[manfredo]

You have to pass a background check to get a PAL. There's no background check at the time of sale for non restricted guns. "Runs background checks daily" is kind of correct. Your PAL is revoked if you commit a crime that would disqualify you from getting a PAL.

This is distinct from restricted firearms (mostly handguns) where a new background check is performed each time you buy a restricted firearms.

In California, all firearms save for some really old ones are treated like restricted rifles in Canada. You have to get a background check and wait 10 days for every purchase even if you already own a dozen guns. Plus there are a bunch of rules about the shape of the grip, whether it has a for grip, the shape of the muzzle brake, and whether or not the stock folds that can make guns felonies to possess.

All guns (save for the aforementioned muzzle loader) are registered in California. Well, technically not registered because to do so is a violation of Federal law. But the State does log every firearm brought into the state, every firearm bought, and every firearm transferred. So basically a registry in everything but name.