I have myself a secondary side arm, but I’m interested in getting a California legal Ar-15. I understand the Department of Justice has a whole list of what you can’t have. I’m interested in seeing what people on this forum have done. I understand a few things:
Must be under 10 round mag
Cannot have selective switch to full auto
The DOJ has been specific models illegal.
So what’s the best Califronia Legal AR-15 or M4? From what I see at local store everyone needs to build their own.
as long as you use a lower receiver that is “off list”, you can essentially build a AR-15 like everyone else.
you can go two routes: maglock (any ‘evil’ features, but 10 round mags) *Remember, if you use a maglock on your rifle, DONT use mags larger than 10 rounds! that makes it an illegal Assault Weapon.
or ‘featureless’. no FH, pistol grip, adjustable stock, or vertical foregrip. by going this route, you can use detachable mags. You can use high capacity mags IF you owned them IN CA prior to 2000.
For example; I have a few AR’s. I have built up, all on CMMG lowers (since they’re not banned). one has a 14.5" LMT upper, one has a 18" Sabre upper, and the other has a 16" BCM midlength.
Since I didnt own high cap mags before 2000, I decided to go with a maglock (bullet button). I can have a flash hider, collapsible stock, and pistol grip. the maglock makes the rifle incapable of having ‘detachable mags’, since you need to use a tool to release them.
There is alot of information, and i’m sure i’m missing ALOT. your best bet is to read on Calguns exactly how to stay Cali-legal, but still have a very nice rifle.
I would go with a Noveske. I could not be happier with their products. I have an N4 and N6. They have been unbelievably reliable and accurate. The only downfall is they are on the expensive side.
When I say “blessing” I mean CA DOJ has done nothing else to stop them from coming in – which is a far cry from just a few years ago, when CA DOJ agents were actually calling out of state manufacturers and discouraging them from selling off-list lowers in CA (a questionable practice as to interstate commerce).
The whole bullet button thing is ridiculous, IMHO.
I should have said,
Check out www.riflegear.com. They have several CA legal AR-type rifles. Period.
My profession demands I know the legal aspects of such emasculated rifles, but I don’t own any. Frankly, I don’t see the point, but hey – if it gets you through the night, knock yourself out.
Didnt mean to come off rude. just dont want people thinking that DD rifles are gtg in CA without any modifications. I’m just a regular guy stuck in a liberal state who wants to own an AR type rifle.
I live in CA so I ended up with a Daniel Defense DDM4 as my first AR15 from Riflegear. As soon as I bought it they installed the bullet button. They also give you a 10/30 round magazine.
Ammo Sphere - what is your budget? Where in CA do you live? What are you going to do with the AR15 just target shooting or going to take some tactical courses? Do you want a rail up front so you can add a lot of modifications?
There is no better gun for the money than a Daniel Defense. Peach State Guns is a California friendly place, they will install bullet button prior to shipping.
Honestly, if I didn’t already own one that I bought for use on duty I would not even bother. Just buy an M1A Socom 16 and call it a day. While not quite as ergonimically sound as an M4/AR pattern rifle it’s still a good battle rifle. I love my AR and thank god that I had the good fortune to have a cheif who saw fit to issue letters for officers who wanted to buy one (unlike the agency I work for now).
That being said, the bullet button is an abortion, and makes the rifle not battle or duty worthy. The main reason being if you have a malfunction (like a double feed), there is no way you are clearing it in anything approaching a reasonable amount of time. If you want one for plinking, target shooting or varmint shooting then have at it, but not for serious purposes.
I’m no fan of the bullet button, but that is why they make the Radlock. If it is for home protection, turn the screw a couple of turns and no bullet button.
The only problem with that is, once you do it you are now a felon. I don’t agree with the law AT ALL, but I would not cirumvent it either. Thank god I have a legit one that is not neutered. If I ever wear it out, I will just re-build it until I can retire, move out of state and buy another.
That is a very SOLID point you have and I agree with you. My only problem is that many other legal guns can be used without becoming a victim of the rediculous CA gun laws. For me, part of no being a victim, is also being there to take care of my family after the fight. Can’t very well do that from jail, not to mention the fact that you will never be legally able to own a firearm after that.
Let me stress, that even though I am a CA cop, I in no way agree with most of CA gun control laws. That being said, I would not try to find a way around them at the expense of my freedom after the fight.
I have never had a problem using the BB. I have taken several Carbine classes and it is a little more difficult. but it works. I was merely responding to the reply about having a jam or misfeed during the fight. I appreciate your candor.