SAF Files Lawsuit Challenging California Contra Costa County’s Carry Bans

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed a federal lawsuit in California challenging Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office policies that prohibit permit holders from carrying handguns equipped with red dot sights or flashlights, as well as their outright ban on the carry of single action only (SAO) 1911- and 2011-style pistols.
The policies, enforced by Sheriff David Livingston, are unique in the nation. To SAF’s knowledge, no other county or city in California – or anywhere else in the United States – imposes such restrictions on law-abiding carry permit holders. The complaint alleges the policies violate the Second and Fourteenth Amendments under the Supreme Court’s decisions in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and District of Columbia v. Heller.
“Contra Costa County is the only jurisdiction in America that forbids law-abiding CCW permit holders from using red dot sights, firearm-mounted lights, or carrying the venerable 1911 platform,” said SAF Director of Legal Research and Education Kostas Moros. “These are common, popular and safety-enhancing features and firearms used by millions of Americans and even adopted by multiple California law enforcement agencies. There is zero historical tradition supporting these restrictions, and they cannot survive scrutiny under Bruen.” Read more










