What happens if you do like the bad guys and just do it anyway, go to Alcatraz? I found out today that the paperwork that accompanies a firearm sale is not sent to anybody. They just keep it in the gun store and if someone gets hurt with the gun, then the feds track it to see who owns the gun.
It depends on the state. CA records all handguns sales and serial number in a state database and every hand gun brought into the state must be registered, but this does not apply to long guns except for assault weapons .
There is no firearm registration requirement in California except for assault weapon owners and personal handgun importers. However, you may submit a Firearm Ownership Record to the DOJ for any firearm you own. Having a Firearm Ownership Record on file with the DOJ may help in the return of your firearm if it is lost or stolen. With very few and specific exceptions, all firearm transactions must be conducted through a firearms dealer.
You are considered to be a personal handgun importer as defined by California law. You may bring all of your otherwise California-legal firearms with you, but
you must report all of your handguns to the DOJ within 60 days as required utilizing the New Resident Handgun Ownership Report. [PDF 518 kb / 2 pg] You are not required to report rifles or shotguns. You
may not bring ammunition feeding devices with a capacity greater than ten rounds, machineguns, or assault weapons into California.