1. (a) “Department” means the California Department of Justice.
2. (b) “Examiner” means the person testing a Microstamping component as set forth in section 4601, subdivision (b).
3. (c) “FIN” means the firearm identification number, which is comprised of a unique array of characters that may be used to identify the serial number of a firearm from spent cartridge casings discharged by that firearm, and which can be used to identify the firearm when it is traced through the Department's Automated Firearms System (AFS). The FIN shall consist of eight unique alpha and/or numeric characters that must begin with the first two characters of the manufacturer's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Make (MAK) code.
4. (d) “Microscopic Gear Code” means a Supplementary Microscopic Code that consists of an array of geometric shapes or characters resembling a gear, which can be deciphered to identify and confirm the corresponding alpha and/or numeric FIN characters. The Microscopic Gear Code is typically stamped from the circumference of a Microstamping component in a circle surrounding the corresponding alpha and/or numeric Microstamp.
5. (e) “Microstamp” means a “FIN” that is stamped or imprinted by a Microstamping component onto cartridge casings when a firearm is discharged.
6. (f) “Microstamping component” has the same meaning set forth in section 27531(b) of the Penal Code.
7. (g) “Microstamping-enabled” has the same meaning set forth in section 27531(c) of the Penal Code.
8. (h) “Microstamping Producer” means persons, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities engaged in the business of Producing microstamping components.
9. (i) “Producing microstamping components” has the same meaning set forth in section 27531(d) of the Penal Code.
10. (j) “Semiautomatic pistol” has the same meaning set forth in section 27531(e) of the Penal Code.
11. (k) “Stereo zoom microscope” means a microscope with a low magnification of 25x or less, and a high magnification of at least 60x. The microscope must also be equipped with a ring-light for illumination and with polarizing filters to aid in reflection control.
12. (l) “Supplementary Microscopic Code” means a unique array of shapes or characters in which each shape or character corresponds to and can be used to identify and confirm the FIN when both the FIN and the Supplementary Microscopic Code are stamped or imprinted onto the same cartridge casing. The Supplementary Microscopic Code replicates the FIN, but typically through a different encoding format, such as a Microscopic Gear Code.

The following definitions shall apply wherever the terms are used throughout this Chapter.

Note: Authority cited: Section 27532, Penal Code. Reference: Section 27532, Penal Code.

History

1. New chapter 16 (articles 1-2), article 1 (section 4600) and section filed 8-29-2025; operative 8-29-2025. Exempt from the APA pursuant to Penal Code section 27532(g) and submitted to OAL for filing and printing only pursuant to Government Code section 11343.8 (Register 2025, No. 35).