assault weapon if it has any one of these features:

Pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action
Thumbhole stock
Folding or telescoping stock
Grenade or flare launcher
Flash suppressor
Forward pistol grip

A semi-auto centerfire rifle is also an assault weapon if it has a fixed magazine that holds more than 10 rounds, or an overall length under 30 inches. A fixed magazine (PC 30515(b)) is one that cannot be removed without disassembling the firearm action.

Semi-auto centerfire rifle in California Fixed magazine Keep pistol grip, adjustable stock etc. Mag cannot drop free without opening action Use 10-round mags Featureless Normal mag release No pistol grip, no flash hider, no folding/telescoping stock Use 10-round mags Registered AW Registration window closed July 1, 2018 Only rifles already registered with CA DOJ Still 10-round mags
Simplified overview. Read the full rules below.

3. Path one: fixed magazine ("mag lock")

A magazine-lock device replaces the AR mag catch so the magazine cannot be released until you open the action, usually by pulling the rear takedown pin and tilting the upper. Because the magazine is "fixed," the rifle can keep a pistol grip, an adjustable stock and other listed features. You reload by opening the action, swapping in another 10-round magazine and closing it.

4. Path two: featureless

A featureless rifle keeps a normal magazine release, so it must have none of the listed features:

Part Featureless rifle Fixed-magazine rifle
Pistol grip Replace with a fin or grip that keeps your hand from wrapping below the action: Not allowed for a standard grip OK
Stock Fixed stock only OK (adjustable OK)
Muzzle device Muzzle brake or compensator: Not allowed for a flash hider OK
Forward grip Not allowed for a forward pistol grip; hand stops are common OK
Magazine 10 rounds, normal release 10 rounds, released only by opening the action

Parts that commonly appear on California builds

Parts that count as features

These are fine on a fixed-magazine rifle but would make a featureless rifle an assault weapon:

5. Path three: registered assault weapon

Owners of "bullet button" rifles could register them with the California DOJ. That registration window closed on July 1, 2018. If your rifle is not already registered, this path is not available, and registered rifles are still limited to 10-round magazines.

6. Handguns

Pistol magazines are held to the same 10-round limit. Semi-auto pistols have their own feature rules in PC 30515 and new handgun sales generally go through California's handgun roster, so check those before buying a pistol or pistol parts.

Key takeaways
  • Magazines in California are limited to 10 rounds, and the possession ban is in force after the 2025 Ninth Circuit ruling.
  • A semi-auto centerfire rifle must be fixed-magazine, featureless or already registered.
  • Fixed magazine = cannot remove it without opening the action.
  • Featureless = no pistol grip, no flash hider, no folding or telescoping stock, no forward pistol grip, no thumbhole stock.
Have a question about a part for your California build? Contact us before you order.
Contact DUTYTAC →

This article is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. Sources: California Penal Code 16740, 30515 and 32310; Duncan v. Bonta (9th Cir. en banc, March 20, 2025; U.S. Supreme Court No. 25-198). Check the current statutes, California DOJ guidance and a California firearms attorney before you build, buy or modify.