California continues to outdo itself with SB 704, a newly amended gun control bill that critics say stretches the definition of “overreach” to absurd new heights. Originally unrelated to gun parts, the bill was gutted and amended by Senator Arreguín to target one of the most basic firearm components: the barrel. As of July 1, 2026, if passed, Californians would need to undergo a background check – just to buy or receive a barrel. According to Copper Jacket TV’s William, “This is about as outrageous as you could possibly imagine.” He’s not alone in that view.
What SB 704 Actually Says
The amended bill requires all sales or transfers of firearm barrels to be conducted in person through a licensed firearms dealer. Buyers must undergo a background check identical to that required for purchasing a firearm. Additionally, the dealer must collect a staggering amount of personal information: name, address, driver’s license, date of birth, firearm make and model, and even the salesperson’s name. As outlined in the official text, this data must then be submitted to the California DOJ, where it will be retained indefinitely – effectively creating a registry of barrels.
A De Facto Parts Registry?
That permanent retention of data is a critical point, and Copper Jacket TV didn’t miss it. “This becomes a de facto registry,” William warns. “It’s not something that’s going to be deleted after the background check is done.” That kind of recordkeeping, even for something as basic as a barrel, has gun rights advocates sounding the alarm. In a state already requiring background checks for ammunition, this new proposal moves the goalpost again – now criminalizing what was previously a non-regulated gun part.
Ten Thousand Dollars and a Year in Jail
The penalties under SB 704 are no slap on the wrist. Anyone who transfers or sells a barrel without going through the full legal process faces a misdemeanor charge with up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. That’s a punishment usually reserved for serious crimes – not for sharing spare parts with a friend or relative. In a Reddit thread dealing with this topic, user u/baconatorX summed up the disbelief with a simple comment: “$10,000 for a barrel what on earth.”
Even Home Depot Is in the Crosshairs
The bill’s definition of a “firearm barrel” includes any tube, rifled or smooth, that could be “readily completed” or “converted” into a functioning barrel. Redditor u/mirkalieve sarcastically noted that under such a broad definition, “Home Depot is just chock full of tubing and pipes” that could be criminalized. “Notify the CA DOJ,” they joked. “These criminals are the big HD.” It’s a reminder that vague language in legislation can turn everyday items into contraband under the wrong interpretation.
SB 704 offers exemptions for law enforcement, the military, and those buying a full firearm (who are already undergoing a background check). But there are no exemptions for collectors, gunsmiths, or hobbyists. Reddit user u/Leasud pointed out the problem bluntly: “It’s clear this government is seeking to disarm its citizens in a clear time of federal overreach and instability. Nothing short of disgusting.”
The DROS Account Takes Another Hit
The law also authorizes the California DOJ to fund implementation through the Dealers’ Record of Sale (DROS) Special Account – an account that’s already been heavily criticized for misuse. According to the bill, any DOJ costs “which cannot be absorbed by the department” will be paid from the DROS fund. In plain English, that likely means higher fees for all firearm-related transactions, as we’ve seen before. Copper Jacket TV warned viewers that “they’re going to figure out a way to take it from you,” even if the DROS fee falls short.
Unintended Consequences and Mass Exodus
As several Reddit commenters pointed out, laws like this may accelerate California’s population decline. User u/Jesus_4_the_jugular observed, “They’re already on track to lose 3 congressional seats in 2030 because of the mass exodus of people.” Others echoed the sentiment, noting that New York and similar states are likely to follow suit. It’s the kind of domino effect that starts in Sacramento and ends in statehouses across the country.
According to many Second Amendment advocates, the real purpose of SB 704 isn’t safety – it’s bureaucracy and intimidation. “They’re trying to track everything you own,” William of Copper Jacket TV said. “It’s just another way for them to keep tabs on you.” And with the DOJ holding onto personal data about who buys which part for which firearm, privacy becomes a casualty of legislative overreach.
Critics Speak Loud and Clear
The Reddit thread about SB 704 has been flooded with comments reflecting anger, confusion, and exhaustion. “We just don’t stop with stupid new laws,” wrote u/CharlesBronsonsHair. Another user, u/Ember408, connected the dots to previous rulings: “That judge who made that video was on point… California could and would go after all accessories next.” This isn’t paranoia – it’s a pattern. SB 704 fits neatly into a larger push to regulate not just guns, but everything connected to them.
Gut-and-Amend Tactics Strike Again
Interestingly, SB 704 wasn’t even about barrels when it was first introduced. As Copper Jacket TV revealed, it was completely rewritten after its initial filing. This legislative bait-and-switch is known as a “gut and amend,” a common but controversial tactic in California politics. It allows lawmakers to sneak through radical changes without the public ever seeing the original intent coming. Transparency takes another hit.
Call to Action from the Community
Advocates like William of Copper Jacket TV and Reddit users are encouraging citizens to speak out. “Even if your representative doesn’t want to hear from you,” William urged, “call them anyway. Let them know they will not keep their job if they support this.” u/mirkalieve provided links for citizens to find and contact their local state senators. As always, participation is the best defense against creeping regulation.
The Slippery Slope Is Real
California’s SB 704 isn’t just about barrels – it’s about principle. It’s about how far lawmakers are willing to go to chip away at the Second Amendment, using obscure parts and administrative tools to do what bans can’t. This bill targets ordinary people with criminal penalties for something as mundane as buying a gun part. It creates a registry where none existed, siphons public funds for enforcement, and criminalizes conduct that was legal yesterday.
If history is any indication, SB 704 may not be the end – it may be the beginning of a new wave of regulation targeting accessories, tools, and components. And if that wave spreads to other states, the rest of the country will see just how dangerous California’s brand of gun control has become.
For more information check out the bill text here, and the amended bill here, watch the Copper Jacket TV video here, and read through the Reddit thread here.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.