California legal?

[curmudgeonista]

I'm looking a possible forced move to California with a new job I'm interviewing for. Can someone familiar with gun regulations there help me out on what I can and can't take with me?

BTW, Googling just makes it even more confusing... stale info, vague and complex legal-eze, etc... Any help would be appreciated.

Concerns:

AR-15 - Pretty sure this one has to go. Purchased new in 2000 (post-ban). It's a Colt Match Target Comp in pristine condition, so I really don't want to monkey it up, nor have to push limits proving legality even if there are things I could do to make it Cali Legal. Will either sell it or store with my brother back here in Georgia.

Mini-14 - This one I'm a little confused on. It's a stock Ranch model... don't know if anything on it other than hi-caps are a problem (no flash hider), but I don't really understand if I have to make the mag non-detachable. And, if so, am I likely to get hassled over it? Better to let it go or take it along? If it's okay with replaceable 10's can I still own hi-caps and just not use them?

1911's & Colt Mustang semi's - Any problems here? Drop-free mags matter?

Others - I don't think there's any problem with others... mostly 22's including a few lever rifles, a Ruger Mk1, a Colt Jr & a couple of NAA minis... plus one old 25 auto Baretta 418 pocket gun.

Mags - Have some stock of pre-ban hi-caps. Many are for guns I no longer own, other than those for the AR and Mini-14. Should I sell these before I move?

Airsoft - I know this one sounds silly, but my son and I both have some pretty nice AR type airsoft guns. Would hate to get in trouble over them. Any problems there?

[goat]

It is complicated, I cannot pretend to know all the crap laws in CA But Calguns http://www.calguns.net/
does. These questions are asked on a very regular basis so a little search will give you all the answers.

[138]

I'm pretty sure the Mini-14 is CA legal. The Colt may not be. The other items you mentioned should be fine (hi cap magazines are ok to own if you owned them pre-ban).

A good chart that I've used for what's CA legal comes from the website Goat mentioned.

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf

[curmudgeonista]

Thanks guys!

[bemac]

CA? You poor bastard. :(

[bonedaddy]

I'm sorry to hear you have to go through this kind of crap in some states. I have lived in Texas most of my life and just realized how alien that type of thinking is to me. Hell - when I took my NFA forms to the county sheriff when I was getting my M10A1, we sat and talked for hours about our collections. He even invited me to go shoot his 1929 Thompson. I can't imagine not being able to enjoy that hobby to its fullest.

My condolences :(

[Unclad Lad]

Calguns.net isn't just an outstanding source of information--it's one of the busiest gun boards on the entire Web!


AR-15 - Pretty sure this one has to go. Purchased new in 2000 (post-ban). It's a Colt Match Target Comp in pristine condition.

All Colt AR-style lowers are on Appendix A--bringing it in is a felony. The "Target" lower also appears on Appdx. B. If you swapped the lower out with what is called an "Off-List Lower" (OLL), then it would be let in. However, the State has a list of "EVIL" features that distinguishes a semiautomatic rifle from an "Assault Weapon", like a flash hider, pistol grip or thumbhole stock, folding or collapsible stock, forward pistol grip, flare or grenade launcher. If your AR-style lower is not on the proscribed list, and you want to keep all those Evil features, you can do so by turning your rifle into a "fixed mag" rifle. This is usually done by the addition of a "bullet button", which requires a pointy tool--(or a pointy bullet tip, hence the name)--to remove it, as the mag drop button cannot be accessed without it. If you prefer to be able to drop your mags quickly, then you can make your rifle "Featureless" by removing the flash hider (a compensator or muzzle break is allowed, as long as it doesn't hide the flash too), removing the pistol grip or making it ungrippable (as defined by statute), using a fixed-length stock, etc.


Mini-14 - This one I'm a little confused on. It's a stock Ranch model... don't know if anything on it other than hi-caps are a problem (no flash hider), but I don't really understand if I have to make the mag non-detachable. And, if so, am I likely to get hassled over it? Better to let it go or take it along? If it's okay with replaceable 10's can I still own hi-caps and just not use them?
Possession of hi-cap mags is as criminal as the use of. Sell them before you arrive.


1911's & Colt Mustang semi's - Any problems here? Drop-free mags matter?
Not a problem as long as you don't have "hi-cap" (more than 10 rounds) mags.


Mags - Have some stock of pre-ban hi-caps. Many are for guns I no longer own, other than those for the AR and Mini-14. Should I sell these before I move?
Yes, unless you have prison gang-rape fantasies.


Airsoft - I know this one sounds silly, but my son and I both have some pretty nice AR type airsoft guns. Would hate to get in trouble over them. Any problems there?

No question is too silly when referring to guns and California! There are laws pertaining to Airsoft, but I don't know them, as I don't own any of them.

Also, there are numerous local laws and restrictions, although most of them are under legal challenges. California is a "May Issue" state, which means that your ability to carry concealed is entirely up to the whims of your county sheriff. Open carry was just outlawed, including unloaded open carry.

And then there is the infamous drop list. I'll let you look that up yourself, because discussing it makes me do what your avatar does...

Do you really not have no choice in this? There are other jobs. Calguns.net is so very active because the serfs here understand how precarious our rights are, and, because many of the laws are poorly written, there are numerous loopholes around those laws, such as the bullet button (there is a fairly large industry devoted just to Cali workarounds). Also check out crpa.org , our state NRA affiliate.

There are a few short-term advantages. The aforementioned "Drop list" means that certain makes and models are very hard to buy here, since a store can't sell them if they aren't on the list (except as consignment items). They can be sold at private face-to-face sales (which still require the presence of a FFL and a sh!tload of paperwork and fees). If you own some of these guns before moving here, you can sell them at a substantial markup because there's no other way for us serfs to get them.

Our gunshows are the most pathetic things you've ever seen, except maybe if you're from New Jersey, NYC, or Illinois. A lot of vendors won't come to them because half their inventory is illegal here, and because there is a 10-day waiting period to do the transfer, which is a total PITA if the FFL is from another state.

One other thing: Is your job 100% certain? Because there aren't any spare jobs once you get here. I wish I was joking about this; I've worked 2 months out of the last 2.5 years. Unless you're a lawyer--that type seems to be in constant demand...

What part of the state will you be in?

[curmudgeonista]

Calguns.net isn't just an outstanding source of information--it's one of the busiest gun boards on the entire Web!



All Colt AR-style lowers are on Appendix A--bringing it in is a felony. The "Target" lower also appears on Appdx. B. If you swapped the lower out with what is called an "Off-List Lower" (OLL), then it would be let in. However, the State has a list of "EVIL" features that distinguishes a semiautomatic rifle from an "Assault Weapon", like a flash hider, pistol grip or thumbhole stock, folding or collapsible stock, forward pistol grip, flare or grenade launcher. If your AR-style lower is not on the proscribed list, and you want to keep all those Evil features, you can do so by turning your rifle into a "fixed mag" rifle. This is usually done by the addition of a "bullet button", which requires a pointy tool--(or a pointy bullet tip, hence the name)--to remove it, as the mag drop button cannot be accessed without it. If you prefer to be able to drop your mags quickly, then you can make your rifle "Featureless" by removing the flash hider (a compensator or muzzle break is allowed, as long as it doesn't hide the flash too), removing the pistol grip or making it ungrippable (as defined by statute), using a fixed-length stock, etc.


Possession of hi-cap mags is as criminal as the use of. Sell them before you arrive.


Not a problem as long as you don't have "hi-cap" (more than 10 rounds) mags.


Yes, unless you have prison gang-rape fantasies.



No question is too silly when referring to guns and California! There are laws pertaining to Airsoft, but I don't know them, as I don't own any of them.

Also, there are numerous local laws and restrictions, although most of them are under legal challenges. California is a "May Issue" state, which means that your ability to carry concealed is entirely up to the whims of your county sheriff. Open carry was just outlawed, including unloaded open carry.

And then there is the infamous drop list. I'll let you look that up yourself, because discussing it makes me do what your avatar does...

Do you really not have no choice in this? There are other jobs. Calguns.net is so very active because the serfs here understand how precarious our rights are, and, because many of the laws are poorly written, there are numerous loopholes around those laws, such as the bullet button (there is a fairly large industry devoted just to Cali workarounds). Also check out crpa.org , our state NRA affiliate.

There are a few short-term advantages. The aforementioned "Drop list" means that certain makes and models are very hard to buy here, since a store can't sell them if they aren't on the list (except as consignment items). They can be sold at private face-to-face sales (which still require the presence of a FFL and a sh!tload of paperwork and fees). If you own some of these guns before moving here, you can sell them at a substantial markup because there's no other way for us serfs to get them.

Our gunshows are the most pathetic things you've ever seen, except maybe if you're from New Jersey, NYC, or Illinois. A lot of vendors won't come to them because half their inventory is illegal here, and because there is a 10-day waiting period to do the transfer, which is a total PITA if the FFL is from another state.

One other thing: Is your job 100% certain? Because there aren't any spare jobs once you get here. I wish I was joking about this; I've worked 2 months out of the last 2.5 years. Unless you're a lawyer--that type seems to be in constant demand...

What part of the state will you be in?
Excellent info. Thanks. Sounds like I'm going to have to say goodbye to some old friends. But, WTH, I've been wanting a Ducati anyway and divesting myself of a few "illegal" firearms could go a long way toward that.

The job is in the Santa Clarita area... and it is a superb opportunity. Biggest problem would be, my wife would have to quite hers... or we could carry on a cross-country long distance romance (thpppt). I'd be in a position where I might eventually be able to convince the parent company to allow me to move my division, but not sure it's a good idea to propose that anytime soon... too many shake-ups already, including the one that opened the door for me.

[Au-myn]

Mini-14 - This one I'm a little confused on. It's a stock Ranch model... don't know if anything on it other than hi-caps are a problem (no flash hider), but I don't really understand if I have to make the mag non-detachable. And, if so, am I likely to get hassled over it? Better to let it go or take it along? If it's okay with replaceable 10's can I still own hi-caps and just not use them?


I own a Mini-14 and it was originally a folding stock model but, those F%^&#*$ liberals changed the law and I had to either register my "assault rifle" or change it to a "Ranch model". I spoke to several Police men and one was a Captain. He said, "I own one so I know what you have. Your best option is to change it to a ranch rifle so you don't have to register it. Even if you defend yourself the law says you used an assault weapon and it can be used against you."

[Eat Beef]

A move? What are you going to do with all that copper? :rofl:

[TomD]

Good Lord, Jack, I hate to hear that.

Be sure to factor in all of the additional costs to living there though I'd be more than surprised to hear that you haven't already.

Good luck, however it goes.

[curmudgeonista]

A move? What are you going to do with all that copper? :rofl:
I'm donating it to Lost Causes.

[curmudgeonista]

Good Lord, Jack, I hate to hear that.

Be sure to factor in all of the additional costs to living there though I'd be more than surprised to hear that you haven't already.

Good luck, however it goes.
Thanks Tom. It's not a done-deal yet, but if I do get the nod it's likely to be an offer I can't refuse... both position-wise and financially speaking. Even then, believe me, it's not a decision I'd take lightly.

At this point I'm just doing the groundwork on the personal end of things so I'm better prepared to make that decision if and when the time comes... checking cost of living increase, housing market, school system, hobby scene, etc...

I've always said, the last place in this country I'd want to live is California. Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?

[Unclad Lad]

The job is in the Santa Clarita area...

The upper end of the Los Angeles megalopolis. Yuck. At least you're almost out of the Valley of Evil.

On the plus side, you'll eat better than you ever thought possible. The quality of produce and meat here is extraordinary--as soon as you get there find out when and where the nearest farmers markets are.

But if there are any handguns you want, or think you might want, get them before you move (unless they are "named" prohibited); for the most part you can bring your current inventory with you. Because buying them afterward might be impossible.

BTW, it sounds like it, but do you anticipate being here more than a year? Because, if not, you could simply not get your CA D Lic--then when you go to the Big Reno Gun Show your non-California license will allow you to purchase any shiny you want, whereas, even in a Free State like Nevada, dealers don't want to deal with Cali serfs for fear of prosecution.

If you aren't a staunch Second Amendment advocate when you arrive, you will be shortly thereafter.

[Spike]

Was in Californication last week.

Was staying on the Arizona side of the Colorado River.

Jumped on Interstate 10 bridge just to switch sides of the river. At the fruit and vegs stop a CHP was standing there, I was greeted with a "Sir could you pull your vehicle to the front of my CHP unit"....F'k I didn't have my seat belt on....I think the fine is 200 bucks?

So buckle up, don't touch your phone etc etc etc...Welcome to California..The gestapo might be there to greet you.

[GOLDZILLA]

No job is worth living in commiefornia.

[Aurumag]

No job is worth living in commiefornia.

I have no job, and I am still here ( I was born here)!

Back to the OP:

One (of many) new CA loopholes is the "Magazine Rebuild Kit."

An individual can purchase a brand new, 30 round PMAG, so long as the mag is not assembled. The same applies to shipping from out of state.

A bullet button can be installed/uninstalled in minutes (seconds once you have done it a few times).

Many Californicators, like myself, have property in Nevada at which we can store and visit those firearms which made "the list" and are not permitted on this side of the border.

Most Cali gunowners and LEOs, especially in the rural areas, simply ignore the ridiculously anti-Article 2 "laws" which emanate from the rotting bowels of the state legislature.

If I remember correctly, the infamous AWB resulted in a whopping 20% compliance. LOL!

Welcome to California!

[Sindgefallen]

I have no job, and I am still here ( I was born here)!

Back to the OP:

One (of many) new CA loopholes is the "Magazine Rebuild Kit."

An individual can purchase a brand new, 30 round PMAG, so long as the mag is not assembled. The same applies to shipping from out of state.

A bullet button can be installed/uninstalled in minutes (seconds once you have done it a few times).

Many Californicators, like myself, have property in Nevada at which we can store and visit those firearms which made "the list" and are not permitted on this side of the border.

Most Cali gunowners and LEOs, especially in the rural areas, simply ignore the ridiculously anti-Article 2 "laws" which emanate from the rotting bowels of the state legislature.

If I remember correctly, the infamous AWB resulted in a whopping 20% compliance. LOL!

Welcome to California!

I know a couple SWAT officers who NEVER registered their weapons when the AWB came about.


Side note, How easy is it to remove the button? I have no Cali Legal AW's and was wondering if it was worth even buying one or just waiting to buy my place in Reno to store Nevada bought weapons. Would it even make a difference? I mean to buy a Cali Legal one and it would operate the same out of state and altered?

Also, thanks for the PMAG info. They are my favorite mags and served me well in Iraq. I am going to get a few more when I head to A-Stan later this year.

[Aurumag]

...

How easy is it to remove the button? ...

Can you install an AR-15 mag release button? Then you can install/uninstall a bullet button!

[Au-myn]

Hey curmudgeonista,

I currently live less than an hour from Santa Clarita.

If you move here we could meet sometime, have a :beerglass: and discuss the metals markets, etc.

[Sindgefallen]

Can you install an AR-15 mag release button? Then you can install/uninstall a bullet button!

That simple? Sweet, so I don't have to wait to buy. Thanks.

[Unclad Lad]

Most Cali gunowners and LEOs, especially in the rural areas, simply ignore the ridiculously anti-Article 2 "laws" which emanate from the rotting bowels of the state legislature.

LEOs aren't gun ignoring the laws--the laws exclude law enforcement from most of the anti-gun laws. As for "most Cali gun owners"? Maybe if they can afford to keep a lawyer on retainer! The rest of us serfs memorize the laws.

[Aurumag]

LEOs aren't gun ignoring the laws--the laws exclude law enforcement from most of the anti-gun laws. As for "most Cali gun owners"? Maybe if they can afford to keep a lawyer on retainer! The rest of us serfs memorize the laws.

If you live in California, then either you are not paying attention, or you are hanging with the wrong crowd of gun owners.

The oppressive gun laws are so ridiculous that only CA DOJ and fed.gov pay any attention to them, and only when their respective agendas so incline them.

Loopholes and workarounds abound.

[Unclad Lad]

Using "loopholes and workarounds" is very different than ignoring the laws. Of course I use those when applicable. When you said "ignore" I thought you were talking about openly flouting the laws.

[curmudgeonista]

Hey curmudgeonista,

I currently live less than an hour from Santa Clarita.

If you move here we could meet sometime, have a :beerglass: and discuss the metals markets, etc.
I'd like that very much...

Now the news. I won't be moving to California after all. At least I don't think so. The job is still looking good, though. It'll take a few more weeks and some mutual analysis before I'll be at a point to call it a done-deal. But, I did at least find out this much. Part of why they're looking at me in the first place is that they're unhappy with the location and looking for someone capable of putting together a soup-to-nuts operation for them elsewhere. Could be I can stay put where I am. Could be we pick another location entirely (though I suppose another part of Cali could be a possibility).

Nevertheless, I expect I would need to spend some time in SCV wrapping up the current operation and prep'ing the office and equipment for a move. So Au-myn, God willing I'll get to share that beer with you anyway. Looking forward to it!

Edit: Many thanks to all of you willing to chime in on the subject. Though it doesn't look now like I'll need to use it, this thread certainly has a lot of good info for the GIM annals.

[Hivemindgammahydra7]

- 1 for Calguns.net

Personally, I would just stay the f%ck away from that site and the little girls that run it, it's a bitchy douche-a-rama, IMO.

[Unclad Lad]

You can't leave it at that, Hive. If you're so down on Calguns, I'd like to know why.

[illuminate10]

- 1 for Calguns.net

Personally, I would just stay the f%ck away from that site and the little girls that run it, it's a bitchy douche-a-rama, IMO.

Yea, it's cool to talk strictly firearms but once you cross the whole foreign policy talk...... you'll get a hundred and 1 people jumping on you that will eventually get you banned. The main administrator is israeli/zionista. I've had quite a few pm's from him in the past.