Lambert Pawn

Tag: Handguns

  • California Proposition 63 FAQs

    California Proposition 63 FAQs

    The start of 2018 isn’t just another year or another resolution to keep if you are a Californian. As of January 1, 2018, California’s Proposition 63 law has taken effect. As the bill is set to continue to roll-out over the next 18 months, many are questioning what exactly this new law means to them today. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most frequently asked questions we’ve received here at Lambert Pawn.

    California Proposition 63 FAQs

    California Proposition 63 FAQs

    Question 1: Can I still own an assault rifle?

    Yes, you can still own an assault rifle. However, you can no longer buy one. The assault rifles you currently own must be registered with the state by June 30, 2018.

    Question 2: Can I buy ammunition online?

    Yes, but you cannot have the ammunition shipped to your home, or any other personal space. All ammunition purchased online or through a catalog must be shipped to a licensed dealer.

    Question 3: What is the limit on how much ammunition I can buy?

    There is no limit on the amount of ammo you can buy.

    Question 4: What do I do if I buy ammunition out of state?

    Don’t. As of January 1, 2018, you can no longer drive ammunition across state lines. Period.

    Question 5: Who can I loan my firearm to?

    Only immediate family.

    Question 6: If I want to sell or give away my own ammunition because I won’t use it, what do I do?

    You will need to locate a vendor licensed by the Department of Justice (like Lambert Pawn). The vendor must oversee and conduct the entire process of transferring the ownership of the ammunition.

    Question 7: Do I need to pass a background check to purchase ammunition?

    Yes. It has long been standard practice to pass a background check to buy a gun. However, as of July 1, 2019, firearm owners will need to pass a background check for every ammunition purchase they make.

    Question 8: What about reloading supplies?

    Reloading supplies such as bare bullets and empty cartridges do not need to be shipped to a licensed DOJ vendor if bought online. These purchases can still be shipped to personal addresses.

    Question 9: What do I do if my gun is lost or stolen?

    You must report any instances of lost or stolen firearms within 5 days of the incident. Failing to do so may result in fines of up to $1,000 per occurrence.

    Question 10: What is considered an assault weapon?

    Assault weapons are now defined in California as “semiautomatic centerfire rifle, or a semiautomatic pistol that does not have a fixed magazine but has any one of those specific attributes.”

    While this is our list of most frequently asked questions on Proposition 63, we understand that there are many more questions you may have. As a licensed DOJ vendor, we are happy to help answer those questions at any time. Also, it’s important to note that we are not attorneys and this does not constitute legal advice. We encourage you to always research the laws yourself or consult with a firearms attorney.

  • Target Ammunition Vs. Defense Rounds

    Target Ammunition Vs. Defense Rounds

    The most common misconception we find with new gun owners surrounds ammunition. Regardless of whether the owner is planning to take up target shooting, hunting or looking for a means of self-defense, they seem to believe that when it comes to ammunition, they can simply look at the size and cost to make their choice. Not only is that information not true, but it can be dangerous! We’ve previously talked about the  ammunitions needs for hunting purposes, so today we want to explain the differences and purposes between target ammunition and defense rounds.

    Target Ammunition vs Defense Rounds

    Target Ammunition vs Defense Rounds

    Target ammunition is much less expensive than defense rounds, which is why some novice and even advanced shooters will choose target ammunition over defense rounds for their carry weapon. Unfortunately, not all ammunition is created equal, and if you ever need to use your weapon for self-defense you may end up in trouble. Most target ammunition is lightweight with a soft interior (usually lead material) surrounded by a full metal jacket. They are less expensive to produce and therefore cheaper to purchase.

    While target ammunition may be less expensive, it is also less effective because of its design. Target ammunition will not expand or fragment when it hits a target simply because that is not what it is designed to do. Whereas defense rounds are specifically manufactured to create damage to the object or target that it hits. Commonly called hollow-point projectiles, these bullets feature a cavity on the tip of the bullet. This cavity, or hollow-point, causes the bullet to expand upon impact causing a significantly higher amount of damage than a bullet meant for target practice will. In fact, the purpose of the hollow-point goes even farther than to create damage. When the tip of the bullet expands, it makes it much more likely to stay within the target, keeping it from wounding others in the surrounding area. Target ammunition will not cause the same amount of damage as seen with defense rounds nor will it inflict the same amount of pain to the target you are trying to defend yourself or your family against. Even worse, because it is a close-nosed projectile, it will likely fly straight through the target hitting other objects or people nearby. Not the damage you are hoping to create when you are on the defense.

    We all hope that we will never have to use our carry weapon for self-defense. But if you do, make sure you defend yourself with ammo that will stop the threat and keep those around you safe. If you are having trouble choosing the right ammunition for target practice or for your carry weapon, we are happy to help match you to the best fit. Our selection of ammunition can match the right purpose, size and price for every gun and its owner.

  • Differences in Rifles, Shotguns & Handguns and their Ammunition

    Differences in Rifles, Shotguns & Handguns and their Ammunition

    With the rollout of California’s Proposition 63 starting in just a few weeks, we thought it would be helpful to go through the differences between rifles, shotguns and handguns, and the ammunition required for each.

    differences in rifles handguns and shotguns and their ammunition

    Differences in Rifles, Handguns and Shotguns

    You may or may not know that the essential difference between these 3 firearms are their barrels. Rifles have thick spiraling grooves cut into the bore of the gun. Shotguns are long and smooth on the inside of the barrel, and made from thin steel. Handguns are actually very similar to rifles; they also have grooved patterns cut into the inside of the barrel. The difference between rifles and handguns is simply the length of the bore.

    Next we will cover the reasons for these differences and what each gun is intended for.

    Rifles, Handguns and Shotguns & their Ammunition

    Rifles and Handguns

    The spiraling grooves on the inside of the bore of a rifle or handgun causes bullets to spin upon firing. The spin is essential to the accuracy of a shot but also aids in a bullet’s ability to reach a greater distance. Of course, the accuracy of a shot greatly depends on the skill of the shooter. However, the rifle or handgun model also can have an impact.

    The size of a gun’s bore indicates what caliber bullet the firearm requires. It is important to know that while caliber size may be universal to the size of the bore, cartridges are not interchangeable to every firearm. Every rifle and handgun are designed for a specific cartridge. You will need to look at the firearm’s data stamp to determine what type of cartridge is required. If you cannot find the data stamp, bring it in to Lambert Pawn and we can help you find the right ammunition.

    Shotguns

    The ammunition fired by a shotgun is not exactly a single bullet at all, but instead hundreds of tiny particles formed into a shell, that disperse upon firing. Shotguns are a popular choice for home defense purposes as they are meant for short to medium range distances and their ability to create a large amount of damage without a high skill of accuracy from the shooter. However, many also enjoy bird hunting with smaller gauge shotguns.

    Unlike rifles and handguns, shotgun ammunition is referred to in gauges. Common shotgun gauges are 10-gauge, 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge and 28-gauge, with 10 gauge being the largest size and getting smaller from there. Shotgun ammunition is referred to as shells. Shells are not interchangeable among different gauge sizes (i.e. a 10-gauge shotgun can only shoot 10-gauge ammunition). To find the gauge of a particular shotgun, you can look on the rear of the barrel. Ammunition or shells should display their gauge on the shell itself.

    Determining the right ammunition for your firearm is not only potentially confusing or possibly intimidating if you are a first-time gun owner, but it is also critical. Using the incorrect ammunition with firearms can cause an explosion and will likely harm you and the people around you. People have died from firing their gun with the incorrect ammunition. Please do not take this lightly.

    If you need help matching your firearm to the correct ammunition come in to Lambert Pawn and we will be happy to assist.