A federal appeals court ruled California’s ammunition background check law unconstitutional, stating it violates the Second Amendment. The decision, which overturned a voter-approved 2016 law, may now be reviewed by a larger court panel or the U.S. Supreme Court.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (3-minute read) — In a major Second Amendment ruling, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has declared California’s ammunition background check law unconstitutional. The 2-1 decision affirms a lower court’s permanent injunction, which blocks the state from enforcing its unique requirement that gun owners undergo background checks each time they purchase ammunition.

Circuit Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing for the majority, stated the law “meaningfully constrains” the constitutional right to bear arms. The court concluded that California failed to show the regulation aligns with America’s historical tradition of firearm control — a standard set by the Supreme Court in its 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision.

The 2016 voter-approved law initially required gun owners to obtain a four-year permit and pass an initial background check for ammunition purchases. Lawmakers later amended the policy to mandate a background check for every ammunition purchase. California reported that the system prevented nearly 200 prohibited individuals from buying ammo in 2023, but critics argued it was overly burdensome for law-abiding citizens.

Olympic shooting champion Kim Rhode, a plaintiff in the case, called the ruling “a big win for all gun owners in California.” The California Rifle & Pistol Association, also a party in the lawsuit, hailed it as a victory against excessive government regulation.

Governor Gavin Newsom expressed sharp disapproval, calling the decision “a slap in the face” to gun control efforts. The state attorney general’s office is reviewing legal options, which may include appealing to an 11-judge en banc panel or even the U.S. Supreme Court.

Second Amendment Advocacy and the Impact of the Bruen Decision

This case continues the national trend of courts applying the Bruen standard to strike down modern gun control laws that lack clear historical analogues.

Thursday’s decision also underscores how deeply polarized the issue of gun control remains. While California positions itself as a national leader in firearm restrictions, courts are increasingly skeptical of laws that go beyond historical precedent.

For gun owners, the court’s decision may restore a more accessible ammunition marketplace, at least for now.

Safety Tip: Always verify your state’s ammunition and firearm regulations before purchasing or carrying. Laws can change rapidly due to court decisions or legislative action, and noncompliance — even if unintentional — can lead to serious legal consequences.