California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report confirming the technological viability of firearm microstamping technology. This development follows amendments to the Unsafe Handgun Act, which now requires new semiautomatic pistols to have microstamping capabilities. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an investigation that found microstamping components in semiautomatic pistols can consistently produce identifiable marks on spent cartridge cases.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “My office’s investigation into the technological viability of microstamping components has found that this technology is viable.” He emphasized that this technology could assist law enforcement in tracing cartridges found at crime scenes back to their firearms.
Microstamping imprints a unique microscopic code onto ammunition cartridge cases when fired, identifying the firearm’s make, model, and serial number. In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 452, introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear, amending the Unsafe Handgun Act with new requirements for microstamping in semiautomatic pistols sold or transferred in California. By January 1, 2028, all semiautomatic handguns sold by licensed dealers must be verified as microstamping enabled.
The DOJ report highlights several findings: engraved firing pins leave legible microstamps on spent cartridge cases; many tested firearms and ammunition types reliably imprint necessary data; even incomplete microstamps can provide useful leads similar to partial fingerprints or license plates.
This fall, DOJ plans to issue guidance on performance standards for producing microstamping components. Early next year, they will begin accepting applications for licensure from entities meeting these standards.
A full copy of the report is available online.
