As a left-handed gun owner in California, I’ve faced my fair share of frustrations with the Handgun Safety Roster. Whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned pro, you’ve probably heard of this infamous list. But what exactly is it, and why is it such a hot topic among gun enthusiasts in the Golden State?
What is the California Handgun Safety Roster?
The California Handgun Safety Roster lists handguns tested and deemed safe by the California Department of Justice (DOJ). To be sold in California, a handgun must be on this roster. The idea behind the roster is to ensure that only firearms meeting specific safety standards are available for purchase. While this might sound like a good idea on paper, in practice, it has created significant barriers for gun owners and manufacturers alike.
Who is Exempt from the Roster?
Not everyone has to abide by the roster restrictions. Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exempt, which means they can purchase off-roster firearms for duty use. This exemption creates a bizarre dichotomy: Certain firearms are considered safe for trained officers but not for the general public. It raises the question: If these guns are safe enough for our police force, why aren’t they safe sufficient for responsible civilians?
How Are Firearms Added to the Roster?
Adding a firearm to the roster isn’t as simple as submitting it for review. The process involves rigorous testing to ensure the gun meets California’s safety standards. This includes drop safety tests and firing tests. Manufacturers must submit three samples of each model they want tested, and the cost can run into the thousands of dollars per model.
Costs and Testing: A Barrier for Innovation
The financial burden of testing has deterred many manufacturers from adding new models to the roster. It’s no surprise that until recently, there were very few new additions. The result? California gun owners have been stuck with an outdated selection of handguns, missing out on the latest advancements in firearm safety and technology.
Recent Changes: A Glimmer of Hope?
In the past year, we’ve seen a few notable additions to the roster. The P320, P365, Hellcat Pro, and soon the VP9 have finally made the cut. This is a welcome change, especially for those who have struggled with the limited options. As a left-handed shooter, I was particularly excited to see the P320 added. For years, the only left-handed friendly handgun on the roster was the H&K P2000, which was also one of the more expensive options.
The Boland v. Bonta Case and Microstamping
One significant development in the ongoing saga of the Handgun Safety Roster is the Boland v. Bonta case. This court case has led to suspending the microstamping requirement for new handguns added to the roster. Microstamping was a controversial requirement that mandated new firearms imprint a unique code on the cartridge when fired. This technology was intended to help law enforcement trace guns used in crimes but was criticized for being unreliable and costly to implement.
With the microstamping requirement on hold, there’s a renewed hope that more manufacturers will submit their firearms for inclusion on the roster. This could mean a broader selection of safer, more modern handguns for California consumers.
The Downsides: Stifling Innovation and Safety
While these new additions and the suspension of microstamping are steps in the right direction, the roster still poses significant problems. California’s Handgun Safety Roster stifles innovation by restricting access to the latest models. Manufacturers are less incentivized to develop new technologies and safety features if they know they won’t be able to sell their products in a major market like California.
Moreover, some disallowed models might be safer than the older ones on the roster. For example, newer guns often have improved ergonomics, better materials, and more reliable safety mechanisms. The roster may do more harm than good by preventing these models from entering the market.
The Call to End the Handgun Safety Roster
It’s clear that the Handgun Safety Roster, while well-intentioned, has significant flaws. It creates a barrier to accessing safer and more innovative firearms, limits gun owners’ choices, and places an undue financial burden on manufacturers.
As responsible gun owners, we should call for an end to the Handgun Safety Roster. It’s time to remove this outdated and obstructive regulation and allow the free market to provide the best and safest firearms. By eliminating the roster, we can ensure that California gun owners have access to the latest advancements in firearm safety and technology.
Conclusion
The California Handgun Safety Roster is a classic example of good intentions gone awry. While its goal is to protect public safety, it often achieves the opposite by restricting access to safer and more advanced firearms. It’s time for a change. Ending the Handgun Safety Roster will allow for innovation and provide California gun owners with the best and safest firearms.
