Dirty Bird Brand AR-15 PartsCalifornia Compliant, Pistols
Top 7 California Legal Handguns in 2024
Aug
Living in California comes with its own set of unique challenges, especially when it comes to purchasing firearms. Outside the Sunshine State, many people are unaware of the strict regulations surrounding California legal handguns.
In most of the U.S., one of life’s simple pleasures is visiting a local gun store, browsing the latest and greatest firearms, and taking your new purchase to the range for a test run. It’s a friction-free experience, especially when you’re eyeing a popular model like the Gen 5 Glock 19.
Unfortunately, California’s stringent regulations mean that many of these newer models don’t make it onto the state’s approved roster. But fear not—there are still some excellent options available that have stood the test of time and remain top picks for both seasoned shooters and newcomers alike.
Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo Top California Legal Handguns of 2024
1. Sig Sauer P365
The Sig P365 continues to reign as one of the best subcompact pistols for concealed carry, even in California. This little powerhouse packs 10 rounds into its slim frame, offering an ideal balance between capacity and concealability. If you were to take a poll of Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo staff (we have), this gun would be the runaway winner in 2024.
The P365’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable for all-day carry, and its crisp trigger and reliable performance ensure you’re well-equipped in any situation. It’s no surprise that the Sig P365 remains a favorite for those looking for a dependable carry gun in the Golden State and tops the list of California legal handguns. That said, if you are never going to conceal it, its snappy recoil MIGHT make you want you to take a look at our slightly larger number 2 pick.
Sig Sauer CA P365 MS 3.1″ 9mm 10rd Pistol Subcompact Semi-Auto Pistol
$699.99
Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo
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2. Glock 17/19 (Gen 3)
Let’s not beat around the bush – you need to own a Glock. Which Glock? A Glock 19. While Californians may not have access to the latest Gen 5 models, the Gen 3 versions of the Glock 17 and Glock 19 are still outstanding choices when it comes to California legal handguns. The Glock 19, in particular, is often considered the gold standard for a do-it-all handgun. Its legendary reliability, ease of use, and availability of aftermarket parts make it a no-brainer for anyone looking to purchase a California-compliant firearm. In a scenario where you could only own one handgun, the Glock 19 Gen 3 would be a strong contender. Its rock-solid performance, combined with the peace of mind from knowing parts and magazines are easy to find, makes it a must-have—even if the factory sights and trigger might benefit from an upgrade.
Glock 19 Gen3 Striker Fired Compact 9MM 10Rd
$599.00
Dirty Bird Industries
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If you’re looking to buy your first CA compliant handgun for self-defense, this should be high up on your short list.
3. Sig Sauer P320
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, one of the ongoing debates is whether the Sig P320 or the Glock 17 is the better full sized California legal handgun if we could only own one. So far, the Glock edges it out slightly, but we wonder if that will be the case in a few years, as more and more of our staff spend quality time with the P320. The bottom line is the P320 is here to stay, and for very good reason. The Sig Sauer P320 has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most versatile and innovative handguns on the market. Its modular design allows you to swap out frames, slides, and calibers, making it a favorite among those who appreciate customization.
Over the years, the P320 has proven itself to be a reliable and accurate firearm, making it a serious contender for anyone in the market for a modern handgun. It’s no wonder that the P320 has earned a place alongside the Glock as one of the best options available today when it comes to California legal handguns.
Sig Sauer P320 M18 3.9″ 9mm Handgun
$799.99
Dirty Bird Industries
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As far as quality, reputation, and testing go, this one is very hard to beat.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0
While this sits at number 4 on our list of California legal handguns, the only real reason why has to do with accessory availability. There’s just more out there for the other picks that sit above it on our list. The Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0 is another top choice on the California roster, offering shooters a full-size pistol with modern features and a reliable reputation.
Known for its comfortable grip and excellent ergonomics, the M&P9 2.0 is a pleasure to shoot. It’s a solid option for those who prefer a handgun with a polymer frame and striker-fired action, and it has become a staple for both law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. While it does not have the track record of the Glock, we compare them favorably. When we think of guns that are labeled “Glock killer”, the M&P is the first handgun that pops into mind. It didn’t quite kill the Glock, but it did improve on a few things out of the box. As such, this is a case where you might want to try both and see which you prefer.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact 4” 9mm 10 Handgun – California Compliant
$574.00
Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo
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5. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm
The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm is one of the most popular concealed carry options, not just in California but nationwide. Its slim profile, lightweight design, and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for those who need a dependable, easy-to-conceal firearm. The Shield’s simplicity and effectiveness continue to make it a go-to choice for many shooters and one of the best California legal handguns on the market. That said, we’d have a hard time selecting this pistol over our number one pick, the Sig P365.
6. Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat made waves when it was added to the California Handgun Roster in 2023. This micro-compact pistol is designed for concealed carry and comes packed with features that make it stand out in a crowded market of California legal handguns. The California-compliant Hellcat includes an optic-ready slide, a loaded chamber indicator, and a magazine disconnect.
One of its most notable features is the factory slide cut for a micro red dot sight, allowing for rapid target acquisition and enhanced situational awareness. For those seeking a modern, feature-rich handgun, the Hellcat is a fantastic choice. The Hellcat Pro is also worth a look.
Springfield Armory Hellcat CA Compliant Handgun 9mm 3″ Barrel Black
$749.99
Dirty Bird Industries
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7. Smith & Wesson J-Frame Revolvers (638 & 642)
A snub nose wheel gun in 2024? Yes. In a world dominated by semi-automatic pistols, the Smith & Wesson 638 and 642 J-Frame revolvers maintain a loyal following among those who appreciate the simplicity and reliability of a classic pocket revolver. These lightweight, compact revolvers are perfect California legal handguns for concealed carry and are chambered in .38 Special, making them easy to handle and shoot. Well, maybe not so much the “shoot” part. These do pack a bit of a wallop and can make for a sore hand, to be honest, but as far as a pocket gun that’s ready to go, there’s maybe nothing better. We also strongly recommend them for backup guns.
The 638 features a shrouded hammer, allowing for single-action or double-action firing, while the 642 is double-action only. Both models are California compliant and offer a timeless design that’s both functional and collectible.
Smith & Wesson 163070 Model 638 Airweight 38 Special
$627.00
Dirty Bird Industries
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Revolvers still have their place. Super simple, reliable. This is our personal favorite 5-shot .38.
California Legal Handguns – A Conclusion
Navigating California’s complex firearm regulations can be challenging, but there are still plenty of excellent California legal handguns. available that meet the state’s strict requirements. Whether you’re looking for a reliable concealed carry option, a full-size pistol for home defense, or a classic revolver, the options on the California roster offer something for everyone. At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’re committed to helping you find the best firearm for your needs, even within the constraints of California’s laws.
