Sorry to drop out on you two like that.
My last gun purchase was made in the 1992, 93 time frame. At that time we had to submit to a background check, but we didn’t have to register. At least I don’t recall it that way.
Calex59, you are aware of something I did not know. I appreciate you mentioning it and setting the record straight.
The handgun registration law in CA was in effect in the 90s. The thing is you don't have to actively register them, that is done for you when you buy it. The only time you would run across the law would be if you were stopped while going to the range or on your way to hunting and a cop might ask you if he could check the serial numbers on your gun. Another law that a lot of people don't know about in CA is a cop wants you to have a reason for having guns in the car(handguns have to be locked inside a container, glove compartment doesn't count)so he will ask you where you are going and where you have been. The correct answer is "I have been shooting or hunting or I am going shooting or hunting", they can't actually do anything to you if you aren't going shooting/hunting but they can make your life miserable for a short period of time.