Yes it is really messed up. I live here and it sucks for guns. Handguns are ok but try buying anything fun like a 9mm Carbine and it sucks. I still wish back in 1999 I would have bought a AR-15 receiver before the latest ban went into effect. I have a bunch of high-cap magazines that I bought before 2000 for a couple of my guns.
While I admit California's gun laws suck compared to other "free states", it isn't as bad as everyone makes it out to be. We've made great strides here within the last decade or so.
Gun owners have successfully challenged Californa's draconian gun laws and continue to do so. Five years ago, if you wanted an AR15, your only option was a FAB-10 or some other top loading joke of a device, unless you were a brave soul. Recent court cases have all but ruled Bullet Buttons legal. There's nothing sketchy at all now about having a BB installed rifle.
Even the "large capacity" magazine law is being challenged. The law only says that it is illegal to import, sell, gives or lend a "large capacity" magazine. No where does it say it is illegal to own or use one. In theory, some guy can drop a million "large capacity" magazines out of an airplane and it would be legal for us all to pick them up, keep and use them. That law, as written, is pretty weak and it's only a matter of time before it is successfully challenged. It's unenforceable.
Hell, even Sacramento county is now "shall issue" for CCW's. Five years ago that was unthinkable. After last year's elections I still thought it was unthinkable, but the new Sheriff actually made good on his quiet campaign promise and self defense is now good enough reason for a permit.
California gun laws may not be ideal, but IMHO it's a silly reason to not live here if you like the rest that Cali has to offer.
