October 2nd, 2024
6minute read
In todays article, Alfredo Rico tackles the subject of California-compliant AR-15-style rifles.
As many California residents know, the laws and interpretations of those laws can be confusing.
Discussing the topicdoes notindicate any endorsement of the laws byThe Armory Lifeor the author.
California-compliant rifles are not allowed to use many common parts of the design. Shown here is Springfield SAINT Victor with a Strike Industries grip, Magpul fixed stock and the company’s own Muzzle Drum.
Ricos effort here is to introduce the topic and not advice.
c’mon consult with an attorney well-versed in the firearms laws of California with any questions.
California has some of the most restrictive firearms laws in the nation.
California does not allow many standard AR-pattern parts. Shown here are California-compliant parts including a fixed stock, winged grip and muzzle brake.
Semi-automatic handguns must pass special requirements to enter the market.
Background checks are necessary to buy ammo.
Guns shops are required to record audio and video of the sales floor and allow state officials on-demand access.
Despite the complexity of the laws, Springfield Armory offers several California-compliant AR-15-style rifles in its catalog such as this SAINT M-Lok AR-15 variant.
How is that possible?
To understand this, lets look at the history of the Californias assault weapons ban.
It became effective in 1992.
California makes many standard AR-15 parts illegal. For reasons that seemingly have nothing to do with preventing crime, standard flash hiders and grips can transform a rifle into a so-called assault weapon.
The AWCA subsequently became the blueprint for the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB).
It lists over 50 specific firearms by punch in, make and model.
The attorney general was required to provide a photo and description of each.
The SAINT Victor AR-10 California-Compliant rifle offers residents of this state a capable .308 rifle they can own.
If the model was listed, it was considered an assault weapon.
Models not included on the list were commonly called off-list ARs.
What is a series and who defines it?
The Bullet Button, shown here, was used on many California-legal AR-15 rifles until its use was restricted.
As more off-list ARs entered the market, the confusion only grew.
During this time, Category II was challenged in Harrott v. County of Kings.
Harrott is an attorney who received a gun collection in payment from a client.
The AR Maglock is California-legal part. It can only be actuated when the upper and lower receivers are partially open.
Harrott argued it wasnt and subject matter experts agreed with him.
These features applied to semi-automatic centerfire rifled that have a detachable magazine.
The detachable magazine detail is important here.
California-compliant rifles are often equipped with fixed stocks and winged grips like the SAINT Victor 9mm shown here.
Fixed magazine rifles were excluded from Category III.
There are common characteristics for making an AR featureless.
Swapping out the pistol grip with a winged grip.
The SAINT Victor AR-15 California-Compliant 5.56mm rifle features a free-floated handguard and flip-up iron sights.
Replacing a flash hider with a muzzle brake.
Pinning a retractable stock with a pin or screw so it is in a fixed position.
Using a fixed stock instead of a retractable stock.
A fixed-magazine is an AR whose magazine cannot be removed by pressing the magazine release button.
The bullet button looked like a standard magazine release.
In 2016, the bullet button was banned.
Springfield Armory has several.
These are featureless ARs.
They have a muzzle brake, a fixed stock and a winged grip.
Will the laws in California ever change?
Few things are perpetually constant.
However, what will change and when are unknown.
Until things do change, these are the hurdles that Golden State residents are saddled with.
Fortunately, Springfield Armory has several offerings for the residents of this state.
