FAQ

It depends on what you’re buying and what ID you have. See our Required Docs page for the full breakdown — it covers Real ID vs. “Federal Limits Apply,” long guns, handguns, and acceptable proof-of-address documents. Every document must be current and your name must match exactly across all of them.

Every ammo sale runs an Ammunition Eligibility Check — it’s not a background check. It reads the last firearm purchase California has on file for you and confirms your personal info hasn’t changed. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or haven’t bought a gun since California went electronic (long guns 2014, handguns early 2000s), it can deny you. Fix it by registering a firearm at cfars.doj.ca.gov — use CAPS LOCK, match your CA ID exactly, and use your current residential address. The state doesn’t notify us when you update it.

California can delay any check up to 30 days for almost any reason and doesn’t tell us why — it usually resolves within a few days after. We’ll call you with updates.

The state hasn’t made a decision, and release is at the shop’s discretion. Our policy is generally to release UNDETERMINED checks.

The FSC is valid for 5 years and is only for purchasing a firearm. It’s not a license, so you never need to renew it to keep guns you already own. Need one? Take the test any day we’re open ($25 when you pass). We stop starting tests at 5:40 PM so you can finish before we close at 6.

A handgun must be on the CA Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale, matched to the exact model, barrel length, and color — online listings often get this wrong, and CA models need specific features (loaded-chamber indicators, safeties, magazine disconnects). Cross-reference the CA DOJ roster search and the manufacturer’s site. New additions take months to appear. Email us a link if you’re unsure. Exemptions: law enforcement, Curio & Relic pistols (provably over 50 years old, original configuration), and Olympic pistols. If a non-roster gun is shipped to us, it’s our standard $85 receiving + actual UPS shipping (handguns ship 2-day air, typically ~$100).

We’re not attorneys and don’t give legal advice — please refer to the CA DOJ Bureau of Firearms. Their assault-weapon regulations and transportation rules are on the DOJ site.

AB 1263 makes buying some parts and accessories online harder, but we’re making it easier: we’re stocking more parts (mostly AR-platform, plus some Remington 700 and Ruger 10/22 stocks and trigger kits), and we can often order what we don’t have. Some retailers can ship parts directly to you; others must ship to a dealer, and we accept those transfers for a $20 per box receiving fee. This currently includes barrels and complete uppers — until July 1, 2027, when SB 704 takes effect and those require a background check (receiving fee then matches ammo, currently $25 per box).

Mostly AR-platform parts, plus some Remington 700 and Ruger 10/22 stocks and parts. For older firearms we recommend Numrich Gun Parts Corp.

Yes — Vortex and Leupold scopes, and Vortex and Holosun red dots (pistol and rifle). If you want a specific model, message us or stop in and we can usually order it.

Nearly all mainstream CA-roster brands, plus some you may not know: Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Shadow Systems, Rost Martin, Beretta, Girsan, Springfield, Kimber, Ruger, Rock Island, Canik, Walther, and more.

Hunting rifles, lever actions, semi-autos, and collectables — Weatherby, Bergara, Tikka, Savage, Ruger, Juggernaut Tactical, Sig Sauer, Kriss, Auto-Ordnance, Henry, Marlin, CZ, CVA, VKTR, and more. Our selection changes constantly; if you don’t see it, ask and we’ll try to order it. For quotes, email team@hvgun.com or use the form on our site.

No air or pellet guns (try Walmart or Big 5). We don’t generally carry reloading supplies — as a small shop it’s hard to stock the range of powders and projectiles — but we usually keep some primers on hand.

Yes — general services (cleanings, sight installs, AR assembly) plus specialized bolt-action work including muzzle threading and custom bolt-action builds. See our Services page for the full price list. Anything not listed is case-by-case depending on scope and current workload. All build/smithing work is approved in person by Connor before it begins.

We buy (no consignment). Bring it in anytime — it must be California-compliant and not an assault weapon, and handguns must be on the CA roster. We can usually make an offer on one or two guns while you wait; for others we may check them in and get back to you in a few days. Selling to us requires a current CA REAL ID (a “Federal Limits Apply” ID also needs a passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, registered alien card, or I94). For more than a couple of guns, or a large collection, email Team@hvgun.com to set up an appointment or onsite visit.

Yes — single-firearm PPTs throughout the day until 5:40 PM, no appointment needed. More than one firearm needs an appointment (usually outside hours) — email Team@hvgun.com. Estate transfers work the same as a PPT. Full details and fees on our Transfers & PPTs page.

Yes. Give the seller our email — Team@hvgun.com — and wait until we call before coming in (we often can’t start paperwork without the seller’s documents in hand). If you’re also ordering non-FFL parts, split the order and ship those to your home to avoid a per-box receiving fee. See Transfers & PPTs for the fee schedule.

Yes, in Napa County — $50 receiving per firearm + a flat $50 pickup fee, plus any state fees. Email LEpickup@hvgun.com with contact info for the LE-agency contact, the customer, and the receiving party if different.

Long guns you can ship yourself via USPS to a receiving FFL (include a copy of your ID and the recipient’s contact info) — never ship ammunition via USPS. Handguns must go 2-day air via UPS/FedEx, which requires an FFL to ship. Any shipment to a California-destination FFL must be sent by an FFL (only an FFL can request the required CA Shipping Approval Letter). When we ship, it’s $50 handling + actual UPS shipping.

Tue–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–6 PM · closed Sun & Mon. We’re at 835a Lincoln Ave, Napa, CA 94558 — 707-287-6180.

No. The nearest ranges (~40 min) are Yolo Sportsmans (Winters), Circle S Ranch (Petaluma), and United Sportsman (Concord).

We don’t train, but we recommend Big Ranch Defensive, Red Dragon Tactical, and Genesis Firearms Training.

No. Hunter-education info is at wildlife.ca.gov. Sweeney Sports is the closest hunting-license issuer to us.

CCW permits are issued by local law enforcement — anywhere in Napa County (including the city of Napa), that’s the Napa Sheriff’s Department. You generally must already own a firearm and complete an approved class.

Yes — follow TSA rules (tsa.gov) and check directly with your airline (call the airline desk at both your departure and arrival airports; some have dedicated firearms check-in areas).

Yes, billed per calendar quarter (no prorated refunds). Returning a stored firearm requires a background check and 10-day wait. See Transfers & PPTs or ask us for current storage pricing.

Rarely — we’re a small shop with families, but reach out to team@hvgun.com and we’ll see what we can do.

The fastest way is to send us a message or email Team@hvgun.com — answered within two business hours.