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The state’s new ammunition registration scheme is underway, and the roll-out was overwhelmingly … awful. We are not the least bit surprised – the comments below are just a sampling of what we have heard.
This is not GOC’s first rodeo with the Department of Justice, so our expectations were justifiably very, very low. The DOJ has a long history of taking a mess and making things even messier. The examples* are many, and now we might actually have the biggest cluster of all
I went to pick up the firearm today and was told by the employees that they were unable to release it to me due to the DROS system being down, because of the mess that the ammo background check rollout has caused. They have no idea when it will be back up.
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… I proceeded to call the DES help line and ask if they had any idea as to why it would do this. The representative could not provide us an answer and the only solution that we were provided was to perform the enhanced $19.00 eligibility check, which the customer rightfully declined. For three boxes of .22 rimfire ammo, we had to do all the paperwork, trouble our customer, and then he gets denied and the DOJ Could not provide a reason why.
Wasn’t two years more than enough time to get this ammo farce up and going? The unconstitutionality of the background check itself is reason enough to run screaming from the state with our hair on fire (please don’t go – GOC needs you to stay and help fight the idiots). The added frustration (anger) comes with long lines, erroneous denials, ridiculous wait times and uncertain and confused retailers who’ve been left high and dry by DOJ. Is their refusal to answer questions about denials or provide adequate system training a strategic move to deflate California’s gun owners or was it just a sign of sheer incompetence? Maybe a little of both.
Today I logged in to the CA DOJ DES DROS system and I don’t see any way to enter and submit the required information or how to get authorizations. I called 1-855-DOJ-DROS (1-855-365-3767) a couple of times for assistance, left a message, and no one has called me back. I can’t sell ammunition and comply with the new law.
Gun Owners of California is working with other Second Amendment groups to gather statistical data from licensed ammunition vendors AND customers on the problems many have faced with the registration process itself. The collection of this data is of utmost importance to overturning the ammunition registration scheme, and will be extremely helpful in strengthening our arguments in the lawsuit (Rhode v. Becerra). If you have an experience you would care to pass along, we strongly encourage you to contact us here and we will forward the questionnaire for your use (or other individuals who have either been denied or have experienced difficulties along the way).
Attempted to buy ammo and was denied (after waiting there 45 mins, yay). Went back again a couple days later on the 3rd. Paid $19 for a general background check and am awaiting the result as I was unable to buy ammo yet again . I am not prohibited as I just bought a new rifle a month prior. Turner’s employees were not sure why I was denied and did not seem to have answers.
GOC is strongly committed to fighting this new law and we hope you will join us in the process. If you have any questions regarding the lawsuit or the ammunition registration, please do not hesitate to contact us. Remember, the people running our state know nothing about economics, running a business and they sure as heck know nothing about guns and the Constitution. What they do know is bureaucracy. They get straight A’s there.
I bought a new hunting rifle beginning of June with my calif. Drivers license that expires 8/2023. Went to buy ammo after July 1st and that license was no good. I had to drive 20 miles back home to get my birth certificate. Not Happy.
* For example, DOJ has spent has spent tens of millions of dollars on the APPS program (Armed Prohibited Persons System),trying to get a handle on the backlog, but they still have an embarrassingly large logjam. The Department has also consistently failed to provide adequate notice when implementing new regulations, going to far as to drop them on the eve of several holidays, giving people little chance for public comment. They even – OOPS – leaked the private information of firearm safety instructors, to the media, no less!