Single Shot Weapons Laws, Federal and by State

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## Federal Laws on Single-Shot Firearms

**Single-shot firearms are generally legal under federal law**, but they must comply with specific regulations. Here are the key federal requirements:

### Age and Background Checks

**Federal law sets a minimum age of 18 years** to purchase rifles and shotguns (including single-shot guns) from licensed dealers. A **mandatory federal background check is required** for all purchases from licensed firearms dealers.

### No Special Single-Shot Restrictions

Unlike fully automatic weapons or short-barreled firearms, single-shot rifles and shotguns are not specifically restricted at the federal level. They're treated as standard long guns, which means they can be legally owned by eligible individuals.

### Prohibited Categories

You cannot legally own a single-shot firearm (or any firearm) if you fall into certain prohibited categories, including:

- **Convicted felons** (including anyone convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year)

- **Domestic abusers** (those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to protective orders)

- **Individuals adjudicated mentally ill** or committed to mental institutions

- **Those with active restraining orders or warrants**

- **Undocumented immigrants** and certain visa holders

- **Individuals dishonorably discharged** from the military

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## California State Laws on Single-Shot Firearms

California has among the strictest gun laws in the nation, and single-shot firearms are regulated more heavily than they are federally.

### Purchase Requirements

**You must obtain a firearms safety certificate** and pass a background check before purchasing any firearm, including single-shot guns. There is a **mandatory 10-day waiting period** between purchase and delivery.

### Age Restrictions

**You must be at least 21 years old** to purchase any firearm in California, including single-shot rifles and shotguns.

### Registration and Documentation

**All firearms must be registered with California's Department of Justice.** Dealers record all purchases, and if you move to California from another state, you have **60 days to register any firearms** you bring into the state or you must sell/transfer them.

### Barrel Length Restrictions

This is particularly relevant to farm use—**California specifically prohibits short-barreled shotguns and rifles**:

- **Short-barreled shotgun**: barrel less than 18 inches OR overall length less than 26 inches

- **Short-barreled rifle**: barrel less than 16 inches OR overall length less than 26 inches

If your single-shot gun falls into these categories, **possession is illegal unless you have specific authorization** from the Department of Justice (which is rarely granted).

### Storage Requirements

When not in use or being carried by an authorized user, **firearms must be stored in a locked container or have a trigger lock installed**.

### Who Is Prohibited

You cannot possess a firearm in California if you are:

- Under 21 years old (with limited exceptions for hunting/ranching with parental consent for those 16+)

- A convicted felon or person under certain probation conditions

- Involuntary mental health patient or gravely disabled due to mental disorder

- Addicted to narcotics

- Subject to a protective or restraining order

- The subject of an outstanding warrant

### Agricultural/Farm Use

While California law generally allows firearm use for hunting and ranching activities, this does not exempt you from the purchase requirements, background checks, waiting periods, or registration requirements. You still need to comply with all state regulations.

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## Key Differences: Federal vs. California

<citation src="6,7,8">California's laws are substantially more restrictive than federal minimums. While federal law allows single-shot firearms with minimal regulation (beyond background checks and age limits), California imposes a safety certificate requirement, mandatory 10-day waiting period, registration, age 21 minimum, and safe storage requirements.</citation>

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## Recommendations

If you're considering purchasing a single-shot farm gun in California, you should:

1. **Consult with a licensed firearms dealer** in your area to ensure the specific model complies with California's barrel length and overall length requirements

2. **Verify eligibility** through the California Department of Justice ($20 eligibility check available)

3. **Plan for the 10-day waiting period** after purchase

4. **Ensure proper storage** with trigger lock or locked container when not in use

5. **Consider whether local ordinances** in your jurisdiction impose additional restrictions (some California cities have stricter rules than the state)

For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, consulting with a California firearms attorney would be advisable, as enforcement and interpretation can vary by jurisdiction.