California legal term
assault weapon in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “assault weapon” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “assault weapon” mean in California criminal law?
“assault weapon” means the following designated semiautomatic firearms: (a) All of the following specified rifles: (1) All AK series including, but not limited to, the models identified as follows: (A) Made in China AK, AKM, AKS, AK47, AK47S, 56, 56S, 84S, and 86S. (Cal. Penal Code § 30510)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.