Rather than clutter another thread, I thought this might be of interest as it's own discussion...
Trojan said:
IrvineGunNut, Sorry, but when it comes to handguns DROS and 4473 is registration!!! All handguns get registered with the CA DOJ when you DROS through an FFL on a 4473...Rifles and shotguns are Dros'ed as long arms....CA DOJ knows exactly what you bought in terms of handguns provided you have filled out a 4473 and got dros'ed through an FFL...Granted that you can move from your current address, but really, how hard is it for them to find you anywhere in the state!! They do have a list of what you own and where you can be found!
Notice how many shops have closed since SB23?? All of those DROS and 4473 records are now in CA DOJ/BATF hands....!!!
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Now, while I see the point that many consider the DROS a registration, there are some fine lines that I see that exist here. The DROS is not registration, but is a fine line away from it.
Under the definition of registration, I would have to notify them every time I moved. Under registration, they would require me to have paperwork that I had registered the gun. Under registration, I would, in fact, have that paperwork. I'd likely have to pay a fee for a background check every few years or so, but that's debatable.
For instance:
I have 2 registered "assault weapons". When I move, I have a certain amount of time to notify the CA DOJ that I have moved (makes it easier for them to find my cold dead hands). I must carry paperwork with me in regards to those guns. Additionally, I must provide that paperwork when asked.
I also have an undisclosed amount of non-registered items, and the CA DOJ has some information in regards to the fact that I had at one point in time, acquired these weapons. What they do not have EXPLICITLY is where I live. Granted, they can find me with a little hard work, but I don't have to help them. Additionally, as I don't have any paperwork that I can present them, there is no defacto requirement that I have to provide proof of the DROS on any handguns I own.
Why the finer points of disctinction here? It would be VERY hard for them to stick me with a charge of having an unregistered weapon, as I cannot provide proof that the gun is indeed registered, as none was ever supplied. Their lack of a record for XYZ handgun in their system is not proof of my guilt, and the burden of proof is upon them in such an issue. Regardless, I have kept all of the paperwork that I got my hands on regarding my guns. I have no desire to ever be in this problematic situation.
At the same time, I do definitely recognize the fact that I am on multiple lists. It's a fine line, but it exists.