Property and legal
What happens to their gun(s)?
Short answer
Firearms cannot be freely transferred to just anyone. In California, most firearm transfers require a background check through a licensed dealer. Temporarily storing a deceased person's firearms with a licensed dealer is the safest approach. Do not simply give them away.
What this usually means
Firearms cannot be freely transferred to just anyone. In California, most firearm transfers require a background check through a licensed dealer. Temporarily storing a deceased person's firearms with a licensed dealer is the safest approach. Do not simply give them away.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.