Appeals Court Blocks California’s Background Checks for Ammunition Buyers

California ammunition background check. A federal appeals court has ruled against California’s requirement that individuals purchasing ammunition must first undergo a background check, calling the law unconstitutional and an infringement on Second Amendment rights. The ruling is seen as a significant win for gun rights advocates and a major blow to one of the nation’s strictest gun control laws.

The Background of California’s Ammunition Law

Passed as part of Proposition 63 in 2016, the law mandated that all ammunition buyers in California submit to a background check, similar to those required for purchasing firearms. It also required transactions to go through licensed vendors and for the state to maintain a record of all ammunition sales.

Supporters argued the law would help reduce gun violence by preventing prohibited individuals—such as felons or those with restraining orders—from acquiring ammunition. However, critics said it created unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens and was ineffective in stopping crime.

The Court’s Ruling and Its Implications

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the background check system for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional, noting that it failed to prevent criminals from obtaining ammunition while frequently denying purchases to lawful gun owners due to bureaucratic errors.

Judge Kenneth K. Lee, writing for the majority, said, “California’s law has turned the Second Amendment into a constitutional mirage—offering rights in theory but not in fact.” The ruling emphasized that delays, denials, and complications stemming from the law disproportionately impacted lawful gun owners.

The decision halts enforcement of the background check requirement, although the state may appeal the ruling or request a rehearing.

Mixed Reactions from Across the Political Spectrum

Gun rights groups, including the California Rifle and Pistol Association, celebrated the decision. “This ruling is a long-overdue correction to a law that did more to burden law-abiding citizens than protect public safety,” said Chuck Michel, president of the organization.

On the other hand, California Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed disappointment, saying, “We firmly believe the law is constitutional and essential for keeping our communities safe. We are reviewing our options and will take all necessary legal steps to protect Californians.”

What This Means for Gun Control Nationwide

The court’s decision may have ripple effects beyond California. Several other states have considered similar legislation, and this ruling may influence their approaches to regulating ammunition sales. Gun control advocates fear it could set a precedent that weakens future restrictions, while Second Amendment groups hope it signals a shift toward more robust constitutional protections.

The ruling also highlights the growing divide between state and federal interpretations of gun rights, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which expanded gun rights and reshaped how courts assess Second Amendment cases.

What’s Next?

For now, California cannot enforce the background check requirement for ammunition. Whether the state will appeal remains to be seen, but legal experts predict the case could ultimately make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the meantime, ammunition sales in California are expected to increase significantly, with vendors and buyers adjusting rapidly to the legal shift. Law enforcement agencies may also reevaluate how they track ammunition purchases without the state-mandated checks.

Conclusion

This appeals court decision is not just a legal turning point for California—it represents a broader debate over the balance between public safety and constitutional rights. As ammunition buyers in California react to the lifting of restrictions, legal and political battles over gun control are sure to continue across the country.