Dirty Bird BakersfieldCalifornia Compliant, Hunting
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Firearms for Hunting in California, 2025
Aug
Table of Contents
Hunting in California offers an unparalleled adventure, from stalking blacktail deer in coastal oak groves to pursuing waterfowl in the Central Valley’s wetlands or wild pigs in the rugged foothills. With archery seasons igniting in late summer and general firearm hunts unfolding through fall, California’s 2025 regulations demand precision, power, and strict compliance to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.
Non-lead ammunition is a statewide requirement to protect wildlife like the endangered California condor, and every firearm purchase involves a background check via the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) system, paired with a mandatory 10-day waiting period. Whether you’re chasing quail in chaparral, mule deer in the Sierra Nevada, or pronghorn in the high desert, your firearm must meet specific standards: caliber minimums for big game, magazine limits for shotguns, and no prohibited features like high-capacity detachable magazines.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’re dedicated to equipping hunters with firearms that excel in California’s diverse landscapes while adhering to these rigorous rules. This guide explores ten generic types of shotguns and rifles optimized for hunting in California in 2025, blending versatility, reliability, and legal compliance.
Shotguns for Waterfowl, Upland Birds, and Small Game
Shotguns are the cornerstone of hunting in California for bird and small game enthusiasts, thriving in environments from Sacramento Valley duck blinds to oak-dotted hills for quail or brushy trails for rabbits. Available in gauges like 12, 20, or 28, these firearms adapt to varied quarry through interchangeable choke tubes, delivering tight patterns for distant geese or wider spreads for close-flushing doves.
For migratory birds, shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells when hunting in California, aligning with federal and state regulations. Non-lead shot—bismuth, steel, or copper-plated—is mandatory to safeguard ecosystems, with shot sizes ranging from No. 6 for doves to BB for geese. Tighter chokes extend their utility to turkeys, while lightweight designs and smooth handling make them ideal for long treks.
When transporting, California law requires shotguns to be unloaded, cased, and secured in a locked trunk or container, separate from ammunition.
Bolt-Action Centerfire Rifle for Deer
For hunters pursuing blacktail or mule deer in zones like D-6 or the A zones, a bolt-action centerfire rifle offers unmatched accuracy and power. California mandates a minimum .24 caliber (6mm) for big game, with calibers like .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, or 6.5 Creedmoor delivering ethical kills at ranges up to 300 yards.
These rifles excel in diverse terrains but must avoid prohibited features like detachable magazines exceeding 10 rounds or pistol grips. Non-lead bullets, such as copper monolithic designs, ensure both lethality and environmental responsibility.
Lever-Action Rifle for Versatile Big Game
Lever-action rifles are a timeless choice for hunting in California, particularly for deer or wild pigs in brushy canyons and oak woodlands. Their rapid-cycling action and manageable recoil enable quick follow-up shots in tight cover.
Calibers like .30-30 Winchester or .308 Marlin Express meet the .24 minimum for deer, while .45-70 Government or .44 Magnum shine for pigs, which face no caliber restrictions on private land. Non-lead, flat-nosed or polymer-tipped bullets are required for safety in tubular magazines and compliance with the state’s lead ban.
Modern Sporting Rifle for Pigs and Predators
Modern sporting rifles, often built on platforms like the AR-15, are viable for hunting in California when properly configured. They offer versatility for wild pigs on private land or predators like coyotes.
To comply with state law, they must be “featureless” (lacking pistol grips, flash suppressors, or detachable magazines over 10 rounds) or use fixed magazines. Calibers like .308 Winchester satisfy the .24 minimum for deer, while smaller options like .223 Remington work for pigs or varmints.
All require non-lead ammunition, and hunters must navigate restrictions such as the 10-day waiting period and the one-in-30-day limit on rifle purchases.
Lightweight Bolt-Action Rifle for Mountain Hunting
For high-altitude hunts in zones like the B zones for mule deer, a lightweight bolt-action rifle balances portability and precision. Calibers such as 6.5 Creedmoor or .270 Winchester meet the .24 caliber minimum, offering flat trajectories for longer shots in open country.
Streamlined designs reduce fatigue on steep climbs, and non-lead projectiles ensure compliance with California’s environmental standards. Transportation laws again require rifles to be unloaded, cased, and locked in secure containers, separate from ammunition.
Navigating California’s Hunting Regulations
Hunting in California requires careful attention to legal details beyond firearm selection. A Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is mandatory for all purchases, obtained by passing a written safety test at a licensed dealer like Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo.
The 10-day waiting period after a DROS background check applies to all buyers wanting to go hunting in California, including those with concealed carry permits. Purchasing restrictions limit handguns and modern sporting rifles to one per 30 days, but bolt-action rifles and shotguns face no such cap.
Lead ammunition is banned for all hunting, with certified non-lead options like copper or bismuth required. For modern sporting rifles, compliance with “assault weapon” laws—featureless builds or fixed magazines—is non-negotiable.
Why These Firearms Excel for Hunting in California
Each firearm type in this guide is tailored to California’s unique hunting challenges, from caliber minimums and ammunition laws to the demands of diverse terrains.
Shotguns dominate for birds and small game, offering adaptability across gauges and chokes. Bolt-action and single-shot rifles provide precision for deer and pronghorn, while lever-actions excel in close-quarters big game hunts. Modern sporting rifles, when compliant, bring modularity for pigs and predators.
By prioritizing reliability, versatility, and adherence to 2025 regulations, these firearms ensure hunters can focus on the thrill of the chase while respecting California’s wildlife and laws.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we stock a curated selection of firearms designed for hunting in California, backed by expertise to guide you through the state’s regulations. Explore our inventory online and step into the 2025 season with confidence, legality, and respect for California’s wild heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Firearms for Hunting in California
What makes a gun CA-legal for hunting in 2025?
A firearm must comply with California’s hunting and firearms laws, which include using non-lead ammunition, meeting caliber minimums for big game (.24/6mm or larger), limiting shotgun magazines to three shells for migratory birds, and avoiding prohibited features such as detachable magazines over 10 rounds or banned “assault weapon” configurations.
Are AR-15s allowed for hunting in California?
Yes, AR-15–style rifles can be used for hunting in California if configured legally. They must be either “featureless” (no pistol grip, flash suppressor, or collapsible stock) or equipped with a fixed magazine. Non-lead ammunition is required, and magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds or fewer.
What are the approved rifle calibers for deer?
California requires a minimum caliber of .24 (6mm) for hunting deer and other big game. Popular legal options include .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. Smaller calibers such as .223 Remington are not legal for deer but may be used for pigs or predators.
Do I need a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) to purchase a hunting firearm?
Yes. All firearm purchasers in California must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate, obtained by passing a written safety test at a licensed dealer.
What is the waiting period for purchasing a firearm?
California enforces a mandatory 10-day waiting period for all firearm purchases, regardless of license type or background check status. This applies even if you already own firearms.
Can lead ammunition be used for hunting?
No. Lead ammunition is banned for all hunting in California. Hunters must use certified non-lead options such as copper, bismuth, or steel to protect wildlife and ecosystems.
What are the transportation laws for hunting firearms?
All firearms must be unloaded and stored in a locked container or the trunk of a vehicle when transported. Ammunition must be stored separately. Shotguns and rifles do not require a locked container if transported in a trunk, but handguns and modern sporting rifles do.
Are there limitations on purchasing multiple firearms?
Yes. Handguns and semiautomatic centerfire rifles are restricted to one purchase per 30-day period. Bolt-action rifles and shotguns are exempt from this limit, allowing hunters more flexibility when building their hunting setups.