California Ammo Sales Back On HOLD as State Pushes for Full Court Review…

Rhode v. Bonta – the case that just delivered a major Second Amendment victory in the Ninth Circuit—has hit a temporary roadblock.

On July 24, 2025, a three-judge Ninth Circuit panel struck down California’s 2016 ammunition background check law and its ban on direct-to-home ammo shipments, calling them unconstitutional. The panel said the restrictions “meaningfully constrain” the right to keep and bear arms, violating the Second Amendment under the Bruen test.

The case was brought by Olympic shooting champion Kim Rhode, the California Rifle & Pistol Association (CRPA), Ammunition Depot, and other plaintiffs. Judge Sandra Ikuta, writing for the majority, stated:

“California’s ammunition background check regime is unconstitutional… [It] infringes on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms.”

Chuck Michel, CRPA’s president and general counsel, said the decision confirms what gun owners have argued for years: “A firearm cannot be effective without the ammunition to make it operable.”

State Fights Back With En Banc Petition

The victory was short-lived. California’s Attorney General has now asked for an en banc rehearing—meaning a larger 11-judge Ninth Circuit panel would reconsider the case.

Because of that petition, the panel’s ruling is on hold. The court’s mandate hasn’t been issued, so California’s current ammo rules remain in effect until the rehearing request is decided. If review is granted, the case will be re-argued later this year or in early 2026.

The still-enforced law—passed as Proposition 63 in 2016—requires all ammunition to be purchased through licensed in-state dealers, with a background check for every single purchase, and bans direct mail-order ammo sales to residents’ homes.

Ammunition Depot’s Update to California Customers

In a press release, Ammunition Depot explained to customers:

Under the still-operative law (Proposition 63, passed in 2016), California residents must buy ammunition through in-state licensed dealers and undergo a background check for each purchase, which effectively bans direct online ammo sales to homes. Ammunition Depot is urging its California customers to remain patient and continue following all current state laws regarding ammunition transactions while the legal process unfolds. Under the California DOJ’s interpretation, the state’s ammunition restrictions remain in effect while the case proceeds. The company will immediately begin direct shipments to California customers if and when the court’s mandate is allowed to take effect, but that cannot happen unless Ammunition Depot prevails in the next phase of the case.

“We know this is frustrating for California gun owners who were hopeful the recent court decision would restore their ammo buying freedom right away,” said Seth Weinstein, Founder & Managing Partner of Ammunition Depot. “Unfortunately, the ruling is on hold because the State of California is fighting tooth and nail to keep these restrictions in place. We respect the legal process, but believe Californians’ rights should not be delayed any longer. Our customers in California have waited years for relief, and we’re not about to give up now. We’ll continue this fight to its finish.”

If Ammunition Depot ultimately prevails, it says it will “immediately begin direct shipments” to California.

Why It Matters

This case is one of the first major ammunition law tests under the Bruen standard, and the Ninth Circuit panel’s ruling—if upheld—could influence similar laws in other states. For now, though, California gun owners remain under some of the strictest ammunition rules in the country, and the fight is moving into its next round.

Ammunition Depot, CRPA, and fellow plaintiffs say they are ready to take it all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. As Weinstein put it: “We’ve come this far, and the momentum is on our side…

That day will be a cause for celebration, not just for our company, but for everyone who values the Second Amendment.”

9th Circuit Strikes Down California Ammo Background Check Law as Unconstitutional

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