Top 17 Handguns on the California Gun Roster Reviewed for 2025 Buyers

Buying a handgun in California? Yeah, it’s not exactly straightforward. The state’s got its own list—called the California Handgun Roster—of what you’re actually allowed to buy in stores.

If you want to stay legal, you really have to know which handguns make the cut. Here, I’ll run through twenty of the top handguns that are actually on the roster, hoping to make your search a little less confusing and a bit more practical.

1) Glock 19 Gen 3

The Glock 19 Gen 3 stands out as a favorite compact 9mm pistol on the California roster. People pick it for self-defense, home protection, and just plain range fun.

In California, you get a 10-round magazine. The Gen 3’s simple design and legendary reliability have earned it a loyal following.

Glock built the Gen 3 with a polymer frame, so it’s lighter than a lot of metal guns. The safe-action trigger and built-in safeties add peace of mind.

Because of California’s rules, you’ll only see the Gen 3 in stores—newer versions didn’t make the roster. If you’re wondering about which Glocks are legal, check this guide on compliant models.

The Glock 19 Gen 3 works for a lot of hand sizes, and there’s no shortage of holsters or sights for it. Most California gun owners trust this pistol, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with them.

2) Sig Sauer P320 M18

Sig Sauer’s P320 M18 recently hit California’s handgun roster. They built it to fit the state’s strict regulations, but it still feels like the original—safe, reliable, and approachable for both new and seasoned shooters.

With a 4.7-inch barrel and a modular frame, the P320 M18 is light and pretty easy to handle. The striker-fired system is straightforward, nothing fancy, just works.

People like it for the simple controls and comfortable grip. There’s an accessory rail for lights or lasers if you’re into that.

This California-compliant version keeps the big features, like a manual safety, to meet the rules. You can actually buy it in the state now.

Want the nitty-gritty? The official Sig Sauer website has more details. If you want something modern that’s still legal here, the P320 M18 is worth a look.

3) Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0

Smith & Wesson’s M&P9 M2.0 is a full-size 9mm built to take a beating. It’s reliable, sturdy, and plenty of shooters use it for home defense or sport.

The trigger’s tuned for a crisp break and a clear reset, making it satisfying to shoot. Aggressive grip texture helps you stay in control, and the four interchangeable palmswell inserts let you dial in the fit.

The M&P9 M2.0 has a stainless steel chassis for extra strength. In California, you’ll find a version that meets all the safety rules and magazine limits—yep, 10 rounds max.

Shooting this one feels comfortable, whether you go with the full-size or compact. If you’re curious, check out the M&P9 M2.0 CA Compliant model for specifics.

4) Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2

The Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 is a go-to for concealed carry in California. It’s slim, single stack, and just easy to live with every day.

Short grip, narrow profile—this pistol hides well under clothes. It’s lightweight, so it won’t wear you out if you carry all day.

Even though it’s small, the XD-S Mod.2 feels tough. The grip texture gives you a solid hold, which is reassuring if things ever get stressful.

Controls are basic and the trigger safety is straightforward. People like its reliable function and no-nonsense performance.

Springfield Armory has California legal firearms, including specific XD-S Mod.2 versions, so you can actually buy one here.

Between the build quality and easy handling, the XD-S Mod.2 is a solid pick for personal protection or daily carry. It just works.

5) Ruger LCP II

The Ruger LCP II is tiny, light, and made for deep concealment. It’s a favorite for everyday carry, especially if you want something that disappears in a pocket. The .380 ACP chambering keeps recoil manageable—even for folks who don’t shoot a lot.

The textured grip helps you hang on, and the slide is easy to rack. The trigger’s an improvement over the old LCP, which is a relief if you’ve tried both.

If you’re in California, you have to check the roster to see if the LCP II is available. Only models that pass the state’s tests show up on the certified handguns list.

The LCP II fits well as a backup or primary self-defense gun. It’s slim, fits in small holsters, and the controls are simple. For folks who want something reliable and easy to use, it’s a strong choice.

6) CZ P-10 C

The CZ P-10 C is a compact, striker-fired handgun built for daily carry and home defense. Most people notice the comfortable grip and intuitive controls right away.

It holds 15 rounds in 9mm outside California, but here, you’re capped at 10. The trigger is smooth and predictable, which helps with accuracy. Front and rear slide serrations make it easier to manipulate.

Durability? Definitely a highlight. The polymer frame is light but tough, and users often mention how it keeps running after hundreds (or thousands) of rounds.

Not every CZ makes the California Handgun Roster, so double-check before you buy. The P-10 C has to meet all the state’s requirements, and the roster changes more than you’d think.

7) Walther PPQ M2

The Walther PPQ M2 stands out for its ergonomic grip and smooth trigger. Shooters love how comfortable it feels, whether at the range or for home defense.

This pistol uses a polymer frame and a striker-fired system. The light, short trigger pull really helps with quick and accurate shooting. Magazine capacity is generous outside of California, but you know the drill—10 rounds here.

Interchangeable backstraps let you tweak the grip, and the ambi slide stop plus easy magazine release make it user-friendly.

Here’s the catch: the PPQ M2 isn’t easy to find on California’s approved roster. If you want one, you might have to look at private party transfers. There’s a good discussion about the Walther PPQ in California if you want more info.

Most people who own one say it’s reliable and consistent. It’s a fun, capable pistol if you can get your hands on it.

8) Beretta APX

The Beretta APX is a straightforward, modern semi-auto. California shooters pick it for home defense, range time, or even duty use.

It’s got a full-size frame and aggressive slide serrations, which help with grip. The loaded chamber indicator is a must for California, and the APX checks that box.

The trigger resets quickly, making follow-up shots easy. Magazines are limited to 10 rounds here, but the gun was designed for higher capacity elsewhere.

The frame’s modular, so you can swap grip sizes for comfort. If you want to check its official status, the California handgun roster is the place.

People see the Beretta APX as a dependable, no-nonsense choice. The ergonomics and safety features make it a good fit for plenty of users.

9) Kimber Micro 9

Kimber’s Micro 9 is a tiny 9mm built for easy concealment. It’s simple, compact, and a lot of people trust it for personal defense.

The Micro 9 uses a single-action trigger and a metal frame, so it feels solid despite the small size. The classic styling and checkered grips don’t hurt either.

Kimber made this one easy to carry. The sights are easy to pick up, and the safety is straightforward. It’s light, so you don’t notice it much during the day.

Not every Kimber gets the California stamp of approval, though. Only certain Micro 9s that meet state standards show up on the California roster of certified handguns.

Most folks find the Micro 9 reliable and accurate for such a small gun. The finish and build quality stand out. People with smaller hands especially appreciate the compact frame and soft recoil.

10) Heckler & Koch VP9

The Heckler & Koch VP9 is a striker-fired 9mm with a reputation for reliability and a comfy grip. It’s German engineering with a polymer frame and a crisp, satisfying trigger.

You can swap out the backstraps to fit your hand, and the ambidextrous controls work for both righties and lefties.

Outside California, you get a 15-round mag, but here it’s 10. That’s just how it goes.

The VP9 is easy to maintain, and the slide serrations (front and rear) make it a breeze to run.

Good news: several VP9 models were added to the California handgun roster recently, so you’ve got more options now.

You can pick from different VP9 versions, including optics-ready slides and the compact VP9SK. It’s nice to have choices that actually fit your needs.

11) Smith & Wesson Shield EZ

The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is all about, well, being easy. It’s a semi-auto that’s simple to rack, with magazines that don’t fight you. New shooters and anyone with less hand strength seem to love it. The controls are big and obvious—no squinting or fumbling.

You can get it in .380 ACP or 9mm. Both versions are built to run reliably, whether you’re at the range or keeping it for defense. There’s a grip safety, and you can get a manual thumb safety if you want extra peace of mind.

California residents can buy the Shield EZ because it’s on the roster, so no weird workarounds required. Here’s a link to check if you’re curious about the requirements to be sold legally in the state.

The Shield EZ has earned trust for its simplicity and comfort. The recoil is easy to handle and the sights are clear. For a lot of people, it just makes sense.

12) Ruger SR9c

The Ruger SR9c is a compact 9mm handgun with a slim profile and a reputation for reliability. Lots of folks pick it for concealed carry—it's light and just the right size to tuck away.

Ruger gave this one a short, crisp trigger pull, which really helps with accuracy and control. You get both a 10-round and a 17-round magazine in the box, so you can pick what works best for you.

They built in a loaded chamber indicator and a trigger safety, which adds a bit of peace of mind. The grip feels good in most hands, and you can reach all the controls without much fuss.

California includes the SR9c on its official list of approved handguns, so it checks all the state’s safety boxes. If you want to dig into details or see what owners in California are saying, check the handgun roster or enthusiast discussions.

13) Sig Sauer P365

The Sig Sauer P365 is a compact 9mm made for everyday concealed carry. It's small, light, and fits nicely in most hands—beginners and seasoned shooters seem to agree on that.

California recently added the P365 to its handgun roster, so you can now buy one from a licensed dealer. The P365 strikes a good balance between size and magazine capacity.

Standard magazine holds 10 rounds, and the grip has a nice texture for a steady hold. The sights stand out, and the controls are straightforward—no need to overthink it.

People trust the P365 for personal defense, thanks to its size and reliability. It’s got a modern vibe that helps it stand out from the sea of compact pistols. For the latest on its California status, see the California compliant Sig Sauer P365.

It’s quickly become a go-to for anyone after a compact, dependable handgun in California. If you’re curious, Rifle Supply’s Sig Shop has more info on the approved P365 and others.

14) Springfield Hellcat

The Springfield Hellcat recently joined the California handgun roster. This subcompact 9mm was built for easy concealed carry. It’s slim, light, and just plain simple to handle.

Despite its small frame, the Hellcat packs a surprisingly high capacity. The grip feels good for most people, and the texture keeps it from slipping around. The sights are bright and work well, even when the lighting isn’t great.

California residents can buy and own the Hellcat now that it’s met state requirements. There’s even a rail if you want to add lights or lasers.

The trigger has a short, smooth pull, and the slide racks easily. Controls are straightforward, whether you’re new or have been around the block. A lot of people pick the Hellcat for its mix of size, reliability, and up-to-date features.

It’s a solid pick for daily carry and personal protection, fitting most holsters and catching on quickly with California gun owners.

15) Walther PDP Compact

The Walther PDP Compact really stands out with its modern features and smart design. Chambered in 9mm, it balances size and performance, so you can use it at the range or for concealed carry.

It comes optics-ready, so you can throw a red dot on if that’s your thing. The grip texture is just right—secure and comfortable, which makes a difference for control and accuracy.

The trigger feels crisp and predictable. Shooters often mention how manageable the recoil is, even if you’re putting in a long session.

California recently approved the PDP Compact for sale, and it’s now on the California handgun roster. It meets all the state’s safety standards and compliance features.

You can pick from different barrel lengths, like the 4-inch, depending on what you like. Its reliability and easy handling have made it a fast favorite among California gun owners.

16) Taurus G3c

The Taurus G3c is a compact 9mm built for everyday carry and self-defense. Its small size makes it easy to conceal and handle—nothing fancy, just practical.

It sports a 3.2-inch barrel and a polymer frame. The grip has decent texture for better control, and the trigger resets quickly, so follow-up shots aren’t a hassle.

The G3c holds 10 rounds, which fits California’s magazine limits. Sights are clear and easy to use, and there’s a manual safety for a little extra security.

To make it onto California’s certified handgun roster, the G3c passed all the required safety and testing steps.

People like the G3c for its size, performance, and reasonable price. It’s reliable for both new and experienced shooters, with a focus on function and safety—something California owners definitely care about.

17) FN 509 Tactical

FN America developed the FN 509 Tactical as a modern striker-fired handgun. It’s got a threaded barrel, high-visibility sights, and an optics-ready slide, so you can customize it for tactical uses.

The 17-round magazines offer solid capacity for a compact handgun. The grip texture gives you a steady hold, which helps with recoil control. Ambidextrous controls make it friendly for both lefties and righties.

But here’s the catch: the FN 509 Tactical isn’t on the California roster. Regular dealers can’t sell it in the state, so unless you’re law enforcement or doing a private-party transfer, it’s out of reach for most buyers.

Shooters appreciate the FN 509 Tactical for its reliability and tough build. It’s versatile and popular outside California, but if you’re in the state, always double-check the roster before trying to buy one.

Understanding the California Handgun Roster

California’s Handgun Roster sets out what handguns you can actually buy in the state. The rules are strict—supposedly for safety, but they also limit what’s on offer at gun shops.

Key Legal Requirements

The California Department of Justice keeps a running list of dealer-approved handguns. To get on the roster, handguns have to pass safety tests like drop and firing tests.

Dealers can only sell what’s on the list. Every model has to have certain features—think loaded chamber indicator, magazine disconnect, and, for newer guns, microstamping. The state updates the roster often, adding or removing models as they see fit.

Police and a few other groups aren’t stuck with the roster’s limits. For everyone else, only rostered handguns are legal for dealer sales. Private party or family transfers might follow other rules, but most sales depend on that official list. If you want a deeper dive, here’s a beginner's guide to the California Gun Roster.

Recent Changes to the Roster

The roster isn’t set in stone—it’s changed plenty over the years. Since 2013, new safety features like microstamping have been required, but hardly any manufacturers have added it. That means few new guns get added, and the list of approved models keeps shrinking.

Ongoing legal challenges keep stirring the pot. A 2024 court ruling led to some tweaks, but most rules still stand as of 2025. The main result? Fewer choices for buyers—newer models are missing, and older ones stick around.

For updates and a closer look at how this affects buyers, check this article on recent changes to the California handgun roster. The legal landscape is always shifting, and changes to the roster can shake up what’s available at any time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roster-Approved Handgun

California’s rules make it tough to buy just any handgun from a dealer. So, it’s worth thinking through features, safety, and how you’ll actually use the gun before picking one out.

Safety and Reliability

Every roster-approved handgun has to pass California’s safety tests. You’ll usually see a loaded chamber indicator, magazine disconnect, and sometimes microstamping.

Look for drop safety features that keep the gun from firing if dropped. Pick models with a solid track record for feeding, firing, and ejecting rounds without jamming. Reliability isn’t negotiable.

Brands with good quality control help avoid headaches. If you’re new or buying for your family, easy-to-use safeties and obvious indicators matter. And don’t forget—regular cleaning and maintenance are part of keeping any handgun safe.

Caliber and Intended Use

What you plan to do with the gun determines which caliber makes sense. For personal defense, 9mm is the usual favorite—manageable recoil, decent stopping power. If you’re into target shooting, .22 LR is cheap and gentle.

The roster only covers so many models in each caliber, so double-check if your pick is on the list. Here’s a quick table to help line up uses and calibers:

Pick a caliber that fits your comfort and skill, not just what’s trendy or available. Always check local laws before buying. For more on the rules, here’s a complete guide to the California Handgun Roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

The California Handgun Roster is tightly controlled. Legal fights and updates keep changing which handguns you can actually buy here.

Popular models like the Glock 19 Gen 3, Sig Sauer P320 M18, and Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 are always in the conversation. There are some exemptions and updates worth watching, too.

What are the latest additions to the California Handgun Roster for 2025?

In 2025, the California DOJ keeps adding models that pass the tough safety tests. Big changes don’t happen often, but you’ll see new finishes or small tweaks from the big brands every now and then.

Best bet? Check the state website or your favorite gun shop for the latest roster updates and see if anything new caught your eye.

How can I find the list of California DOJ approved handguns?

The California DOJ publishes the official list of handguns dealers can sell. That’s where you’ll find what’s legal and what’s not.

You can see the current list by visiting the California Handgun Roster. Most gun shops and gun rights sites have links and guides, too.

What updates have there been in the legal challenges to the California Handgun Roster?

Legal challenges keep popping up in both state and federal courts. Lawsuits argue the roster blocks access to newer, safer guns.

For now, the roster is still enforced, and all changes go through the courts or lawmakers. Court decisions might shake things up later, but for now, the list stands. If you want to follow along, check this overview of ongoing legal challenges.

Are there any notable handguns that are exempt from the California Roster?

You’ll find a few handguns that don’t have to be on the roster—like single-action revolvers, certain curio and relic firearms, and the ones law enforcement officers can buy.

Some exemptions also let eligible California residents transfer off-roster guns privately, but honestly, you don’t see that as much as the usual store sales. If you’re curious, there’s a pretty thorough guide to California roster exemptions that lays out the details.

Which 9mm pistols are currently compliant with California's firearm regulations?

There are a handful of 9mm pistols you can actually buy in California. Popular choices? The Glock 19 Gen 3, Smith & Wesson M&P9, Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2, and Ruger LCP II all make the cut.

The state keeps tweaking the list, but honestly, these models stick around because folks trust them and they play by the rules.

What are the most popular pistols among California residents as of 2025?

The Glock 19 Gen 3, Sig Sauer P320 M18, and Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 top the list for most Californians. Folks trust these pistols—they're reliable and still fit the state's strict rules.

People also look at compact options like the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 or Ruger LCP II. It really comes down to what you plan to do with it, but these models keep showing up for a reason. If you want to poke around more, check out this complete guide to the California Handgun Roster.