As a larger state with one of the highest populations in the United States, California has often been at the forefront of legal changes. One such change, both divisive and highly controversial, pertains to the roster of Handguns Certified for Sale within CA. For those valuing the principles of freedom, liberty, and the Second Amendment, this list stands as a stark example of governmental overreach and ineffective gun control.

The California roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, more commonly known as the "handgun roster," is a list maintained by the California Department of Justice. It contains the manufacturers and models of handguns that are authorized for sale within the state. While the intention behind such a roster could arguably be rooted in safety concerns, the actual function of this roster and the requirements to be listed on it serve as obstacles to legitimate gun ownership rather than meaningful checks on unsafe firearms.

To be listed on the roster, a handgun must meet a set of criteria that go beyond simple safety measures. These requirements not only limit the types of handguns that California residents can purchase but also place a burden on gun manufacturers who wish to sell in the state. These include requirements for a loaded chamber indicator, a magazine disconnect mechanism, and, previously, microstamping technology. Lucky for us, microstamping is no longer a requirement for the handgun roster, and we have seen a handful of newly rostered handguns because of this.

Furthermore, once a handgun model is added to the roster, annual costs are associated with maintaining its status. These costs can amount to thousands of dollars annually, as manufacturers are charged per model. If a manufacturer is unable or unwilling to pay these recurring fees, the handgun model is removed from the roster, regardless of its safety record or popularity among gun owners.

This means that the roster is not static; it is continuously changing. Each year, models are dropped off the list, with very few new models being added due to the strict and costly requirements. As of this writing, the roster contains fewer models than ever, creating a limited market and reducing the options available to California's law-abiding gun owners.

But why is this a problem? Why should we care if the roster shrinks as long as the remaining guns are safe and legal?

The answer lies in one of the founding principles of our country: Freedom. Freedom to choose. The roster, in effect, allows the government to dictate what firearms citizens can own, undermining the Second Amendment's intent. The rights protected by this Amendment were not intended to be subject to the whims of shifting political climates or the reach of overly enthusiastic regulatory bodies.

Did we mention that California’s law enforcement agencies commonly issue non-rostered handguns for duty use? Yes, the same handguns that the state has dubbed “unsafe” and “illegal.”

While difficult, it is not impossible to acquire these non-rostered handguns. However, prepare yourself to dig deep in your pockets for one. Non-rostered handguns are legal to acquire via private party transfer (PPT), which is performed at your local gun store. Convenient, right? It would be if the incredible demand and lack of supply didn’t drive the price of a $700 Glock up well past $1,000. We’ve all seen at least a couple of $1400 Glock 19Xs on Calguns, right?

The California Handgun Roster is not an example of effective gun control; it is a manifestation of overreach. It attempts to regulate a constitutional right through financial burden, technological hurdles, and limiting choices. In this sense, it veers from promoting public safety and leans more toward inhibiting individual freedoms. Those who value the Second Amendment and personal liberty should remain vigilant against such measures.