AR 15s in California

[oside79]

I am an Officer in southern California. after reading JWise's info on ARs, I have been trying to pick one up. As you can imagine I am having a hell of a time purchasing one online and getting it shipped to CA. Is there any CA Officers out there who know how we legally do this. I know I have to get a letter from my Chief and my Rangemaster has stated to other Officers that they can have it shipped to the department, but did not know how to get it registered to them from that point. PLEASE HELP!

[mattfoley]

Call the folks a proforce (http://www.proforceonline.com) they are in Orange County, they can tell you what you need even if you don't order for them. They have AR's in stock and are a cool business. Bought a handgun from them last time I was down there for a class. Hope that helps.

[FJDave]

Ammo Bros in Cerritos also has a few complete ARs in stock. They are in Cerritos off the 605 and Alondra.

[Till]

Gotta tell some of you guys... every time I bitch about a particular state law regarding firearms here, I take a minute and think about how minor it is compared to California and how it could always be worse by living in a non-gun friendly state.

I also complain about a full-capacity magazine costing $40+ here... but at least I can buy a full-capacity magazine.

My condolences. :(

[LA DEP]

You are going to need to get a letter from your Chief that states the weapon is for duty use ONLY.......as others have said, Proforce in Brea is probably one of the easier places to get everything done.

Also, after you retire or leave that agency, be advised that the weapon will either have to be sold to the department, sold out of state, moved out of state, or destroyed.

If you need to get hi cap magazines, you can either get them at shop (if they have any left) or you can order from a couple of on line stores....they will ship to CA after you prove your LEO status to them.

You can also buy a 'neutered' AR at many shops.....these have the 'bullet button' that replaces the mag release....makes the mag a 'permanently attached' feature.....not something I would bother with for a duty weapon though.

[oside79]

WOW, thanks for the quick replys. that give me something to work with. Thanks again.

[oside79]

Till, thanks for understanding. Unfortunatley the only people who have no problem getting these is the criminals who will get them illegally no matter what the laws say.

[Till]

Anyone have a picture of a neutered, CA-legal AR15?

I'm interested in seeing what one looks like.

[IrishJoe]

Anyone have a picture of a neutered, CA-legal AR15?

I'm interested in seeing what one looks like.

http://www.riflegear.com/images/PRODUCT/medium/470.jpg

"Bullet Button" ie requires a "tool" (bullet etc) to drop the mag, therefore creating a "fixed" magazine (as defined by CA PC).

OR

http://www.waynestudios.com/uploads/3quarter.jpg

MonsterMan grip; making a nice rifle ugly by removing an "evil feature", (pistol grip). In California, Pistol Grips and removable magazines are, in combination, no bueno.

Oh, and if you want a cal legal AR, you can't buy a complete rifle, you have to order a stripped lower reciever, have it shipped to a dealer, wait your 10 days, and build from scratch.


http://blog.riflegear.com/articles/building-a-california--legal-ar-15-rifle.aspx
Building a CA Legal rifle

www.calguns.com

[LA DEP]

IrishJoe,

Thanks for posting that......I was thinking about how to explain what it was....without using 1000 words or so!

[IrishJoe]

IrishJoe,

Thanks for posting that......I was thinking about how to explain what it was....without using 1000 words or so!


LOL...yes, it is hard to explain this to the privileged who do not live in this great state....

[Mstangfk]

ugh.


never seen a ca legal ar before, thanks for posting pics.

how idiotic to require ca only mods that have absolutely no effect on the function of the weapon other than to make it more cumbersome and hard to use.

[LA DEP]

ugh.


never seen a ca legal ar before, thanks for posting pics.

how idiotic to require ca only mods that have absolutely no effect on the function of the weapon other than to make it more cumbersome and hard to use.

Well, that is the idea, as least as far as the lawmakers go......they will only be happy when ALL firearms are illegal

These are only legal for the time being.....I would bet money that someone is trying to make even these mods illegal.....

[ABC144]

You poor souls. :(

[FJDave]

Tell me. I've had a built lower for a couple of months, and can't find a complete upper anywhere. It sucks, this whole political/gun combination....especially in The People's Republik of Commiefornia.

[IrishJoe]

Tell me. I've had a built lower for a couple of months, and can't find a complete upper anywhere. It sucks, this whole political/gun combination....especially in The People's Republik of Commiefornia.

I've had an upper on backorder for.....awhile.

[muertegumshoe]

****Also, after you retire or leave that agency, be advised that the weapon will either have to be sold to the department, sold out of state, moved out of state, or destroyed.****

I don't think this is the case. I know initially, when the legislature approved the purchase of these 'horrible weapons' for LEO use, that was the case. It is my understanding that this is not the case anymore. I am not 100% certain about this and will ask the 'guy in the know' next time I see him.

The real bad part of this is that I will not be able to hand down my 2 AR's to my two sons as the exemption is not passed on to them (unless they become the POPO) or unless they move out of this state.

[phoenixdown]

****Also, after you retire or leave that agency, be advised that the weapon will either have to be sold to the department, sold out of state, moved out of state, or destroyed.****

I don't think this is the case. I know initially, when the legislature approved the purchase of these 'horrible weapons' for LEO use, that was the case. It is my understanding that this is not the case anymore. I am not 100% certain about this and will ask the 'guy in the know' next time I see him.

The real bad part of this is that I will not be able to hand down my 2 AR's to my two sons as the exemption is not passed on to them (unless they become the POPO) or unless they move out of this state.

I'm out of state, move them to me.





:D

[hxd]

how idiotic to require ca only mods that have absolutely no effect on the function of the weapon other than to make it more cumbersome and hard to use.

It's about like NY. We can't have anything more than 10 rounds (unless pre-ban) a flash-hider (compensator is OK) nor a telescoping stock.

There are only a couple companies that make "NY-legal" ARs. Most don't want to bother.

[LA DEP]

****Also, after you retire or leave that agency, be advised that the weapon will either have to be sold to the department, sold out of state, moved out of state, or destroyed.****

I don't think this is the case. I know initially, when the legislature approved the purchase of these 'horrible weapons' for LEO use, that was the case. It is my understanding that this is not the case anymore. I am not 100% certain about this and will ask the 'guy in the know' next time I see him.

The real bad part of this is that I will not be able to hand down my 2 AR's to my two sons as the exemption is not passed on to them (unless they become the POPO) or unless they move out of this state.

This is the way it has been explained to me (more than once)......

you are buying a weapon that is only legal for LAW ENFORCEMENT......once you leave your LE job, the weapon is no longer legal for you to own (unless you leave for another LE job).....'letter of the law' even goes so far to say it is illegal for you to TOUCH that firearm, never mind possess it as a civilian here in CA.....

I could very well be wrong.....but I am not going to risk it....this state is VERY anti firearm......I will be moving back to somewhere in the USA once I retire from LE work here in Komifornia......

[yellowreef]

Any of you guys that suggested dealers know if any of those places carry AR-10 mags?

[Till]

http://www.waynestudios.com/uploads/3quarter.jpg



Um, just how are you supposed to grip that?

[yellowreef]

Um, just how are you supposed to grip that?

You are not supposed to grip it. Any weapons that get gripped automatically become evil and therefore must be banned.

[Till]

You are not supposed to grip it. Any weapons that get gripped automatically become evil and therefore must be banned.

Seriously, I don't see how you could control it. There's no thumbhole in the stock* or anything.


*Those are probably illegal in CA, too, right?

[SoCalSheriff]

*Those are probably illegal in CA, too, right?

yep

[SoCalSheriff]

12276. As used in this chapter, "assault weapon" shall mean the
following designated semiautomatic firearms:
(a) All of the following specified rifles:
(1) All AK series including, but not limited to, the models
identified as follows:
(A) Made in China AK, AKM, AKS, AK47, AK47S, 56, 56S, 84S, and
86S.
(B) Norinco 56, 56S, 84S, and 86S.
(C) Poly Technologies AKS and AK47.
(D) MAADI AK47 and ARM.
(2) UZI and Galil.
(3) Beretta AR-70.
(4) CETME Sporter.
(5) Colt AR-15 series.
(6) Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1, Max 2, AR 100, and AR 110C.
(7) Fabrique Nationale FAL, LAR, FNC, 308 Match, and Sporter.
(8) MAS 223.
(9) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, and HK-PSG-1.
(10) The following MAC types:
(A) RPB Industries Inc. sM10 and sM11.
(B) SWD Incorporated M11.
(11) SKS with detachable magazine.
(12) SIG AMT, PE-57, SG 550, and SG 551.
(13) Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48.
(14) Sterling MK-6.
(15) Steyer AUG.
(16) Valmet M62S, M71S, and M78S.
(17) Armalite AR-180.
(18) Bushmaster Assault Rifle.
(19) Calico M-900.
(20) J&R ENG M-68.
(21) Weaver Arms Nighthawk.
(b) All of the following specified pistols:
(1) UZI.
(2) Encom MP-9 and MP-45.
(3) The following MAC types:
(A) RPB Industries Inc. sM10 and sM11.
(B) SWD Incorporated M-11.
(C) Advance Armament Inc. M-11.
(D) Military Armament Corp. Ingram M-11.
(4) Intratec TEC-9.
(5) Sites Spectre.
(6) Sterling MK-7.
(7) Calico M-950.
(8) Bushmaster Pistol.
(c) All of the following specified shotguns:
(1) Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12.
(2) Striker 12.
(3) The Streetsweeper type S/S Inc. SS/12.
(d) Any firearm declared by the court pursuant to Section 12276.5
to be an assault weapon that is specified as an assault weapon in a
list promulgated pursuant to Section 12276.5.
(e) The term "series" includes all other models that are only
variations, with minor differences, of those models listed in
subdivision (a), regardless of the manufacturer.
(f) This section is declaratory of existing law, as amended, and a
clarification of the law and the Legislature's intent which bans the
weapons enumerated in this section, the weapons included in the list
promulgated by the Attorney General pursuant to Section 12276.5, and
any other models which are only variations of those weapons with
minor differences, regardless of the manufacturer. The Legislature
has defined assault weapons as the types, series, and models listed
in this section because it was the most effective way to identify and
restrict a specific class of semiautomatic weapons.




12276.1. (a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall
also mean any of the following:
(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to
accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action
of the weapon.
(B) A thumbhole stock.
(C) A folding or telescoping stock.
(D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher.
(E) A flash suppressor.
(F) A forward pistol grip.
(2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine
with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length
of less than 30 inches.
(4) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a
detachable magazine and any one of the following:
(A) A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor,
forward handgrip, or silencer.
(B) A second handgrip.
(C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely
encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon
without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the
barrel.
(D) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location
outside of the pistol grip.
(5) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the
capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action
of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a
detachable magazine.
(8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
(b) The Legislature finds a significant public purpose in
exempting pistols that are designed expressly for use in Olympic
target shooting events. Therefore, those pistols that are sanctioned
by the International Olympic Committee and by USA Shooting, the
national governing body for international shooting competition in the
United States, and that are used for Olympic target shooting
purposes at the time the act adding this subdivision is enacted, and
that would otherwise fall within the definition of "assault weapon"
pursuant to this section are exempt, as provided in subdivision (c).

(c) "Assault weapon" does not include either of the following:
(1) Any antique firearm.


Yeah, it really sucks here.......

[SoCalSheriff]

****Also, after you retire or leave that agency, be advised that the weapon will either have to be sold to the department, sold out of state, moved out of state, or destroyed.****



Let me preface this with I AM NOT A LAWYER.

Per the Roberti-Roos Assault weapon Control Act of 1989 ( CA penal code 12275-12290), and specifically PC 12285, I would interpret as Joe Citizen can not possess an unregistered assault weapon.

There are exemptions for active Peace officers (Registered to them or not, i.e. could be a department weapon)

When I bought my last AR, It was registered with the state. (Filled out the blue card, with thumbprint and 20 bucks to CA DOJ) The registration was most likely approved due to my peace officer status, however the weapon is legally registered to me. If I am no longer employed as an LEO, as long as I am not prohibited from posessing firearms per 12021 PC, Possession of the lawfully registered assault weapon would be legitimate.

It would basically be the same as if I had registered the weapon immediately after the Ban went into effect. Those people can still possess their weapons, they just are unable to transfer them to other CA residents.

Again, I AM NOT A LAWYER Take this info with a grain of salt. But is a moot point for me anyway, as I am leaving this state as soon as I retire.

[LA DEP]

SoCalSheriff,

That is a good explanation of why you might be allowed to keep the weapon after retirement.....hope it is correct.....

Still not coughing up any of my $$$$$ for one in this state though.....or staying in this state any longer than I have to.....:D

[erik18]

Just so you guys know, you can buy fully built CA legal AR-15's in california. I just bought one from J&J armory in Santa Ana, Ca.

It has this to make it CA legal... http://www.riflegear.com/p-471-raddlock-ar-bullet-tool-combo.aspx


The raddlock (bullet button/prince 50 combo) is the ONLY difference between a CA legal AR and a normal one... and you bet your *** when SHTF, I'm going to use position 2 on the raddlock (Position two allows the AR Raddlock to be activated with a press of the finger, just like a standard magazine release button.) and have a fullly functional AR.

[muertegumshoe]

In talking to the "man in the know" in my agency, So Cal Sheriff is correct.

[511R]

I bought mine mail order from an outfit in PA a couple of years ago. They sent it to a local gunshop. The shop has to have an FFL with special MOJO for assault weapons. (Technical term, donno how to explain it.) I needed a letter from the chief, had to register it here (CA), and just went and got it. No waiting period either. Nothing to it. I paid $1090 delivered for a Colt LE6920.

http://www.colt.com/law/lecarbine.asp

After you leave LE, you can keep it, but can not transfer it to a non LEO in CA.

[muertegumshoe]

Other than Proforce in OC,any other SO Cal distributors for an LE6920? I am having a heck of a time finding an "assault weapon" distributor here with a Colt in stock.

[Blizzination]

Nothing in California law prohibits a retired or other no-longer employed peace officer from prohibiting an assault weapon after it was lawfully acquired during employement.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(v)(4), (w)(3)) does prohibit it. However, I believe these sections were enact as part of the federal assault weapons ban, and are no longer in effect.