The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s ban on magazines holding more than 10 rounds, declaring the restriction consistent with historical firearm regulations. A dissenting judge recorded a video demonstration to argue against the ruling, raising eyebrows within the legal community.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (2-minute read) — A federal appeals court has sided with California in its ongoing legal battle over gun control, upholding the state’s ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. In a 7-4 decision issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the judges concluded that large-capacity magazines are not protected under the Second Amendment, labeling them as “accessories” rather than “arms.”
The majority opinion leaned heavily on the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which emphasized a historical lens for evaluating firearm laws. According to the court, the state’s law fits within America’s longstanding tradition of regulating particularly dangerous firearm components to safeguard public safety. The judges argued that the regulation aims to prevent mass casualty events by forcing perpetrators to pause and reload more frequently.
Gun Rights Advocate Posts Unusual Video Dissent
Judge Lawrence VanDyke issued a sharply worded dissent that went beyond the courtroom. In a first-of-its-kind move, VanDyke included a YouTube video in his written opinion, where he demonstrates the functionality of various firearms and high-capacity magazines. He claimed that, under the court’s rationale, the government could arbitrarily ban any accessory that enhances a firearm’s performance.
“This is the first video like this that I’ve ever made,” VanDyke stated in his dissent. “But I had to make clear how misguided this interpretation is.”
The law has been under judicial scrutiny since a lower court ruled it unconstitutional in 2023. That decision came after a lawsuit from four citizens and the California Rifle & Pistol Association, arguing the law infringed on Second Amendment rights.
Safety Tip: Know your state’s magazine capacity laws before purchasing or carrying any firearm. Legal limits can vary widely and impact your lawful carry rights.
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