I will be moving to CA within the next year and need some help in regards to the laws.
1) Assault Weapons Ban Waiver. Last time I asked about this for military I was told that there was litigation due to the AG basically trying to ban military from getting it (required a letter from the base commander stating that the guns would be for military use...which is against military regs). Has this been settled and how do I go about applying for it?
2) Magazine size. I know that the limit is 10rnds, but would the waiver also affect mags larger than 10rds? Also would putting in a round limiter so that the mag could no longer hold more than 10 rounds make it legal?
3) What else should I know about my guns/ammo prior to moving? The wiki on CA gun laws makes it look like I wouldn't really have anything else to worry about, but it is CA and as such I expect far more stupidity than simply needing an AWB waiver and dealing with 10rd mags.
The absolute best forum to get all the answers to your questions (and more which you haven't asked yet) is
CalGuns.net
1) Military Assault Weapon Permits (MAWP) used to be very easy to get - basically simply fill out a form. But unfortunately they are now near impossible to get as they are illegitimately requiring paperwork from your duty station indicating its for military use (or some such drivel) On paper they are obtainable, but it appears that since the rule change they have become unobtainium.
Please keep in mind that there are 2 classification of CA defined Assault Weapons (AWs). Rifles, Shotguns & Pistols - each of which could be deemed an assault weapons based on their scary features. When you go to CalGuns there are links at the top of the forum for flowcharts which you can use to check the classification of all of your firearms. Be sure to check each firearm you own before bringing it into CA. Additionally, its possible for some firearms to be deemed AWs simply by the manufacturer/model - regardless of whether or not they have evil features.
2) Magazines. You may legally bring greater then 10 round magazines (GTRMs) into California
IF you possessed them within CA prior to 1/1/2000. Also keep in mind that it is perfectly legal to bring magazine parts into CA. So, disassembled GTRMs into the state but you may never assemble them while in CA.
GTRMs may be modified to only hold 10 rounds or less, but the modifications must be 'permanent' for it to meet the legal exemption. Although permanence is not defined in the penal code, its believed to be 'safe' if done with the use of rivets and/or epoxy. There is no case-law on the subject.
If you have GTRMs which qualify for the importation exemptions (possessed in CA prior to 1/1/00) it is extremely important to note that you may not legally use them in a rifle with a 'non detachable magazine' (often called a 'fixed magazine') as this might trigger Assault Weapon status. The law on the matter seems to present a possible legal defense for this condition, but the defense would be so technical that it is incredibly unlikely to succeed.
3) Armor Piercing Handgun ammunition is illegal here. I can't remember on Tracer ammo; I think its legal to possess but generally illegal to use. The biggest 'hidden' gotchas tend to be pistols with threaded barrels and 'named' assault weapons.
Also keep in mind that CA requires registration of handguns imported into CA. The cost is $19 dollars (each handgun). There *might* be a military exemption to this; I'm not sure. Rifles/shotguns don't need to be registered. If you do I think the cost is $19 for an unlimited number. Registration on importation might be required on 1/1/2014.
CA has a list known as the 'Roster of not unsafe handguns' This is a list of handguns which are purchasable from an FFL in CA. However, it is perfectly legal to own/import/use or resale them person to person (at an FFL) So, if you are interested in purchasing something like a Ruger LCP, do so before you get to CA as they are much harder to find here. Even if you do find one, there is usually a price premium.
Licenses to Carry Concealed; There issued by the Chief LEO of a PD or the Sheriff of any County. You must live within their jurisdiction for them to issue. CA is a 'may issue' state for carry licenses, so you might want to take a serious look at where you intend to live if this is important to you. "California is divided into 58 counties and contains 482 municipalities" (Wikipedia) Some cities don't have PDs, so that results in somewhere around 300 different opinions on whether or not to issue a license. Information on issuance is readily available at CalGuns.net (see above)
Good luck with your move and thank you for your service!