Breaking News

More () »

California

9th Circuit ends California ban on high-capacity magazines

The panel's majority ruled Friday that the law banning magazines holding more than 10 bullets violates the constitutional right to bear firearms.

Credit: AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File/AP

FILE - In this June 27, 2017 file photo, a semi-automatic rifle is displayed with a 25 shot magazine, left, and a 10 shot magazine, right, at a gun store in Elk Grove, Calif. California outlawed buying high-capacity ammunition magazines nearly two decades ago as one of its numerous responses to deadly mass shootings that continue to terrorize the nation, and the state’s progressive voters and lawmakers voted in 2016 to bar even possession of magazines holding more than 10 bullets by those who already owned them. But in 2019, a federal judge tossed out the ban, triggering a week-long buying spree before he put his decision on hold pending appeal. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out California’s ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.

The panel's majority ruled Friday that the law banning magazines holding more than 10 bullets violates the constitutional right to bear firearms. California Rifle & Pistol Association attorney Chuck Michel calls it a huge victory.

The ruling has national implications because other states have similar restrictions. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra did not immediately say if he would ask for a full-court review or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also did not say if the state would seek a delay to prevent a buying spree.

► RAIN OR SHINE? GET THE LATEST FORECAST IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BY DOWNLOADING OUR APP:

►Get the forecast in your email! Sign up now for the Daily Blend Newsletter

WATCH ALSO: California heatwave to bring possible record highs