[natman]

I was in CA until late 2003 and purchased several handguns before that without taking any tests ... is it true this started in '94? How did I avoid the paperwork? Bought two handguns, both from a dealer, went through the background check, etc.

The initial handgun regulation law was passed in 1994. The requirement for HSC went into effect in 2003.

The growing concern over the number of accidental handgun shootings, especially those involving children, prompted passage of the initial handgun safety law which went into effect in 1994........

Effective January 1, 2003, pursuant to Section 12071 PC, any person who acquires a handgun must have an HSC obtained by passing a written test on handgun safety.

http://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/ag...ms/hscman.pdf?
Introduction