California ammo buying horror story

[AlanM]

Found on Quora: https://www.quora.com/California-now-re ... or-why-not

Question: California now requires background checks for all gun ammo purchases. Is this something that should be implemented in other states? Why or why not?

Russell Smith, retired facility design engineer, audiophile.
Answered Jul 23 ·

I just got back from the gun shop I always go to. I was buying ammunition (the first time since the law had passed) in the non-free socialist State of California. Now, I know of many problems different FFL’s have had and people being refused ammo (current address or phone number changed, no “real” I.D. (their drivers license that they’ve had for decades is no longer any good), their passport was not accepted and should have been, simply because of confusion, etc.), so I waited 3 weeks hoping some of the kinks had been worked out.

Luckily, I didn’t wait a long time, but it still took nearly 10 minutes and two signatures (I bought two different types of ammo) so two different background check forms. They required a lot of information on the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale of Ammunition), which included: Eligibility Check DROS no., first/middle/last name, telephone no., address, city, state, zip, ID type, ID no., gender, race, eye/hair color, height/weight, date of birth, place of birth, and US citizen (yes or no).

As far as the ammo is concerned, they want to know the following: Manufacturer, condition, bullet type (opt), bullet weight (opt), usage type (opt), casing (opt), caliber, quantity, primer type (opt), muzzle velocity (opt), muzzle energy (opt), cost/round (opt). Once that has been completed, both myself and the FFL had to sign the document. No fingerprints were taken, like it was when I purchased each of my two firearms. However, one can easily see that these “optional” categories will soon be required, and probably one or two at a time when California deems it appropriate. And each DROS form has its own unique number that can never be used again.

Now tell me, why must I have a background check every time I buy ammo? Why must I have 6 identical forms and thus 6 background checks if I buy 6 different types of ammo? Other than frustrating law-abiding citizens and the dealer, what is the purpose?

Obviously, no other State should ever implement this draconian law. It’s unconstitutional and will be defeated in the courts. In the meantime, we are all considered criminals just because we want to buy ammo.

[AlanM]

Farther down in the same thread:

Chris Bracher
Jul 24 ·

Russell, it sounds like there is a misunderstanding of how the law is to be applied and processed by your ammo dealer.

My understanding of it, by way of a friend that is the manager of a Big 5 Sporting Goods, is that the background check is run FIRST to see if you are a prohibited person or not. There is no information entered as to what type or caliber of ammo you wish to buy.

Only then are you allowed to buy ammo or not. You make your selection of ammo and then purchase it. Afterwards the licensed vendor then enters what you bought into the DOJ system using your approval number.

A background check for EACH type of ammo you bought should not be needed.

I sincerely encourage you to contact the law firm that is handling the lawsuit against the state, Michel & Associates, P.C.

They have a special email set up just for relating problems with ammo buying after July 1…

ammosnafu@michellawyers.com

[WY_Not]

At a minimum, that sounds like a good excuse for a road trip to Vegas. Sounds like an even better excuse to get out of that banana republic.

[Mr. Glock]

At a minimum, that sounds like a good excuse for a road trip to Vegas. Sounds like an even better excuse to get out of that banana republic.

I believe that is illegal importation into CA.

[djthomas]

I believe that is illegal importation into CA.

As is buying an "assault rifle" in NV, transporting it into CA, cutting a hole in a fence, and shooting up a garlic festival. The victims are just as dead. But I digress.