New California-Approved Handguns: Six Models Worth a Closer Look

California handgun buyers have more choices to get excited about.

Several highly anticipated pistols have recently been added to California's handgun roster, bringing California shooters options that previously weren't readily available through normal dealer sales in the state.

From the long-awaited Glock 43X and CZ P-10 C to Performance Center offerings from Smith & Wesson and the unique Archon Type B, there's a lot to take a closer look at.

Here are six of the newest California-approved handguns coming to Ammo Bros.

Glock 43X CA

For California Glock fans, this is a big one.

The Glock 43X CA was added to California's handgun roster in September 2026. Chambered in 9mm with a 3.41-inch barrel, the 43X brings one of Glock's popular slim-frame configurations to California buyers.

The 43X combines a relatively short slide with a longer, full-hand grip, creating a pistol that falls between traditional subcompact and compact designs. Its slimmer profile is one of the characteristics that has made the 43X such a recognizable part of Glock's lineup.

For California customers who have wanted a newer slim-frame Glock without relying on an off-roster transaction, the arrival of the 43X CA adds an important new option.

Glock 43X CA Quick Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 3.41 inches
• Frame: Polymer
• California roster added: September 2026

CZ P-10 C OR

Another major addition is the CZ P-10 C OR CA, which also joined California's handgun roster in September.

The P-10 C is CZ's compact striker-fired 9mm platform. The California-approved model features a 4-inch barrel and, importantly, is the Optics Ready (OR) version.

CZ designed the P-10 C around a fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame with an ergonomic grip and a striker-fired operating system. At approximately 7.3 inches long, the P-10 C sits squarely in the compact category.

For shooters who like CZ ergonomics but want a modern striker-fired platform, the P-10 C offers something considerably different from the company's traditional hammer-fired pistols.

CZ P-10 C OR Quick Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4 inches
• Optics Ready: Yes
• Frame: Fiberglass-reinforced polymer
• California roster added: September 2026

Archon Type B

The Archon Type B may be the least familiar name on this list, but mechanically it might be one of the most interesting.

Added to California's roster in September 2026, the Type B is a striker-fired 9mm with a 4.3-inch barrel. What really separates the Archon from more conventional striker-fired pistols is its operating system.

Instead of using the common tilting-barrel arrangement found in many modern semi-automatic pistols, the Type B uses Archon's AF-Speedlock system. Its barrel moves rearward without the traditional upward and downward tilting motion. The design also allows the barrel to sit particularly low in relation to the shooter's hand.

The result is a pistol with a distinctly different internal design and shooting geometry from many of the striker-fired handguns California buyers are accustomed to seeing.

The Type B also features a steel chassis within its polymer grip frame, a fiber-optic front sight and an accessory rail.

If you're the type of shooter who appreciates unusual engineering and wants something different from the more established striker-fired platforms, the Archon deserves a closer look.

Archon Type B Quick Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4.3 inches
• Action: Striker fired
• Operating System: AF-Speedlock
• Design: Low bore axis
• Construction: Steel chassis with polymer grip frame
• California roster added: September 2026

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Shield X Carry Comp

Smith & Wesson has been busy in California, and one of the most interesting additions is the Performance Center Shield X Carry Comp.

The California-approved Performance Center Shield X Carry Comp is chambered in 9mm and features a 3.625-inch barrel in a 10-round California configuration.

As part of Smith & Wesson's Performance Center family, the Carry Comp version takes the Shield X platform in a more performance-oriented direction.

The Shield family has long focused on providing a thinner, more compact alternative to traditional full-size and compact pistols. The Shield X expands on that concept, while the Performance Center Carry Comp version gives California buyers a more premium variation of the platform.

For customers who want something compact but don't necessarily want a bare-bones pistol, this is one of the more interesting new Smith & Wesson options.

Performance Center Shield X Carry Comp Quick Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 3.625 inches
• Capacity: 10-round California configuration
• Series: Performance Center
• Configuration: Carry Comp
• California roster added: September 2026

Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp

If you'd rather move up from the slimmer Shield platform to a traditional compact handgun, Smith & Wesson also brought the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp to California.

This model pairs the familiar M&P M2.0 platform with Performance Center enhancements and Smith & Wesson's Carry Comp concept.

The California-approved model is chambered in 9mm, uses a 4.25-inch barrel and comes in a 10-round configuration.

Its larger dimensions distinguish it from the Shield X and give buyers another option when choosing between a slimmer pistol and a more substantial compact platform.

It's an especially noteworthy addition because California customers aren't simply getting another basic M&P — the newly rostered pistol is a Performance Center model.

Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp Quick Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4.25 inches
• Capacity: 10-round California configuration
• Platform: M&P M2.0 Compact
• Series: Performance Center Carry Comp
• California roster added: September 2026

Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0

Not every new California handgun is a 9mm.

The Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 gives California buyers a new option chambered in 10mm Auto.

Smith & Wesson received California roster approval for two configurations: a 4.6-inch model and a longer 5.6-inch model, both in 10-round configurations.

That makes the M&P 10mm stand apart from most of the pistols on this list. Rather than focusing primarily on making a handgun smaller and easier to carry, the M&P 10mm brings the M2.0 platform into a larger and more powerful caliber.

Both California models are also listed as optics ready, giving customers the ability to configure the pistol around a compatible optic.

Smith & Wesson M&P 10mm M2.0 Quick Specs

• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Barrel Options: 4.6 inches and 5.6 inches
• Optics Ready: Yes
• Capacity: 10-round California configuration
• Platform: M&P M2.0
• California roster added: September 2026

California Handgun Buyers Have More Choices

The California handgun market has changed considerably, and these newest roster additions give buyers options across several very different categories.

The Glock 43X CA finally brings Glock's slim-frame 43X to California dealer shelves. The CZ P-10 C OR adds another major compact striker-fired option. The Archon Type B introduces a less conventional operating system, while Smith & Wesson's latest additions range from compact Performance Center Carry Comp pistols all the way up to the 10mm M&P M2.0.

And these aren't the only new California-approved handguns arriving.

Keep an eye on AmmoBros.com and visit your local Ammo Bros store for availability, pricing and additional new California-approved firearms as they arrive.

Firearm availability varies by location and is subject to change. California firearm laws and roster status are subject to change. Always confirm current eligibility and applicable requirements before purchase.