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I'm interested in taking an AK operators course being held in CA next year. Coming from AZ I know I will have to stock up on 10 round mags, (ugh), but what about the pistol grip? Will my weapon have to be modified to a buttstock only type setup for the training? Searched the site to no avail and any info is appreciated.
It needs to be CA compliant so no pistol grip if you don't have a bullet button on your AK. http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs.php#24
Who is holding the class out here? I would wait for that person to have a class in AZ.
THat is if you are moving to the state. My understanding is that if you are taking a class or competing you do not have to molest your guns. There was a post here about it awhile ago, but I would make sure I have out of state ID and a copy of something proving the event you are there for.Quote:
Originally Posted by xrayoneone
There is a lot of wiggle room between my understanding and your ass on the line.
Capt. Kirk or another CA LEO I'm sure can definitively answer the question.
California PC 12280(m)(1) states if you are going to or from an organized competition and you are not a resident of this state then you are good. It doesn't say anything about training though you are probably right and legal precedent NOW is to allow a non-resident to bring them into the state. My personal experience training in this state is that nobody asked anyone any questions regarding their firearms. However, I also know that traffic enforcement goes on near some shooting ranges. I'm not a local cop here but I work with them and my advice is tread lightly. Many of these guys are the greatest dudes you'll meet but as with anything else you have your bad apples or the ones that don't see things the way you do, especially when it comes to firearms.
If you want a better legal standing then follow this link and talk to these people: http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/contact.php
It's a Larry Vickers course taught by the man himself that I really want to take. Not sure what keeps him from scheduling in AZ, but none have been held here that I am aware of.Quote:
Originally Posted by xrayoneone
Encouraging info and good advice FMCDH. Thanks. I'll see what I can confirm.Quote:
Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand
Thanks for the info and link xray11. I'm keeping hope alive that this can happen. Appreciate the posts.Quote:
Originally Posted by xrayoneone
My suggestion, is instead of spending the money on 10 round mags, pick up a monsterman grip for your AK, or one of those fins that wraps around the pistol grip preventing you from wrapping your thumb around the grip. This is a legal and cheaper alternative to the bullet button and ten round magazine provided your rifle does not have a flash suppressor on it.
Also, regardless of which route you go, make sure to transport it in the altered state to be legal with CA laws and then make the enquiries about reverting back to normal once you get to the training venue, if they allow it, make the swap back to normal configuration and then swap back at the conclusion of the training day. Even if its legal for out of state individuals to transport normally legally, most beat cops won't know that, so its better to CYA in that manner.
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Originally Posted by rero360
Again great advice that I will certainly heed. I have no problem playing by the rules as long as I know what they are! Thanks again for your post.
I'm pretty sure they make Bullet Buttons for AK's no? I know they have AK-variants floating around in this state. That might be another simple installation if you want to retain the pistol grip.
If you have questions about the lovely laws in this state, check out the CalGuns.net wiki and especially the Assault Weapon Flowchart that they put together.
Regardless of the what the fine print says, you do not want to be pulled over and somehow searched and discovered with any kind of "assault weapons" in your trunk. Lots of LEO won't be that educated about the topic. At the least you'll be in for a long traffic stop... at the worst, you'll need to call for legal advice. Before your trip, you might want to print copies of any applicable laws and keep them in your gun case for ease of reference (along with the above flowchart) if the worst happens.
Aside from the crazy gun laws, it's a great state to visit... I swear! :sarcastic:
Yup. Absolutely correct.Quote:
Originally Posted by FromMyColdDeadHand
Who is hosting the class? If it is an SO range, and a mixed LE/civilian class, you will have little fuss. Blow in, and blow out.
Obey the law. Don't get pulled over. Have your stuff in a locked container, and you should be fine. At the class itself, there should no hassle as a registered student for the 2-3 days.
CALDOJ cannot issue a permit fast enough for the 2-3 days, so realistically, if you can manage to obey the traffic laws (and a warrant is needed for all locked containers), you should be fine.
Still, vet this yourself, call the course coordinators and take the best advice. PM me if you need a contact at CALDOJ, but you will find having an LE host is the simplest way to avoid drama.
Scootle and PRGGodfather,
Thanks very much for the replies, links and offer for contacts. Your time is appreciated!
I'll contact the host there and confirm everything, but it sounds to be doable. Will follow the advise to have documentation of everything on hand as well, good call. By the way you are right, CA is a beautiful state to visit! Thanks again for all the help.