Calif. Laws for gun inheritance?

R

rinoman

Inactive
I could use a little help regarding handgun registration laws in California. I know about new gun purchase, my question is regarding inheritance. Inheritance here is loosly defined as "someone died and I ended up with a pile of their guns". I have no documentation regarding previous registration on any of these pieces.

Many of the handguns are antique, late 1800 and early 1900 models from various manufacturers. Some late model stuff also, handguns, shotguns etc.

The intended use for these guns are as collectors pieces, it is unlikely they will be operated, at least the actual antique pieces. Some of the newer pieces may see a shooting range some day.

I'm in the process of cleaning and figuring out adequate long term storage, documenting, etc. I am a little concerned that there are legal issues that I need to consider also.

Thanks in advance for a reply.
 
As advice is worth about what you pay for it, you may wish to purchase some advice from Don Kilmer, an experienced firearms-law attorney. He's in San Jose, California. You can reach his office at (408) 998-8489.
 
There is no problem with the antiques (manufactured prior to 1899). Ones manufactured in 1899 or later can be transferred by the executor of the estate only to the spouse, parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren of the deceased. Handgun transfers must be reported to the California DOJ. Transfer to any others within California must be accomplished through a California licensed dealer.

I agree with mvpel. The advice of an attorney familiar with California firearms law should be sought. It's cheap insurance, especially when there are multiple firearms involved.
 
an attorney could probably save you some heartache and headache and be cheaper on the cashflow in the long run. The Kommieforniacrats might decide different about what the guns could be used for.
 
Update

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. I did contact Don Kilmer as suggested and he immediately recommended the easily available book "How to Own a Gun & Stay Out of Jail, 2006 edition". The book definitely educated me and it corroborated the replies to my question.

Don was very helpful, spent a few minutes on the phone and didn't bill me, I even offered to pay!

I highly recommend this book for anyone who intends to be a gun owner in California.
 
If you'd like to express your appreciation to Don for his help, be sure to attend yoru nearest TS Gun Show and buy lots of stuff there, or make a donation to the Russ & Sallie Nordyke Legal Fund.

Russ & Sallie are fighting not only to save their business, but also for the rights of all California citizens to buy and sell the essential tools of the Second Amendment against craven municipal ordinances seeking to drive gun shows out of California.
 
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