Newsom’s gun laws complicate firearm gift from podcaster Shawn Ryan

California Governor Gavin Newsom received a handgun as a gift from conservative podcaster Shawn Ryan last summer. However, due to California’s strict gun control laws, Newsom has not been able to take possession of the pistol. Despite expressing appreciation for the gift during an interview with Ryan, Newsom has yet to go through the process of transferring the firearm from Tennessee to California.

In his recent statement of economic interest, Newsom disclosed that the pistol is currently held by a licensed firearm dealer and not in his possession. This would be Newsom’s first firearm, and the process of obtaining it in California involves transferring it to an authorized dealer in the state, completing paperwork, background checks, and a mandatory 10-day waiting period. Additionally, Newsom would need to pass the Firearm Safety Certificate test and purchase a certified safety device as per California laws.

Gun rights activists believe that this experience may shed light on the challenges faced by regular gun owners in California. Adam Wilson, from Gun Owners of California, suggested that Newsom might reconsider his stance on gun control measures after experiencing the complexities of the process himself.

Throughout his tenure, Newsom has been a strong advocate for gun control, implementing measures such as an excise tax on firearms and ammunition, banning new Glock handguns, and proposing a new amendment to the US Constitution for stricter gun regulations. However, his gift from Ryan highlights the practical difficulties individuals face in navigating California’s stringent gun laws.

Despite his support for gun control, Newsom’s inability to easily obtain the gifted handgun underscores the practical challenges and complexities of gun ownership in California. It remains to be seen whether this experience will influence Newsom’s stance on gun control laws in the future.