California Defies Court, Ammo Check Law Still Enforced

California gun owners just can’t catch a break. Even when the courts say a law is unconstitutional, the state still finds a way to drag its feet. That’s exactly what’s happening right now with the ammunition background check law.

On July 24, 2025, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California’s ammo background check law is unconstitutional. The court said it violates the Second Amendment, which protects our right to keep and bear arms. That’s a big deal. The judges agreed that this law limits a person’s ability to own and use a firearm by making it harder to get ammo. They also said this kind of law has no place in American history—it didn’t exist when the Second Amendment was written, and it shouldn’t exist now.

So, you’d think the law would be dead right away. But no. Even though the court ruled against it, California officials are still enforcing it. Why? Because of a delay in the legal process. The court has to issue what’s called a “mandate.” That’s basically a final piece of paperwork that tells the lower courts to make the ruling official. Until that happens, the law technically still stands.

Now, let’s be clear—this isn’t about safety. It’s about control. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Gavin Newsom are doing everything they can to keep this law in place. They don’t care that the court said it’s unconstitutional. They’re using every trick in the book to stall and keep their strict gun rules alive.

Bonta’s office even told ammo dealers in California to keep following the background check law. That means gun owners still have to jump through hoops just to buy ammo. It doesn’t matter that the law’s been shot down in court. The state is ignoring the ruling and acting like nothing changed.

Newsom, of course, had something to say too. He called the court’s ruling a “slap in the face” to California’s so-called progress. But let’s talk about that progress. Has it made Californians safer? Look at the crime rates. Look at the number of people who still get their hands on illegal guns and ammo. Newsom’s policies haven’t stopped criminals. They’ve just made life harder for law-abiding citizens.

This isn’t how America is supposed to work. The Constitution is the law of the land. Courts are supposed to defend our rights. But in California, the people in charge think they can make their own rules. They think they know better than the judges, the Constitution, and the people.

Let’s not forget—California voters may have supported background checks, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal. The Bill of Rights isn’t up for a popularity contest. You can’t vote away someone’s rights just because you don’t like guns. That’s not how freedom works.

The good news is, this fight isn’t over. Once the court issues the mandate—likely around August 14—the law should finally be struck down for good. At that point, ammo dealers should be able to sell without background checks, and gun owners can get back to exercising their Second Amendment rights like the rest of the country.

Until then, California gun owners need to stay alert. Keep watching the legal updates. And don’t let the state bully you into giving up your rights. This ruling is a win, even if the fight isn’t over yet. We’ve got the Constitution on our side. And as veterans, gun owners, and patriots, we know a little something about standing our ground.