Hey all, today we are going to talk about the upcoming “drop dead date” regarding the California “Glock Ban” - better known as AB 1127. We are going to ultimately provide an overview of what the ban is, when it takes effect, and more such as its impacts and other considerations to keep in mind regarding the ban. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What Is AB 1127?
Assembly Bill 1127 was signed into law in October 2025 and has popularly been dubbed as California’s “Glock Ban.” Despite the name given to the bill by the public, the bill does not simply target Glock pistols for being Glocks, but rather a distinct mechanical feature. The true target of AB 1127 is the cruciform trigger bar, a component that the bill states allows for semi-automatic pistols, like Glocks, to be made into machine guns.
So, while the bill definitely targets Glock handguns in the Golden State, firearms which are “Glock style” and use a similar trigger bar are also impacted. This is to say that other designs which utilize cruciform trigger bars, such as those from companies like Shadow Systems, FMK, and Derya are also subject to this ban.
When Does The Glock Ban Take Effect?
The official "drop-dead date" for the CA “Glock Ban” lands on July 1, 2026. After this date, shooters in California will no longer be able to purchase handguns with cruciform trigger bars brand new from dealer inventory.
However, the real timeline is a bit more nuanced. Here is a realistic breakdown of what California shooters need to know:
- The June 20th Cutoff: Because of California’s mandatory 10-day waiting period, your absolute last day to start paperwork on a new dealer Glock is actually June 20, 2026. Additionally, background checks and waiting periods cannot begin while a firearm is sitting in a distributor warehouse or in transit. The firearm must be physically on-hand at your local FFL, unboxed, and logged into their system before the DROS paperwork can be submitted to start your 10-day waiting period.
- Pre-2026 Stock: The law exempts firearms manufactured or delivered to a dealer before January 1, 2026, which is why store shelves haven't suddenly gone empty ahead of the summer deadline.
- Private Party Transfers (PPT): Regular citizens can still legally sell affected handguns to each other, provided the transaction goes through an FFL. Consignment and used firearms of this type will continue to be available via PPT post-July 1st.
The Dealer Angle And Less Options on the Market
While AB 1127 is most notable for its impact on those who wish to own Glocks and similar designs, language in the “Glock Ban” also held implications for dealers. After becoming law in October 2025, dealers essentially had until January 1, 2026 to acquire inventory of affected firearms which could be sold until July 1, 2026.
An immediate consequence of this ban will mean that California shooters will have fewer options on the market to choose from. California residents already have to contend with a roster of handguns which consists of firearms that the state approves for sale. Put plainly, if a firearm is not on the roster, it is deemed unsafe and cannot be sold new in the state. Of course, private sales and used guns are not subject to the roster, as long as they aren’t glaringly illegal.
So, Will It Be Illegal To Own Glocks In California?
While the bill has been popularly described as a “Glock Ban,” it does not actually ban possession of firearms with cruciform trigger bars. So rest assured, those with preexisting Glocks and similarly affected firearms can continue to own them after July 1, 2026. To reiterate, only the purchasing of new handguns with cruciform trigger bars is banned following the July 1, 2026 deadline.
Unaffected Options
While this “Glock Ban” targets a wide range of firearms, there are a number of striker-fired handguns which are not impacted. Shooters can expect to still find on-roster options from companies like Sig Sauer and Smith & Wesson as their designs do not feature cruciform trigger bars. For example, the Sig Sauer P320 and Smith & Wesson M&P variants available on the California roster are exempt from this “Glock Ban.”
A Quick Post-July 1 Guide
| Action | Legality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your current Glock | LEGAL | Possession of standard pistols is not criminalized. |
| Buy New from a Dealer | BANNED | Retail dealer sales are completely cut off. |
| Buy Used from a Private Party | LEGAL | PPTs remain a valid workaround for off-roster guns. |
| Bring one when moving to CA | LEGAL | New residents can bring them if registered within 60 days. |
Conclusion
To sum it up: don't panic if you already own a Glock, but don't wait if you want to buy a new one. Get your paperwork started by June 20th to beat the 10-day wait, or prepare to pay a premium on the private used market come July.
Naturally, we here at True Shot Ammo are not attorneys, nor do we specialize in California law. As such, what we say should not be taken as legal advice and one should understand that laws and regulations can change over time. As such, we will aim to keep this piece and our other news-related blogs updated or provide follow-ups when necessary. Stay safe, stay informed, and happy shooting.
