AR-15s legal in California? 22LR variants?

Question

Through a great answer from Bound's hubby, I was able to decide on the AR-15 as a platform for long-range target shooting.

Now I face a problem, I live in California. I have been trying to search through the laws regarding this type of weapon. The government sites state that they are banned as assault rifles. Other sites say that small mods like fixed mags and modified grips will negate assault rifle status.

Anyone have first hand experience with AR laws in CA?

Also, I saw at the Fulton Armory site a 22LR rimfire upper for varmint hunting. Count I possibly purchase that since it says its rimfire status does not make it an assault rifle?

If I do purchase it, can I change it to a standard centerfire upper when I can afford it? All I really know is that one selling point of the AR line is modular design and interchangeability of parts.

Thanks in advance for any help on the matter. I'm eager to get started and have read that wait periods can be in excess of three weeks.

Answer 1

Short answer? No. Not even a 22LR based on an AR15 action because it would fall into the first group they banned, which was all AR like rifles. But wait for the long answer. And I disagree with Bound's hubby although I own four or five myself. I just don't think the AR-15 action is good, never mind the best. All that venting gasses into the action really sucks. But the accuracy lives in the connection of the upper receiver to the barrel and the quality of the barrel, so it's as good as anything.

Anyway, the long answer. Yes, if you already have them (you don't) or you are willing to build a 10 shot fixed magazine version from an 'off list' lower.

Read the link below then search for "off list lowers" and off you go. AR15.com is a good source of information and advice, you can also ask where to find a FFL who will accept shipment of your off list lower if you decide to do this.

So basically, you buy an AR-15 lower which is not on the banned list. You obtain a lower parts kit, a stock, buffer tube, recoil buffer and spring and a fixed 10 round magazine kit. Bear in mind that some of the fixed mag kits are an expensive way to buy a nut and a washer, the one I use has a grub screw through the side of the magazine release which allows it to be locked in place with the possibility of being removed if I ever leave Kalifornia.

So you follow the self build steps at ar15.com and an hour or two later you have your AR lower in one piece. So long as you fix the magazine before you attack the pistol grip you are OK. You then add your fixed length stock (collapsable stocks are also evil cop killer features) and then add your choice of upper in anything from 22LR to 7.62x39 (though it has to match the magazine). You can't have a short barrel, a flash supressor or a bayonet lug on your upper, but that shouldn't be an issue. I have nothing on one of my two complete rifles and a muzzle brake on the other.

All perfectly legal because California only banned complete AR type rifles and a specific list of lower receivers. I have four Stag lowers and am entirely happy with them. I used Stag lower parts kits and A2 stocks. I ordered from EagleFirearms.net where the lower will currently cost you $95 and the parts kit $65.

Erm... is that enough?

They recon there's more than 10,000 of these been imported into CA in the last year or so, it's a big issue for CA DoJ and the longer they leave it the more of an issue closing the barn door becomes. If the worst come to the worst and they ban them all I'll be transferring them to a friend in NH where I can visit them a couple of times a year.

By the way, the improved RRA two stage NM trigger is the best mod you can make to an AR for $100. The standard AR trigger really sucks and the RRA is as good as many much more expensive examples and a vast upgrade.

The last link below is the build method, the only part you really need to be cautious with is pushing in the pins on the trigger guard and bolt release, the method show works well.

Answer 2

particular AR 15's which have a collection, 10 rd mag are allowed. also, ones that require a particular 'device' to get rid of the mag are allowed. The barrel can't be less than 16 inches. If I were you, positioned a bullet button on your ar-15 yet keep the unique factors. this way you are able to change out factors to make the AR criminal.

Answer 3

22lr is leagle in Ca semi-auto only though