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When it comes to firearm regulations in California, few rules have been as widely discussed as the state’s “1-in-30” law. For years, this restriction limited how frequently law-abiding citizens could purchase firearms, shaping buying patterns across the state. But recent court decisions and new legislation have significantly changed that landscape.

From 2024 through early 2026, California entered a unique and somewhat confusing period where purchase limits were effectively lifted. Now, with a new law set to take effect, the state is once again redefining how many firearms can be purchased within a given timeframe.

This article breaks down what happened, why it changed, and what it means going forward.

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Understanding the Original 1-in-30 Law

California’s “1-in-30” rule prohibited most individuals from purchasing more than one firearm within a 30-day period. Originally applied to handguns and later expanded to include most firearms, the law was designed to limit bulk purchasing and reduce illegal resale activity.

For decades, this restriction was strictly enforced through the state’s background check and dealer system.

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The Turning Point: Courts Strike Down the Law

In 2024, the legal foundation of the 1-in-30 rule began to unravel. A federal district court initially ruled that the law was unconstitutional, setting the stage for further challenges.

The decisive moment came on June 20, 2025, when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Nguyen v. Bonta that the 1-in-30 restriction violated the Second Amendment.

The court determined that limiting how often law-abiding citizens could purchase firearms imposed a meaningful burden on the right to acquire arms, and that such a restriction lacked historical precedent.

As a result:
 - California could no longer enforce the 1-in-30 rule
 - There was no longer a statewide monthly purchase cap

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The “Unlimited” Window (2024 – April 1, 2026)

Following these rulings and injunctions, California entered a rare window where no enforceable monthly purchase limit existed.

During this period:

• Law-abiding individuals could purchase multiple firearms within the same 30-day period

• There was effectively no numerical cap per month

• Standard requirements still applied (background checks, waiting periods, dealer processing)

Courts made it clear that the state could not enforce the previous restriction, which opened the door for unrestricted purchasing behavior under existing federal and state processes.

For many buyers and dealers, this created a significant shift in how transactions were handled compared to prior years.

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The Next Phase: California’s 3-in-30 Law

In response to the court decision, California lawmakers introduced a revised approach.

Assembly Bill 1078 establishes a new limit:
Up to 3 firearms within a 30-day period

Unlike the previous law, this updated version is structured to comply with evolving legal standards while still placing a cap on purchasing frequency.

Most importantly:
This 3-in-30 rule is set to take effect on April 1, 2026

Once implemented:

• Dealers will be prohibited from transferring firearms if the buyer exceeds 3 purchases in 30 days

• The state will resume active enforcement of a monthly limit

• The “unlimited” purchasing window will effectively close

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What This Means for Buyers

The past couple of years represent a unique moment in California firearm law.

• Pre-2024: Strict 1-in-30 limit

• 2024–early 2026: No enforceable monthly cap

• Starting April 1, 2026: New 3-in-30 limit

For those paying attention, this transition highlights how quickly firearm regulations can change based on court rulings and legislative responses.

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Final Thoughts

California’s shift from a strict 1-in-30 rule to a temporary unlimited window, and now toward a 3-in-30 framework, marks a significant evolution in how the state approaches firearm purchasing.

For buyers, dealers, and manufacturers alike, staying informed is critical. The rules that apply today may not look the same tomorrow, and understanding these changes is key to navigating the market responsibly and effectively.

At DOT, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these changes while continuing to deliver high-performance holographic optics built for real-world use. Whether you're purchasing your first setup or refining your gear, DOT is here to provide the clarity, durability, and precision you can rely on.

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