CA-AR15 AR15s and AK47s are legal in California again! Below is an outline of how this is possible using a question then answer format followed by a factual, numbered statement. This information will always be kept up to date. I thought all AR15/AK47 Series firearms were illegal? In 2001, a California Supreme Court Decision (Harrott vs. County of Kings) clarified that SB23 could not ban AR15/AK47s by series, but must ban them by specific make and model number. The CA DOJ used as a reference the Kasler List which specified which firearms were banned. The CA DOJ admitted in 2005 that the Harrott decision was law and that receivers not listed specifically by make and model number in the Kasler List were legal to possess. Further in September 2006, Attorney General Bill Lockyer clearly laid out the legality of these receivers in a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he wrote in support of AB2728. AB2728 passed and became law on January 1, 2007 and the Attorney General no longer has the ability to list AR15/AK47 Series firearms as assault weapons. 1. AR15/AK47 receivers not on the Kasler List are legal and are known as Off List Lowers/Receivers (OLL). What about the ban on flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, pistol grips, and collapsible stocks? Despite OLLs being legal, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles with a detachable magazine cannot have any one of the following features (PC 12276.1). Flash Suppressor Forward Pistol Grip Flare/Grenade Launcher Pistol Grip Collapsible Stock Thumbhole Stock If your firearm does not have any of these prohibited or “evil” features, then you can have a detachable magazine. Note that bayonet lugs, laser sights, threaded barrels for rifles, nor anything else not listed are not “evil” features and can be used on a detachable magazine rifle.
You are also restricted from having. A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches. 2.a. Featureless Builds that utilize the MonsterMan Grip or U-15 Stock are legal. Here are some examples of featureless builds. MonsterMan Grip equipped rifle.
Here are some examples of featureless builds. MonsterMan Grip equipped rifle.
California Rifles U-15 equipped rifle.
There are even AR15 uppers that are dedictated .22 LR rimfire caliber and those rifles can possess all of the "evil features" you want because they are not a "semi-auto matic centerfire" rifle.
2.b. Rimfire rifles are not covered under PC 12276.1 and may have detachable magazines and evil features.
Spike's Tactical Dedicated .22 LR Upper
I don’t want a rifle with those “crazy” looking grips and stocks nor a whimpy .22 LR. What other options do I have?
We personally like our MonsterMan Gripped featureless rifles and would recommend at least owning one if you have lawfully possessed large-capacity magazines. However, we also enjoy owning and possessing many fixed magazine rifles as well.
Again PC 12276.1 says you cannot have a “semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following…” The main question is what does the law say a “detachable magazine” is? CCR 978.20(a)
““detachable magazine” means any ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from the firearm with neither disassembly of the firearm action nor use of a tool being required. A bullet or ammunition cartridge is considered a tool. Ammunition feeding device includes any belted or linked ammunition, but does not include clips, en bloc clips, or stripper clips that load cartridges into the magazine.”
If you have a semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has a magazine that requires the use of a tool to remove, it does not meet the definition of a “detachable magazine” and as a result, the restrictions in PC 12276.1 do not apply.
3. Rifles that utilize a fixed magazine device like the Bullet Button or Prince50 Magazine Lock Kit can legally utilize flash suppressors, forward pistol grips, pistol grips, collapsible stocks, thumbhole stocks, and/or flare launchers.
Here are some examples of “fixed” magazine rifles.
Bullet Button equipped rifle with C Products 10/30 10 Round Magazine.
The Bullet Button device installs into a standard AR15 receiver. This device allows for a 10 round magazine to be removed from the rifle with the use of a tool, but not with your hands or fingers. Since it requires a tool every time, it does not meet the definition of a "detachable magazine".
Prince50 equipped rifle.
The Prince50 is a standard magazine button that has a second hole drilled through it in order to accomodate a small set screw. When this set screw is tightened into the reciever, it prevents the magazine button from being pushed in. As a result, the magazine cannot be removed. However, you cannot loosen or remove the set screw while there are evil features on the rifle because the button can then be pushed in with your finger, which does not require the use of a tool to remove, making the firearm a "detachable magazine" rifle. The only time the set screw should be removed is when the rifle no longer has any evil features or when removed outside of California.
I heard the CA DOJ issued a memo and made the Bullet Button and Prince50 illegal.
The California Department of Justice did two things to try and "clarify" the defintion of "capable of accepting" a detachable magazine. First they issued an undated memo stating in their opinion that "semiautomatic centerfire rifles that are modified to be temporarily incapable of accepting detachable magazines, but can be restored to accommodate detachable magazines, are assault weapons if they have any of the features listed in §12276.1(a)(1)." However, there is no basis for this opinion in the law. In fact, Firearms Enthusiast Gene Hoffman wrote the Office of Administrative Law and asked that the CA DOJ stop posting that memo on their website as it was creating "underground regulations". The CA DOJ has since removed the "Important Notice" from its website.
Gene Hoffman's Letter to the Office of Administrative Law and the CA DOJ Response
Second the CA DOJ actually submitted proposed changes to CCR 978.20 on June 27, 2006. After numerous comments from gun owners, the CA DOJ modified their submission on November 1, 2006. However, they did not submit the change to the Office of Administrative law by June 27, 2007 and the one year submission window closed and the definitions have not changed.
4. The CA DOJ memos are not law nor has the law changed. The definition of a detachable magazine has not changed and the Bullet Button and Prince50 kits do not meet the defintion of a "detachable magazine".
What about non-AR15 rifles? These same rules apply to all centerfire detachable magazine rifles. That means if you wanted to buy an off list AK47 receiver or rifle, it would be legal as long as you complied with the assault weapon rules contained in PC 12276.1. The Harrott vs. County of Kings case was about an AK47, not an AR15.
5. The Harrott decision was about AR/AK series rifles. The same rules apply to AK47s. Azex AK47 Rifle with MonsterMan Grip
Russian American Armory Saiga Rifle
I heard that Saigas are listed and illegal.
If you refer to the Kasler List, you will see that under the Kasler list, the "Kalashnikov USA - Hunter Rifle / Saiga" is a listed AK Series Weapon. However, that is a Kalashnikov USA manufacturered/imported Saiga and not the Russian American Armory made rifle.
To help clarify the situation, look at the rest of the Kasler List. You will notice in both sections that the model numbers AK-47, AK47, and AR-15 are listed under several different manufacturers/importers. If it was sufficient to just ban all Saigas, then why did they still list the model numbers AK-47, AK47, and AR-15 by several different manufacturers/importers? The Harrott decision specifically stated that you cannot ban these firearms by series, but they must be banned by specific make and model. If a new company like Stag creates a "Stag - AR-15", it will not fall under the Kasler List just because there is a "Colt - AR-15".
6. Russian American Armory Saigas are not specifically listed in the Kasler List and are legal to possess and own in California.
3 comments:
CA-AR15
AR15s and AK47s are legal in California again! Below is an outline of how this is possible using a question then answer format followed by a factual, numbered statement. This information will always be kept up to date.
I thought all AR15/AK47 Series firearms were illegal? In 2001, a California Supreme Court Decision (Harrott vs. County of Kings) clarified that SB23 could not ban AR15/AK47s by series, but must ban them by specific make and model number. The CA DOJ used as a reference the Kasler List which specified which firearms were banned. The CA DOJ admitted in 2005 that the Harrott decision was law and that receivers not listed specifically by make and model number in the Kasler List were legal to possess. Further in September 2006, Attorney General Bill Lockyer clearly laid out the legality of these receivers in a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as he wrote in support of AB2728. AB2728 passed and became law on January 1, 2007 and the Attorney General no longer has the ability to list AR15/AK47 Series firearms as assault weapons.
1. AR15/AK47 receivers not on the Kasler List are legal and are known as Off List Lowers/Receivers (OLL).
What about the ban on flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, pistol grips, and collapsible stocks? Despite OLLs being legal, semi-automatic, centerfire rifles with a detachable magazine cannot have any one of the following features (PC 12276.1).
Flash Suppressor
Forward Pistol Grip
Flare/Grenade Launcher
Pistol Grip
Collapsible Stock
Thumbhole Stock If your firearm does not have any of these prohibited or “evil” features, then you can have a detachable magazine. Note that bayonet lugs, laser sights, threaded barrels for rifles, nor anything else not listed are not “evil” features and can be used on a detachable magazine rifle.
You are also restricted from having.
A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.
2.a. Featureless Builds that utilize the MonsterMan Grip or U-15 Stock are legal.
Here are some examples of featureless builds. MonsterMan Grip equipped rifle.
Here are some examples of featureless builds.
MonsterMan Grip equipped rifle.
California Rifles U-15 equipped rifle.
There are even AR15 uppers that are dedictated .22 LR rimfire caliber and those rifles can possess all of the "evil features" you want because they are not a "semi-auto matic centerfire" rifle.
2.b. Rimfire rifles are not covered under PC 12276.1 and may have detachable magazines and evil features.
Spike's Tactical Dedicated .22 LR Upper
I don’t want a rifle with those “crazy” looking grips and stocks nor a whimpy .22 LR. What other options do I have?
We personally like our MonsterMan Gripped featureless rifles and would recommend at least owning one if you have lawfully possessed large-capacity magazines. However, we also enjoy owning and possessing many fixed magazine rifles as well.
Again PC 12276.1 says you cannot have a “semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following…” The main question is what does the law say a “detachable magazine” is? CCR 978.20(a)
““detachable magazine” means any ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from the firearm with neither disassembly of the firearm action nor use of a tool being required. A bullet or ammunition cartridge is considered a tool. Ammunition feeding device includes any belted or linked ammunition, but does not include clips, en bloc clips, or stripper clips that load cartridges into the magazine.”
If you have a semi-automatic, centerfire rifle that has a magazine that requires the use of a tool to remove, it does not meet the definition of a “detachable magazine” and as a result, the restrictions in PC 12276.1 do not apply.
3. Rifles that utilize a fixed magazine device like the Bullet Button or Prince50 Magazine Lock Kit can legally utilize flash suppressors, forward pistol grips, pistol grips, collapsible stocks, thumbhole stocks, and/or flare launchers.
Here are some examples of “fixed” magazine rifles.
Bullet Button equipped rifle with C Products 10/30 10 Round Magazine.
The Bullet Button device installs into a standard AR15 receiver. This device allows for a 10 round magazine to be removed from the rifle with the use of a tool, but not with your hands or fingers. Since it requires a tool every time, it does not meet the definition of a "detachable magazine".
Prince50 equipped rifle.
The Prince50 is a standard magazine button that has a second hole drilled through it in order to accomodate a small set screw. When this set screw is tightened into the reciever, it prevents the magazine button from being pushed in. As a result, the magazine cannot be removed. However, you cannot loosen or remove the set screw while there are evil features on the rifle because the button can then be pushed in with your finger, which does not require the use of a tool to remove, making the firearm a "detachable magazine" rifle. The only time the set screw should be removed is when the rifle no longer has any evil features or when removed outside of California.
I heard the CA DOJ issued a memo and made the Bullet Button and Prince50 illegal.
The California Department of Justice did two things to try and "clarify" the defintion of "capable of accepting" a detachable magazine. First they issued an undated memo stating in their opinion that "semiautomatic centerfire rifles that are modified to be temporarily incapable of accepting detachable magazines, but can be restored to accommodate detachable magazines, are assault weapons if they have any of the features listed in §12276.1(a)(1)." However, there is no basis for this opinion in the law. In fact, Firearms Enthusiast Gene Hoffman wrote the Office of Administrative Law and asked that the CA DOJ stop posting that memo on their website as it was creating "underground regulations". The CA DOJ has since removed the "Important Notice" from its website.
Gene Hoffman's Letter to the Office of Administrative Law and the CA DOJ Response
Second the CA DOJ actually submitted proposed changes to CCR 978.20 on June 27, 2006. After numerous comments from gun owners, the CA DOJ modified their submission on November 1, 2006. However, they did not submit the change to the Office of Administrative law by June 27, 2007 and the one year submission window closed and the definitions have not changed.
4. The CA DOJ memos are not law nor has the law changed. The definition of a detachable magazine has not changed and the Bullet Button and Prince50 kits do not meet the defintion of a "detachable magazine".
What about non-AR15 rifles?
These same rules apply to all centerfire detachable magazine rifles. That means if you wanted to buy an off list AK47 receiver or rifle, it would be legal as long as you complied with the assault weapon rules contained in PC 12276.1. The Harrott vs. County of Kings case was about an AK47, not an AR15.
5. The Harrott decision was about AR/AK series rifles. The same rules apply to AK47s.
Azex AK47 Rifle with MonsterMan Grip
Russian American Armory Saiga Rifle
I heard that Saigas are listed and illegal.
If you refer to the Kasler List, you will see that under the Kasler list, the "Kalashnikov USA - Hunter Rifle / Saiga" is a listed AK Series Weapon. However, that is a Kalashnikov USA manufacturered/imported Saiga and not the Russian American Armory made rifle.
To help clarify the situation, look at the rest of the Kasler List. You will notice in both sections that the model numbers AK-47, AK47, and AR-15 are listed under several different manufacturers/importers. If it was sufficient to just ban all Saigas, then why did they still list the model numbers AK-47, AK47, and AR-15 by several different manufacturers/importers? The Harrott decision specifically stated that you cannot ban these firearms by series, but they must be banned by specific make and model. If a new company like Stag creates a "Stag - AR-15", it will not fall under the Kasler List just because there is a "Colt - AR-15".
6. Russian American Armory Saigas are not specifically listed in the Kasler List and are legal to possess and own in California.
The best shop in California I found is Ten Percent Firearms heres there link http://www.tenpercentfirearms.com/index.php
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