California Ban on Large Capacity Magazines Nixed, Opening Split

California’s ban on the ownership of large capacity magazines for firearms violates the Second Amendment, the Ninth Circuit held Friday, applying strict scrutiny to a gun regulation for the first time.

LCMs hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition per weapon. California’s elected legislators adopted the ban in the wake of many mass shootings, and it was strengthened by a voter approved proposition, the court said in an opinion by Judge Kenneth Kiyul Lee.

But many Californians may feel more secure with bigger magazines, and the ban substantially burdens their right to protect themselves, the court said.

LCMs are weapons ...