California’s handgun roster laws can make it nearly impossible to buy many popular revolvers that are available everywhere else in the country. Thankfully, there’s a little-known and completely legal pathway that allows Californians to purchase otherwise roster-restricted double-action revolvers: the Single Action Exemption (SAE).

In this post, we’ll break down what SAE is, how WBT Guns uses it for our customers, and why you can legally convert your revolver back to double action after taking possession.

What is the Single Action Exemption?

California requires all handguns sold by dealers to be listed on the Safe Handgun Roster—unless they fall into specific exemptions. One of those exemptions is for single action revolvers with a minimum barrel length of 3 inches and an overall length of at least 7.5 inches.

This exemption exists because single action revolvers (like classic cowboy guns) are mechanically different and historically exempt from the roster’s drop-safety and microstamping requirements.

How We Make a Double Action Revolver Qualify

Most modern revolvers are double action, meaning the trigger can either:

• Cock the hammer and fire in one pull (double action), or

• Be manually cocked for a lighter single-action pull.

To qualify under the SAE, we temporarily convert the revolver so it operates only in single action. This is typically done by blocking or disabling the double action function before the gun is processed through DROS (Dealer’s Record of Sale).

✅ At this stage, the revolver legally meets the SAE requirements and is roster-exempt.
✅ We submit the paperwork, and the firearm is held during the 10-day waiting period like any other purchase.

Delivery & Why It’s Legal to Restore Double Action

Here’s where many Californians get confused:

Once your firearm is legally delivered to you after the 10-day waiting period, it is your property. California law only requires the revolver to meet SAE requirements at the time of DROS and delivery from the dealer.

After that point, you are fully within your rights to restore the revolver to its original factory double-action configuration. That’s not “modifying” it illegally—it’s simply returning the revolver to its intended design.

⚖️ Key Legal Point: California DOJ has acknowledged that once the firearm is legally transferred, you may return it to its original operating mode. There is no law prohibiting the owner from restoring double action.

Why This Matters for California Gun Owners

• Expanded Selection: SAE opens up access to popular revolvers that would otherwise never appear on the roster.

• Collector’s Advantage: Many high-end double-action revolvers—Colt, Smith & Wesson Performance Center, Ruger GP100s—become legally available.

• Compliance with Confidence: By working with a dealer experienced in SAE (like WBT Guns), you know the process is done by the book, giving you peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The Single Action Exemption is one of the most important tools California gun owners can use to access revolvers otherwise locked out by the roster. At WBT Guns, we handle the SAE conversion in-house, process your DROS legally, and ensure your revolver is 100% compliant. Once you take delivery, you can enjoy it as the manufacturer intended—in full double action.