California is imposing a new tax on guns. Will it impact sales?

Beginning July, state will become the first to charge an 11% excise tax, on top of federal and sales taxes, with an aim to reduce gun violence

Starting in July 2024, California will be the first state to charge an excise tax on guns and ammunition. The new tax - an 11% levy on each sale - will come on top of federal excise taxes of 10% or 11% for firearms and California's 6% sales tax.

The National Rifle Association has characterized California's Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act as an affront to the constitution. But the reaction from the gun lobby and firearms manufacturers may hint at something else: the impact the measure, which is aimed at reducing gun violence, may have on sales.