California § 26850 - Except as authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 26850 — Except as authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26850. Except as authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun

(a) Except as authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun unless the recipient performs a safe handling demonstration with that handgun. (b) The safe handling demonstration shall commence with the handgun unloaded and locked with the firearm safety device with which it is required to be delivered, if applicable. While maintaining muzzle awareness, that is, the firearm is pointed in a safe direction, preferably down at the ground, and trigger discipline, that is, the trigger finger is outside of the trigger guard and along side of the handgun frame, at all times, the handgun recipient shall correctly and safely perform the following: (1) If the handgun is a semiautomatic pistol, the steps listed in Section 26853. (2) If the handgun is a double-action revolver, the steps listed in Section 26856. (3) If the handgun is a single-action revolver, the steps listed in Section 26859. (c) The recipient shall receive instruction regarding how to render that handgun safe in the event of a jam. (d) The firearms dealer shall sign and date an affidavit stating that the requirements of subdivisions (a) and (b) have been met. The firearms dealer shall additionally obtain the signature of the handgun purchaser on the same affidavit. The firearms dealer shall retain the original affidavit as proof of compliance with this requirement. (e) The recipient shall perform the safe handling demonstration for a department-certified instructor. (f) No demonstration shall be required if the dealer is returning the handgun to the owner of the handgun. (g) Department-certified instructors who may administer the safe handling demonstration shall meet the requirements set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 31635. (h) The persons who are exempt from the requirements of subdivision (a) of Section 31615, pursuant to Section 31700, are also exempt from performing the safe handling demonstration.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 26850

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 26850 cover?

Section 26850 ("Except as authorized by the department, no firearms dealer may deliver a handgun") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 26850?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 26850" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 26850 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.