The California Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale is simply a short list of handguns you can buy in California from an FFL.
An easy way of putting this is that if the handgun you want isn’t on the roster, then you can’t transfer it through an FFL unless you are buying it from another California resident.
This means no ordering online and having it shipped to your local FFL. No having the FFL order it for you. No having your friend buy one and sending it to the FFL.
The only way around the roster is to find a California resident that owns the gun you want and make a private sale for it, or be exempt yourself from the roster — and that’s LEO only.
Note that this only applies to handguns, long guns and shotguns do not have a roster.
Impact
You can see the list here along with their legalese.
On the surface, it might sound fine…it’s a list of vetted guns that have passed some additional safety tests. But since the roster has existed, massive amounts of handguns have been removed by the DOJ.
Once you dig down to it, it makes it hard for manufacturers to create new firearms that meet the demands of the roster. And how are other states allowing all the other types of handguns if they are not “safe.”
It’s also very likely no new models will be added since there is now a “microstamping” requirement which uses controversial technology that will etch identifying marks on the bullet casing.
You can check out the link to Wikipedia for a variety of arguments against it, but it boils down to immature technology and very easy ways to get around it such as switching out the firing pin (easy) or picking up brass at the range and scattering it at a crime scene.
Single Shot Exemptions (SSE)
For a while until 2015, many California residents utilized the “Single Shot Exemption” clause which allowed off-list handguns to still be sold in the state. However, this method of obtaining off-list handguns was closed when AB 1964 passed.
We’re only mentioning it here because you’ll find old references or people who haven’t paid attention suggesting it as a means of transfer.
Bottom line — it isn’t a thing anymore.
Current Status
Now the only way to obtain an off-list handgun is to buy it through a private party transfer. And because of this, you’ll see that the prices of these guns are much higher than the standard prices elsewhere in the country.
Police officers are still able to purchase off-list handguns.
There are no exceptions made for military members either current or retired.
Best Handguns on the California Roster of Safe Handguns
If you’re working within the bounds of what is on the roster, you might want to know what are some of the best and some of our favorites. So of course, we got you covered.
These aren’t in a particular order or grouping, just some of the guns we recommend the most that are on the roster.
1. Glock 19/17 (Gen 3)
Sadly in California, our access to Glock ends with Gen 3, thankfully though the Gen 3 is still highly supported in models and aftermarket parts — partly because of California.
If you want the Honda Civic of guns, a Glock is perfect. It won’t be flashy but it will be outstandingly reliable and has room for a host of modifications and upgrades.
One annoying thing about California is that (okay, one more thing) is that stripped frames aren’t available.
Since every handgun needs to be on the roster to buy it and stripped frames aren’t on the roster, you have to buy whole guns only.
This makes building a custom Glock a bit more annoying.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Beretta 92FS / M9
I’m a huge fan of the 92 family, one of the first pistols I ever bought was the 92FS, and thousands of rounds later — I still love it.
A classic in film and for our military there is a surprisingly decent selection of Berettas on roster for you to pick from.
If you want the pure classic style then the 92FS is for you.
If you want to mount a light, get a M9A1. If you want to get something a bit more fancy, take a look at the Elite II, Brigadier, or even a compact or Inox model.
Shockingly, we even have the 92G on roster also — that’s the decocker only model and I highly recommend it.
If .40 Cal is your thing then check out the 96 family, we have a good selection of them available to us also.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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3. Bersa Firestorm
My personal EDC CCW gun and I love it.
Based on the Walther PPK the Bersa is a DA/SA single-stack .380 ACP pistol with a wonderful single-action trigger pull and a decent double-action.
The sights are very Glock in their style and are easy to pick up and use.
Plus magazines are easy to find and fit my hand really well.
It’s small, slim, and really easy to conceal carry.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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You should take a look at my full review for all the awesome details!
4. CZ 75 B / SP-01
We LOVE the CZ 75 family, a lot in fact.
The 75 B is a more classic version and the SP-01 an upgrade and modernized version. Both are outstanding.
They also have a wide selection of options on the roster to pick from. While none of the newer and most awesome versions are available like the Shadow 2, we do have options.
Safety only, de-cocker only, single action only, you can get exactly what works for you.
These are full-sized guns that aren’t lightweight so you might not want to EDC CC one — but they are amazing for competitions, range shooting, and long training days.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. CZ P-01
If you do want to CC a CZ I highly recommend the P-01!
Again you have options in decocker or safety and magazines are easy to find.
Best of all, it’s basically an SP-01 just smaller. It has that strange magic rarely found in small guns that it doesn’t feel small. It is small, but it doesn’t feel like it in your hands.
It just fits perfectly for almost any hand size or shape.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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We have a full review on it though so you can get a ton more information!
6. Smith & Wesson SD9VE
If you need a budget semi-auto the SD9VE is perfect.
The trigger is mushy and horrible to use if you’re used to good triggers, but if you’re a new shooter this really won’t be something you notice.
(If that trigger does bother you — APEX makes a drop-in kit that really improves the feel and weight.)
Beyond that, it’s a great gun.
Basically a Glock design with a slightly different grip angle and almost half the price generally, the SD9VE is a great gun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Tried the Smith & Wesson SD9VE? Make sure to rate it below!
7. Sig Sauer P226 / P220
A classic around the world and several options on the roster for you to pick from.
The P226/220 has been combat-proven since its release and continues to serve around the world for police and military.
DA/SA, full-sized or compact, this is a beast of a pistol that won’t let you down.
It’s not as easy to customize if you want to trick it out, but it also doesn’t need it very much. 9mm or .40 cal, both are widely available.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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8. Wilson Combat 1911
This won’t be cheap, but it is amazing.
1911s are outstanding guns and have a place in the modern-day, while they aren’t perfect for everyone — they are awesome.
Sadly, we don’t have options for anything really cool like a 2011 and only have a couple of not-great 9mm 1911s on the roster.
We do have a few Wilson Combat offerings though and they are all amazing. These are very high-quality 1911s with a glass-like feel and finish to them.
Great triggers made outstanding by Wilson Combat and reliability that is basically as good as a 1911 can ever become (very, very reliable).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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9. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
Is it fancy? No. Is it sexy? No. What the M&P shield lacks in aesthetics it makes up for in durability, reliability, and just being a great shooter.
Small modern CCW guns are hard to find on the CA roster and the M&P Shield is one of the best.
We can’t get the newest and best, but the version we can get are solid and we at least have a few color options to choose from like Black, FDE, OD Green, or Robins Egg Blue.
With a 3-inch barrel and an 8+1 9mm round capacity, these are great for CCW.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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10. Browning Buckmark
For .22 LR pistols, we don’t have many good options, the Buckmark is about the best we have and it’s…passable.
There is a good aftermarket though so if you want to trick it out you can.
Otherwise, it’s reliable, easy to use, and perfect for when ammo prices are insane.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Future?
There are multiple lawsuits making their way through the courts but right now there isn’t anything promising coming down soon.
We can hope and fight for our rights, but the grim reality is that it is unlikely to change anytime soon.
On the bright side, think about all that money you save by not being able to buy all the cool things the rest of the nation gets to buy!
What is your favorite CA roster handgun? Is something off-roster worth 2x MSRP to you? Let us know in the comments! Ready to buy a gun? Check out How to Buy a Gun in California.
34 Leave a Reply
You reviewed the Bersa Firestorm, but you put an ad up for the Bersa Thunder.
To see the Firestorm, go to Palmetto State Armory's website and search for this:
Bersa Firestorm 3.5" .380 ACP 7 Round Pistol, Black - FS380M
Then click on the gun that doesn't have the trigger lock on the side.
Curious about the “there are only a couple not great 1911 in 9mm” comment - could you say more about that? I was looking for a 1911 in 9mm and finding myself frustrated by the lack of options
I love my HK P2000.
Thanks for giving the Bersa some love. I have a Firestorm and it is a tack driver, no joke. All the haters talk about metallurgy issues, well Bersa was founded by 3 Italian engineers from Berreta who immigrated to Argentina. I trust them more than some rich kid YouTube Glock boys.
This list is definitely out of date now. With the S&W Sd9ve off the list, only the sd40ve remains. The M&P 2.0’s are now on the list with a new Sig and a version of the Ruger Max 9.
We're working on an update to this as we speak!
HK P30L , hands down. Oh wait a minute, hands up.
This article is only half useful. Top ten? It should be about three. What about the carrying rig? A great gun is essentially useless for concealed carry if you can't find a practical carry holster that suits your needs. Very few of the guns on this list have any substantial market for concealed carry holsters. Outside of the top 3 or 4 most popular ones, you can just forget about choices like kydex or leather, IWB/OWB, left hand/right hand, light/no light, active/passive retention, etc. You'll be lucky just to find ANY holster that fits well. Really, there are only a handful of practical carry combinations of gun and holster - definitely not 10.
Ruger EC9S? 7+1 single stack, inexpensive, and reliable.
Beretta PX4 should also be on the list. Great quality polymer hammer fired in 9mm, 40sw and 45 acp.
All that money being saved not being able to buy what the rest of the nation can buy is going into the CA government's pocket. So, we're not really saving anything.
The CA roster of approved handgun is a joke. The state claimed it’s for safety but it’s an underhanded way the state of California disarmed its citizens through legislation. One of the safety requirements for a handgun to be on the roster is microstamping which is a technology which does not exist. Anyway, this law and several others are being challenged in federal courts for being unconstitutional thanks to a recent landmark SCOTUS decision in Bruen.
What is the difference between a handgun and a hammer
My EDC is a S&W shield 40 with the Apex trigger and the duty/carry upgrade kit, an aftermarket barrel and trijicon night sights. Now that I've upgraded it pretty much as much as I can, I love it! I could have just saved up and got a Sig or a CZ but I'm happy with what I have. It's accurate and dependable and now has a great trigger. And it fits in my pocket, if I want to pocket carry.
The Shield + Apex combo is a good one!
My CA roster EDC is a Sig SP2022. I think if it as my DA/SA hammer fired P320. They have very similar dimensions, it works for a left handed shooter and it's lighter than a P226. European military and LE tested and proven.
Thank you for posting! Im picking up my G34 Gen 3 this Friday. Im excited to finally be able to shoot in California… been a long time coming.
P229 and any S&W J frame should be at the top of this list.
I know it must be very hard to get this list down to 10, BUT, by not having the H&K P2000/P2000sk (the only other other sub compact next to the Shield that superior quality) as one of the top picks is sin-full. I would take the Bersa/S&W SD off and put the P2000/P2000sk as one of the top, as well as, the Springfield XD line. As well, within the Sig part where you have the P220/226, why not include the P229? Make the Bersa and SD a special mentioned, budget friendly category after the top 10.
FYI, the Bersa Firestorm .380 came off the roster this year.
I bought the SD9VE for my first gun in early 2021. Yeah, the trigger sucks, but it's otherwise a great gun. Accurate, reliable, feels good in the hand, and I personally find the two-tone look sexy.
Its back on. The back story to that was the morons at the CA DOJ didn't process the annual payment in time that Bersa is forced to pay annually. Same happened with H&K at the beginning of the year. Every HK fell off roster for about a week before someone decided to accept payment.
The USP series is still off the roster. Only HK’s available are the p2000/k’s unfortunately
I'm getting frustrated... I had my Walther PPKS stolen about 2 years ago...my best carry pistol. But the PPKS was heavy and I am older so I need a lighter weight small pistol .380...since I have a quantity of .380 ammo left over. Bursa...Tarus... springfield... all would be excellent! But living in CA... I am running into a brick wall...even to find any of these even AVAILABLE from Dealers. Any suggestions??? Kirt Salisbury Livermore, ca
Don't overlook Kahr Arms. As small as they come and their whole line designed for CCW. And, made in Nevada! It's a little surprising that one of their models wasn't among the top 10 list here.
Yeah. I own the CW9. It's incredibly comfortable in the hand and has magazines with an extension that gives it a longer grip. Very smooth double action trigger and well priced for California. Kahr has plenty of other choices as well. And while some might argue the single stack magazine is inferior to the double stack, the arbitrary magazine ammo limit and the shrinking list of options for CCW pistols make it an excellent contender for quality carry pistol selections.
Late response but when I was still living in the People's Republic of Commiefornia I picked up a Springfield EMP. It's a compact, 9mm 1911 that's on the roster. Kind of expensive but it's been reliable so far and it's small enough to be concealed with no problems, other than it's relative heft (get a good belt and holster to support it). The light trigger lends itself to good accuracy from such a small pistol and it's pretty good looking - doesn't mean much but it is very eye catching when I'm with friends or family at the range.
Where are all of the revolvers on the list? S&W 627 pro series, Ruger GP100 and so on
I couldn’t live there. Period.
Other Gen 3 GLOCKS available include the 36 and 30SF
We have both the 226 and 19. both are really good guns. but we also have a fmk and that is almost as good as the glock for about $200 less.
"The only way around the roster is to find a California resident that owns the gun you want and make a private sale for it, or be exempt yourself from the roster — and that’s LEO only." --you failed to mention an interstate, intra-familial transfer (e.g. have a parent in another state gift you a non-CA roster handgun). Pretty close family ties are required - has to be parent or grandparent I think, I seem to remember aunts/uncles are excluded. Internet search will give you all the specifics.
I’m going to add HK USPs. I know their design is a bit dated, but they great shooters!
It really is a fine gun. One of the best first time guns you can get really, and good for many years after into intermediate and advanced.
You should also mention the Springfield XD Gen 1 series of handguns. They are usually less expensive than the Glock models, and if your like me and don't care for the finger grooves and grip angle on the Glock Gen 3's, they're a solid alternative. They are available in 3" compact, 4" service, and 5" tactical models.