California’s Gun Rights Under Siege: The Battle Rages On
Supreme Court dodges key cases, Congress pushes suppressor reform, and Sacramento’s anti-gun bills advance—here’s the latest for California’s Second Amendment defenders.
As California gun owners, we’re used to fighting for our rights against a backdrop of tight restrictions. Here’s the latest on the battles shaping our Second Amendment freedoms.
Supreme Court Sidesteps Big Fights
The Supreme Court is staying on the sidelines, declining to hear cases that could reshape gun rights. On June 2, 2025, they passed on two cases, Snope v. Brown (Maryland) and Ocean State Tactical v. Rhode Island, which challenged bans on AR-15s and magazines holding over 10 rounds. This keeps California’s strict laws intact for now. Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissented, arguing that the Second Amendment is being treated like a second-class right. Justice Kavanaugh hinted AR-15 cases might get a look soon, possibly next term. With Bruen demanding that gun laws match historical precedent, the legal battle is heating up.
Federal Suppressor Win, California’s Loss
The House passed the Hearing Protection Act as part of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, on May 21, 2025. This could remove sound suppressors from the National Firearms Act, eliminating the $200 tax stamp and ATF paperwork. For most of America, this would make suppressors as accessible as a holster, protecting hearing and reducing noise. But California suppressors for most civilians, so we’re left out unless state law changes. This federal push is a win for gun owners elsewhere, but here, we’re still stuck.
Sacramento’s Legislative Onslaught
Halfway through California’s 2025 session, the bill winnowing’s underway, but the worst anti-gun measures are still advancing—gun Owners of California’s Legislative Action Center flags four egregious bills. AB 1127, the “Glock ban,” passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate, targeting semiautomatic pistols like Gen 3 Glocks over illegal full-auto conversion switches. The California Rifle and Pistol Association calls it a de facto ban on one of America’s most popular self-defense handguns. SB 704 requires background checks for firearm barrel sales, a bizarre overreach that Gun Owners of California warns could complicate simple repairs or upgrades. AB 1078 limits firearm purchases to three in 30 days, a restriction Gun Owners of California deems unconstitutional, as any cap on your rights erodes freedom. AB 1263 bans sharing digital code for firearms, creates civil liability, and mandates warning labels on CNC machines and 3D printers, targeting hobbyists and innovators. While some bills, like ammo caps, fell short, these survivors show Sacramento’s unyielding drive to restrict our rights.
(Note: you should really check out the websites of the two gun rights advocacy groups I list at the bottom of this column for more comprehensive information on current 2A threats in the California legislature.)
Keep Your Powder Dry
California gun owners face a relentless fight. The Supreme Court’s hesitation, federal suppressor reform stalled by state law, and Sacramento’s aggressive bills keep us on edge. Look to a future update for a deeper dive into the legal efforts defending our Second Amendment rights. For now, stay sharp with an eye on the SCOTUS Blog (a general Supreme Court watching site), Gun Owners of California, and the California Rifle and Pistol Association. I’m a proud member of both groups.