Updates

The Supreme Court has conferenced Duncan v. Bonta (Case No. 25-198) multiple times — Nov 21, Dec 5, Dec 12, Jan 9, Jan 16, and Jan 23 — without granting or denying cert. Each relisting increases the likelihood of a grant. The next conference is scheduled for February 20, 2026. If SCOTUS takes the case, it could set national precedent on magazine bans and Second Amendment methodology — with downstream implications for the handgun roster via the held Boland case.

The roster carried approximately 800 handgun models into the new year. Additions in 2025 were minimal and removals continued under the 3-for-1 rule, which requires three non-compliant models to be removed for every new semiautomatic pistol added. Manufacturer participation remains cautious.

Firearm components, accessories, tools, and even 3D printer files now require ID verification, signed delivery, and strict address matching for online purchases. Several major retailers have stopped shipping to California entirely. Replacement barrels and upper receivers now effectively require FFL transactions.

The "Glock Ban" bill's first restrictions take effect. Dealers can no longer order new inventory of affected models. The full sales prohibition hits July 1, 2026. Glock discontinued most Gen 3 production by November 2025, triggering a statewide buying frenzy and sharp price spikes on remaining inventory.

Following the July 2025 viability determination, the DOJ is now accepting license applications from entities seeking to produce microstamping components. This is part of the SB 452 timeline — the standalone microstamping mandate effective January 1, 2028.

Glock discontinued nearly all existing pistol models — including roster-approved Gen 3 variants — to transition to their new V Series lineup. The V Series is not roster-approved and cannot be sold in California. Distributors reported critically low stock levels, and prices on remaining Gen 3 Glocks spiked statewide.

AB 1127 bans the sale of "machinegun-convertible pistols" — semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars (like Glocks) that can be modified with illegal switches. Effective July 1, 2026. Does not affect current ownership or private party transfers. Manufacturers can redesign and resubmit compliant models by January 1, 2027. Track the bill →

The Ninth Circuit vacated the Boland roster challenge and held it pending alongside Duncan v. Bonta and Miller v. Bonta (assault weapons ban). The same 11-judge en banc panel will decide all three cases. Boland had previously secured a preliminary injunction striking down CLI and MDM requirements — that injunction remains stayed pending appeal. The roster's future likely depends on SCOTUS taking up Duncan.

Following its July viability finding, the DOJ published written guidance on performance standards for microstamping component producers — the next step in the SB 452 implementation timeline.

In Rhode v. Bonta, a three-judge Ninth Circuit panel found California's ammunition background check regime unconstitutional and affirmed the district court's permanent injunction. While not directly roster-related, this signals the court's willingness to apply Bruen to California gun laws.

The California DOJ released its report concluding that microstamping technology is viable for producing identifiable marks on spent cartridge casings. This triggers the SB 452 implementation timeline leading to a January 1, 2028 mandate for all new semiautomatic pistol sales.

The Ninth Circuit's en banc panel upheld California's 10-round magazine capacity limit, holding that magazines are "accessories" rather than "arms" under the Second Amendment. Judges Bumatay, Ikuta, Nelson, and VanDyke dissented. CRPA filed a cert petition with the Supreme Court on August 17, 2025 (Case No. 25-198), supported by amicus briefs from 27 state attorneys general.

AB 28's 11% excise tax on all firearm and ammunition sales (on top of existing sales tax) completed its first full calendar year. Revenue funds violence intervention programs. The added cost further impacts California buyers already paying premium prices for roster-compliant handguns.

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and NRA filed James v. Bonta, directly challenging AB 1127's constitutionality. The case argues the law targets common, lawful firearms based on a criminal misuse that is already illegal under state and federal law.

The FPC/SAF challenge to the entire Unsafe Handgun Act remains pending. The district court had enjoined CLI, MDM requirements and the 3-for-1 rule. The injunction is stayed pending appeal. Many legal observers consider this case (alongside Boland) as the most direct path to dismantling the roster.

Several long-awaited models were added to the roster, including the Springfield Hellcat, Hellcat Pro, Sig Sauer P365, Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact and Full Size, and Kimber K6XS. These represented some of the first significant additions in years.

Governor Newsom signed SB 452, removing microstamping from the Unsafe Handgun Act definition and making it a standalone sales restriction. Implementation is tied to a DOJ viability study. If viable, the mandate takes effect January 1, 2028 — requiring all new semiautomatic pistols sold to include microstamping.

Judge Carney (Boland v. Bonta, March 20) and Judge Sabraw (Renna v. Bonta, March 31) both granted preliminary injunctions against the roster's CLI, MDM, and microstamping requirements. Renna also enjoined the 3-for-1 rule. Both injunctions were stayed on appeal to the Ninth Circuit, keeping requirements in place during litigation.

Previously, handguns needed two microstamping imprint locations. AB 2847 reduced this to one — but simultaneously codified the 3-for-1 rule, requiring three non-compliant handguns to be removed from the roster for every new microstamping-equipped model added.