Gun Ownership in California: ~11.3 Million Adults (2018 Estimate)

A 2018 Pew Research Center study estimated 11.3 million gun owners in California—about 21% of the state's adult population. This is the largest absolute number of any state, though the rate is well below the national average (~30–40%).

California has the nation's strictest gun laws: universal background checks, assault weapon ban, 10-round magazine limit, 10-day waiting period, microstamping roster, red flag law, and mandatory safety training. Despite high total ownership, per-capita rates are low due to the state's massive population (39M) and regulatory environment.