California Shipping Updates - July 2025

July 29, 2025

SUBJECT: Ammunition Purchase Laws Are Still in Effect—Rhode, et al. v. Bonta, No. 24-542 (9th Circuit)

This is an update to the bulletin distributed on February 5, 2024, entitled, “Ammunition Purchase Laws Are Immediately
Back in Effect – Stay of Injunction in Rhode, et al. v. Bonta, Case No. 3:18-cv-00802-BEN-JLB.”

On July 24, 2025, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals—in Rhode v. Bonta, Case No. 24-542—issued
its opinion finding that California's ammunition background check regime is unconstitutional and affirmed the district court's
grant of a permanent injunction.

However, before that opinion and permanent injunction may take effect, there are a number of procedural steps that must
take place, including that the Ninth Circuit must issue its mandate, which would render the decision final and transfer
jurisdiction back to the district court. Currently, none of those procedural steps have been taken.

Accordingly, California's background check requirements for ammunition purchases currently remain in effect and
should continue to be followed by dealers/sellers until further notice.

On July 24, there was a major win for gun owners in California when Rhode v. Bonta overturned the state’s background check requirement for ammunition purchases. This is a significant development, and we understand the excitement it brings to many of our customers.

That said, Miwall is still awaiting further clarification on the specific nuances and scope of the ruling before we resume ammunition sales to California. While the background check requirement has been overturned, the 11% California Firearms Excise Tax (FET) remains in effect and continues to present compliance concerns.

It’s important to note that this ruling does not impact the sale of reloading components, which remain fully available to our California customers.

As a California-based company, we deeply value our California customer base. However, we are also more directly exposed to oversight from the California Department of Justice, which makes caution essential. For now, we are taking a careful approach while we assess the regulatory landscape, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this evolving situation.

We will keep you informed with any updates as they become available.

— The Miwall Team