Defining "Single Shot" for pistols

[hoffmang]

All,

There has been some confusion in defining "single shot" when using that exemption to the not unsafe roster. For those still utilizing that exemption when for example building an AK pistol from a flat, I ran across something important in the Penal Code that should clarify things a bit:

12126 (e):

(e) As used in this section, a "semiautomatic pistol" means a
pistol, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 12001, the operating
mode of which uses the energy of the explosive in a fixed cartridge
to extract a fired cartridge and chamber a fresh cartridge with each
single pull of the trigger.


I've bolded the important part. It looks to me like a single shot sled in an AR or AK pistol is all that is required to remove the firearm from semiautomatic status and keep it in single shot status. Working gas systems are likely fine since the firearm is incapable of chambering a fresh cartridge. To be extra safe it would probably be wise to make sure there is no way to place a round in the chamber and a round in the magazine.

-Gene

[5150Marcelo]

Some people have been saying you can use a fixed/locked 1 round cap mag.
???????????????

[freakshow10mm]

Yes, that is how I build them. What happens is the bolt assembly is held to the rear by the shooter and a round inserted on top of the zero round mag, which acts as a shelf to guide the cartridge into the chamber.

The bolt is closed and weapon safely fired. The bolt moves rearward and extracts the empty casing from the firearm and is held open by the magazine. Since there are no rounds left to chamber, it functions as a single shot.

In the case that the mag hold open feature doesn't work, don't fret. All that happened is the bolt closed on an empty chamber without rechambering a round. Still a single shot weapon.

[adamsreeftank]

Some people have been saying you can use a fixed/locked 1 round cap mag.
???????????????

If you could load a round in the chamber and then swap the magazine with a loaded one rounder, then you have a semi auto. You need to use a sled type device that does not actually hold a round. You need to load through the ejecton port with the bolt locked back.

[freakshow10mm]

But it needs to be in single shot configuration only for the transfer. After the transfer is complete you can install a 10rd magazine with a mag lock and be just fine and dandy.

[bwiese]

That's good you found that Gene.

The gas system disablement was just 'Cleaner-than-Caesar's-Wife' approach.

Now I feel OK about Sig 556 single-shot Pistols.

[hawk1]

That's good you found that Gene.

The gas system disablement was just 'Cleaner-than-Caesar's-Wife' approach.

Now I feel OK about Sig 556 single-shot Pistols.

Welcome aboard Bill...:D


Gene, you always deliver the goods...:)

[hoffmang]

Welcome aboard Bill...:D


Gene, you always deliver the goods...:)

I blame BWO for forcing me to prove the obvious in another thread.

-Gene

[hawk1]

Either way, good score.

[5150Marcelo]

Yes, that is how I build them. What happens is the bolt assembly is held to the rear by the shooter and a round inserted on top of the zero round mag, which acts as a shelf to guide the cartridge into the chamber.

The bolt is closed and weapon safely fired. The bolt moves rearward and extracts the empty casing from the firearm and is held open by the magazine. Since there are no rounds left to chamber, it functions as a single shot.

In the case that the mag hold open feature doesn't work, don't fret. All that happened is the bolt closed on an empty chamber without rechambering a round. Still a single shot weapon.

Sounds good to me.

[bwiese]

Welcome aboard Bill...:D

Gene, you always deliver the goods...:)

Do understand why I was hypercautious.

We already had a somewhat 'radioactive' firearm - an AR pistol - that was not an AW but clearly occupying "p*ss off powers that be" territory.

[5150Marcelo]

If you could load a round in the chamber and then swap the magazine with a loaded one rounder, then you have a semi auto. You need to use a sled type device that does not actually hold a round. You need to load through the ejecton port with the bolt locked back.

Yes you do. That is correct. This can be done AFTER you DROS the pistol in the single shot config.

After DROS, use your tool to remove your 1 round cap mag, insert your 10 round, and now, you have a full operational semi-auto.

Remember, you cant have a semi-auto if youre only capable of 1 round capacity. With 1 round, you pull the trigger once, it fires, and thats it. Single shot. This way it cant fire a cartrige, and chamber a fresh one.

[hoffmang]

Some people have been saying you can use a fixed/locked 1 round cap mag.


Single shot requires a 0 round magazine with one exception. In firearms that there is no way to put a round in the chamber without putting a round in a 1 round magazine then you can have a 1 round magazine - but thinking about it I think those firearms are rare.

-Gene

[hoffmang]

Remember, you cant have a semi-auto if youre only capable of 1 round capacity. With 1 round, you pull the trigger once, it fires, and thats it. Single shot.

Again to be clear, let's use an AR pistol as an example. If you can place a round in the chamber without the magazine in and then place one round in the magazine and place the magazine in using your permanently attached magazine kit, you have a semi automatic unsafe handgun.

-Gene

[ke6guj]

I blame BWO for forcing me to prove the obvious in another thread.

-Gene

And that's one reason why playing Devil's Advocate can be benificial.

[5150Marcelo]

Again to be clear, let's use an AR pistol as an example. If you can place a round in the chamber without the magazine in and then place one round in the magazine and place the magazine in using your permanently attached magazine kit, you have a semi automatic unsafe handgun.

-Gene

I see, but if you DROS a pistol AR (built), the mag is already attatched, you would have to, with a tool, remove the mag to load the mag, then insert it. The way it sits at the time for DROS, the mag is fixed, not removeable *w/out a tool*, and can only be loaded with 1 round, without using a tool.


If youre gonna start using a tool to remove the mag to load 1 round in it, then load one in the open chamber... then you may as well also say that you can even use a tool to swap out the single shot sled for a regular semi-auto upper and still call it a semi auto, making it not pistol compliant for FFL transfers.

Now, if you DO NOT remove the mag (cuz it is fixed and cannot be removed without a tool) you can lock bolt back, and either load 1 round in the mag, OR, load one round in the chamber, but not both, cuz the round in the mag, would jam due to a round already in the chamber, therefore making it not function as a semi-auto.

[hawk1]

You can vary easily open the top half and push a round down into that pinned magazine. One in the pipe and one in the mag will equal semi-automatic.

[bwiese]

You can vary easily open the top half and push a round down into that pinned magazine. One in the pipe and one in the mag will equal semi-automatic.

Correctamundo.
A single-shot sled replacing a magazine and locked in is the way to go.

[5150Marcelo]

You can vary easily open the top half and push a round down into that pinned magazine. One in the pipe and one in the mag will equal semi-automatic.

Ok, how about as Hoffmang mentioned. Have a mag that has 0 capacity. Just open bolt, feed a shot into the chamber, and viola!

[hawk1]

Ok, how about as Bill mentioned. Hag a mag that has 0 capacity. Just open bolt, feed a shot into the chamber, and viola!

Yep thats a sled.

See more here;

http://www.dctechs.com/obspage.htm

[ke6guj]

A single-shot mag would also allow you to drop a loose round in the open chamber, close the bolt, and then install the single-round mag. 2 shots, not a single-shot firearm.

Or, if you wanted to say that the mag had to stay in the entire time, One could insert one round in the mag, depress it enough to allow the bolt to pass over without stripping the round out of the mag, and before the bolt closed, stuff in a loose round. 2 stots, not a single-shot firearm.

The only way it would work is if the magazine did not have enough room to hold a single round and have enough room to allow that round enough room to depress when inserted into a firearm with the bolt closed.

edit: way too slow on the typing :D:D

[5150Marcelo]

Yep thats a sled.

See more here;

http://www.dctechs.com/obspage.htm

So if I found a AR pistol, sent them my 0 cpacity mag, have them insert it, then I can have it shipped here (being its CA compliant ofcourse)?

[ke6guj]

So if I found a AR pistol, sent them my 0 cpacity mag, have them insert it, then I can have it shipped here (being its CA compliant ofcourse)?

Yup, a SLED and a BB, and you should have a CA-legal single-shot pistol. Assuming a long enough barrel and OAL.

[ENTHUSIAST]

I knew it THANKS for finding the PC Gene!!! :King:

To purchase a legit single-shot AR pistol one should:

not have a gas tube installed;



As it was explained to me, it just had to be rendered incapable of LOADING more than a single round and it doesnt matter if that single round gets tossed out just as long as it is in a single shot configuration ie.,:

P-50/BB maglock w/ a "Bobsled" single shot follower
or
P-50/BB maglock w/ a Sinclair single shot follower in a mag that has been blocked and the spring has been removed

"Pistol" marked lower + Pistol Buffer tube assembly

I heard that this is also an acceptable configuration to start DROS...

Why the mod to the gas tube?



have a ~1/2" stub gas tube (perhaps from discarded used one) installed upside down to block gas port. [This is more for safety than
legal reasons.]


Could you elaborate on the safety reasons?

THANKS Bill,
-enthusiast

Bill THANK YOU for to keeping us more safe than sorry! :Angel_anim:

BWO THANKS for playing :devil2: advocate.

I think the Bobsled just by its solid construction would be a more logical choice than adding a Sinclair (Yellow) follower since it is CLEARLY a 0 capacity mag:
http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/ikeepitmoving/bobsled10.jpg?t=1228688180

[hawk1]

So if I found a AR pistol, sent them my 0 cpacity mag, have them insert it, then I can have it shipped here (being its CA compliant ofcourse)?

Yes, you will need a BB or P50 as well. Conversion should be done out of state and must be done before DROS.
Remember, no listed AW's or configured as one.

Adam at Freakshow can help you pull this off.

[hawk1]

Bob Sled is made out of Delrin. A very hard and durable plastic.

[5150Marcelo]

Yes, conversion should be down out of state and must be done before DROS.
Remember, no listed AW's or configured as one.

Adam at Freakshow can help you pull this off.

DAMN! Now I need to get an AR pistol! lol

Ill look on GB, send to Adam, send 0 cap mag, and BB. OAL only has to do with rifles correct?

[ke6guj]

OAL only has to do with rifles correct?
Nope, there is a minimum OAL for single-shot pistols.

12133.(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to a single-shot pistol with a barrel length of not less than six inches and that has an overall length of at least 10 1/2 inches when the handle, frame or receiver, and barrel are assembled. Now, no AR-pistol is gonna go below 10.5" but the barrel length could be less than 6", and then it wouldn't comply with the single-shot exemption.

[hawk1]

You also have to meet specs for a sigle shot pistol.

[5150Marcelo]

got it. Sweet!

[ENTHUSIAST]

Bob Sled is made out of Delrin. A very hard and durable plastic.

Thanks hawk1 it feels solid has heck I thought it was anodized aluminum... Delrin cool feels rock solid and smooth as a babys bottom.

[Douglas711]

single shot pistols must have a mag lock even if they are bobsled right?

[5150Marcelo]

single shot pistols must have a mag lock even if they are bobsled right?

yes

[hawk1]

single shot pistols must have a mag lock even if they are bobsled right?


Depends on the characteristics of the pistol. Such as threaded barrel etc..

[5150Marcelo]

Depends on the characteristics of the pistol.

explain

[hawk1]

Must not be configured as an assault weapon. In a pistol a threaded barrel would put a pistol into AW status.

[Douglas711]

cool thanks

[383green]

Thanks for the Bob Sled link! Is there a similar product out there for the AK family?

[thedrickel]

There go Bill and Gene again . . . giving away all my secrets :(

[Meplat]

Probably non-existent.:rolleyes:

Single shot requires a 0 round magazine with one exception. In firearms that there is no way to put a round in the chamber without putting a round in a 1 round magazine then you can have a 1 round magazine - but thinking about it I think those firearms are rare.

-Gene

[impactco]

In a pistol, a threaded barrel would put a pistol into AW status.

.....unless it has a non-detachable mag. The threaded barrel is irrelevant then.

[savageevo]

I understand the single bullet sled and a bb type of mag device but how about mag with not a spring,, follower and floor plate. You can not put a bullet in the mag because the bullet would simply drop to the bottom and no floor plate. You would have to manually put a bullet in the chamber. Would this option hold water to the single shot exemption.

[hawk1]

.....unless it has a non-detachable mag. The threaded barrel is irrelevant then.

The question was;
"single shot pistols must have a mag lock even if they are bobsled right?"

My info is not correct.


See post below from Hoffmang.

[383green]

The bob sled isn't what mandates a pinned magazine or bullet button. It's the "evil features" it might have that does. One such is a threaded barrel.

Well, if the bob sled makes it a single-shot for roster exemption purposes, and pinning it or using a bullet button only matters for the "evil" AW features, then does any random non-rostered semiautomatic pistol become roster-exempt the moment a sled-type magazine is installed, even if it is not pinned or otherwise secured? If this was the case (and I am skeptical that it is), then the whole non-rostered frame (NRF) idea would be unnecessary for semiautomatic pistols, because they could simply have sled-type magazines crammed in the magwell during importation and sale.

:confused:

Edited to add: If I simply cram a sled-type magazine into the bottom of an otherwise semiautomatic pistol, does it become a single-shot pistol, or is it still a semiautomatic pistol that happens to have a chunk of delrin crammed in the hole?

The above conjecture was based on an incorrect statement. Nothing to see here, please move along. ;)

[hoffmang]

Well, if the bob sled makes it a single-shot for roster exemption purposes, and pinning it or using a bullet button only matters for the "evil" AW features, then does any random non-rostered semiautomatic pistol become roster-exempt the moment a sled-type magazine is installed, even if it is not pinned or otherwise secured?

A sled has to be attached in such a way that a tool is required to remove the sled, otherwise the handgun is just a semiautomatic with a sled in it.

Also, don't forget about the dimensional requirements on single shot pistols.

-Gene

[hawk1]

A sled has to be attached in such a way that a tool is required to remove the sled, otherwise the handgun is just a semiautomatic with a sled in it.

Also, don't forget about the dimensional requirements on single shot pistols.

-Gene

Thanks for the info Gene. I was just about to PM you or Bill and ask.
I always thought the locked magazine was for any AW features.
I'll edit my post above to prevent any FUD.

His asking of this does bring up a good point though. Why not 'invent' a mag locking device for non roster'd pistols to help with purchasing?

[Douglas711]

Just to clarify even, even with no evil features the bobsled mag must be lock in place, right? Could you dissable the mag well from receiving a mag, would that work? Or do you need to have a mag?

A sled has to be attached in such a way that a tool is required to remove the sled, otherwise the handgun is just a semiautomatic with a sled in it.

Also, don't forget about the dimensional requirements on single shot pistols.

-Gene

[Hopi]

Thanks for the info Gene. I was just about to PM you or Bill and ask.
I always thought the locked magazine was for any AW features.
I'll edit my post above to prevent any FUD.

His asking of this does bring up a good point though. Why not 'invent' a mag locking device for non roster'd pistols to help with purchasing?

It would only apply to pistols with barrels greater than 6" in length. How many semi-auto pistols have 6"+ barrels?

[hawk1]

It would only apply to pistols with barrels greater than 6" in length. How many semi-auto pistols have 6"+ barrels?

Damn...:D

[bwiese]

It would only apply to pistols with barrels greater than 6" in length. How many semi-auto pistols have 6"+ barrels?

Damn...:D

And min 10.5" overall length measured parallel to bore.

I get what y'all are thinking. NRF'd frames are the solution, going down a separate path.

However for 1911s and some other pistols there are cheap replacement bbls from co' like FedOrd etc. that could have sleeve extensions welded on them, though I am (for now) a bit less comfortable with that than having a full-length fully rifled bbl whose length is sufficient to achieve both dimensional criteria in 12133PC.

Given lack of 'sleds' for pistols, I believe single-shot exempt status should be achieved at least by using a dummy training magazine held in by a screw setup replacing the mag catch. Bonus points if the recoil spring is strong enough to not cycle slide/action appreciably upon firing.

[383green]

Given lack of 'sleds' for pistols, I believe single-shot exempt status should be achieved at least by using a dummy training magazine held in by a screw setup replacing the mag catch. Bonus points if the recoil spring is strong enough to not cycle slide/action appreciably upon firing.

If there was a real need for sleds for common pistol models, I'm sure they could be brought to market pretty quickly. Heck, I could do it myself if I had to, although I'd have to be confident that I'd sell enough of them to cover tooling costs. Somebody with their own manufacturing facilities could probably do it cheaper than I could.

However, it seems like the NRF approach would still be the easiest and cheapest path for most purchases of already-manufactured pistols.

I edited my previous post to avoid confusing people.

[383green]

However for 1911s and some other pistols there are cheap replacement bbls from co' like FedOrd etc. that could have sleeve extensions welded on them, though I am (for now) a bit less comfortable with that than having a full-length fully rifled bbl whose length is sufficient to achieve both dimensional criteria in 12133PC.

Is there any specific reason that you're not entirely comfortable with a barrel whose length is extended with a non-rifled sleeve? Would that be any different that the long muzzle brakes or flash hiders that are sometimes soldered onto short rifle barrels to get them up to minimum legal length? I haven't handled one before, but I assume that they are not rifled and have an internal diameter that is larger than the barrel's groove diameter.

Granted, I think that those rifle barrel extensions look silly, and if I need to have a barrel that extends 16" from the breech face, then I'd prefer to have the whole 16" accelerating the bullet.

[bwiese]

Is there any specific reason that you're not entirely comfortable with a barrel whose length is extended with a non-rifled sleeve? Would that be any different that the long muzzle brakes or flash hiders that are sometimes soldered onto short rifle barrels to get them up to minimum legal length? I haven't handled one before, but I assume that they are not rifled and have an internal diameter that is larger than the barrel's groove diameter.

For me it's just a comfort-level thing. Not all laws/definitions always apply consistently across the board, and IIRC 'barrel' is not really defined. What makes something sufficient to avoid NFA/SBR status may not necessarily be good for other areas. I do note that having a pistol with an unrifled barrel is a no-no ("unconventional pistol" etc), so the 'partially rifled' end result of a bbl with a welded extension sleeve could be interesting.

Plan B for big-bore bbls is to bore out some crap/used 45ACP bbl and affix (weld in) a 25ACP extended rifled liner inside it.

[Caiman]

Tell me if I'm wrong or confirm. I read a letter on a thread some time ago but can't find it now. With regards to making a 10 round mag from a hi-cap, there was no specific 'approved' means of reducing the capacity. Rivets, welding, epoxy or other means are not defined so long as the final product cannot be easily reversed without the use of tools. Can't the same be done/applied to make a bobsled?

[Fjold]

And min 10.5" overall length measured parallel to bore.

I get what y'all are thinking. NRF'd frames are the solution, going down a separate path.

However for 1911s and some other pistols there are cheap replacement bbls from co' like FedOrd etc. that could have sleeve extensions welded on them, though I am (for now) a bit less comfortable with that than having a full-length fully rifled bbl whose length is sufficient to achieve both dimensional criteria in 12133PC.

Given lack of 'sleds' for pistols, I believe single-shot exempt status should be achieved at least by using a dummy training magazine held in by a screw setup replacing the mag catch. Bonus points if the recoil spring is strong enough to not cycle slide/action appreciably upon firing.


For the 1911 frames there are the Pachmayr Dominator and Springfield Armory Single Shot (SASS) uppers with 10"-15" barrels that make any 1911 frame into a single shot.

[Hopi]

Tell me if I'm wrong or confirm. I read a letter on a thread some time ago but can't find it now. With regards to making a 10 round mag from a hi-cap, there was no specific 'approved' means of reducing the capacity. Rivets, welding, epoxy or other means are not defined so long as the final product cannot be easily reversed without the use of tools. Can't the same be done/applied to make a bobsled?

"Permanence" has not yet been legally defined. CYA would include securing it well enough to not have to answer that question.

[Caiman]

"Permanence" has not yet been legally defined. CYA would include securing it well enough to not have to answer that question.

That's what I was getting at. So instead of buying sledmags, one could make them from a useless housing if they had one. So if you had such a sled and you couldn't fit any rounds without using a tool (more than a bullet tip) to reverse the action that was done on it to make it into a sled than you should be good.

Why can't you just use FIXALL in the mag. Fill it up with the follower inside. It's super hard and it'll take longer to take apart than rivets will. Your upside is that after you pick at it for some time removing the fixall, you return your 10 round mag to normal.

[Hopi]

That's what I was getting at. So instead of buying sledmags, one could make them from a useless housing if they had one. So if you had such a sled and you couldn't fit any rounds without using a tool (more than a bullet tip) to reverse the action that was done on it to make it into a sled than you should be good.

The "bullet tip and tool" scenario doesn't apply here per se, that is only applicable to the CA definition of a "detachable magazine" with regards to a firearm that has the capacity to accept detachable magazines.

[Caiman]

I mentioned tool since in order to reverse the actions of a hi-cap mag to reduced capacity via welding, riveting you generally need some form of tool (grinder, drill etc.). Most anything that has been deemed permanent can be undone with some sort of tool.

[Hopi]

I mentioned tool since in order to reverse the actions of a hi-cap mag to reduced capacity via welding, riveting you generally need some form of tool (grinder, drill etc.).

Of course, I was just clarifying that "the use of a tool" to disassemble is not a legal guideline for permanence.

[GuyW]

What happens is the bolt assembly is held to the rear by the shooter and a round inserted on top of the zero round mag, which acts as a shelf to guide the cartridge into the chamber.

The bolt is closed and weapon safely fired. The bolt moves rearward and extracts the empty casing from the firearm and is held open by the magazine. Since there are no rounds left to chamber, it functions as a single shot.

In the case that the mag hold open feature doesn't work, don't fret. All that happened is the bolt closed on an empty chamber without rechambering a round. Still a single shot weapon.

Hmmm, an open-bolt singleshot STEN??

.

[383green]

Hmmm, an open-bolt singleshot STEN??

:eek:

[ke6guj]

Hmmm, an open-bolt singleshot STEN??

.

I wouldn't touch anything homemade open-bolt. IIRC, ATF ruled that an open-bolt sten that didn't even have a magwell was considered an MG since it was readily convertable to an MG by merely cutting a hole inthe receiver and welding on the magwell.

[383green]

I wouldn't touch anything homemade open-bolt. IIRC, ATF ruled that an open-bolt sten that didn't even have a magwell was considered an MG since it was readily convertable to an MG by merely cutting a hole inthe receiver and welding on the magwell.

Gotta love the ol' ATF. A gun that needs cutting and welding to turn into an MG is "readily convertible", yet an AR that just needs a Lightning Link dropped in is A-OK. :rolleyes:

[hoffmang]

Gotta love the ol' ATF. A gun that needs cutting and welding to turn into an MG is "readily convertible", yet an AR that just needs a Lightning Link dropped in is A-OK. :rolleyes:

It's the true sign of a political organization.

Open bolt owners = minscule
AR-15 owners = voting bloc.

-Gene

[impactco]

How to create a 0 shot sled for your AK pistol here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=1819247#post1819247

[Rukus]

So it sounds like most of the info here is in regard to purchasing a AR pistol from out of state and importing...What do I need to do to build one up within CA. I know it would have to be a virgin lower, and I assume it would need a magazine lock however Im confused as to the gas system having to be disabled and the single/semi shot configuration....help me please....I've got a spare virgin lower just asking to be built.

[hawk1]

So it sounds like most of the info here is in regard to purchasing a AR pistol from out of state and importing...What do I need to do to build one up within CA. I know it would have to be a virgin lower, and I assume it would need a magazine lock however Im confused as to the gas system having to be disabled and the single/semi shot configuration....help me please....I've got a spare virgin lower just asking to be built.

My understanding is it must be a functioning single shot at time of DROS.
Also, you cannot take a 'rifle' lower and build it up into a pistol.
The gas system does not have to be disabled. Some say it is added 'insurance', but not mandatory.

[fairfaxjim]

So it sounds like most of the info here is in regard to purchasing a AR pistol from out of state and importing...What do I need to do to build one up within CA. I know it would have to be a virgin lower, and I assume it would need a magazine lock however Im confused as to the gas system having to be disabled and the single/semi shot configuration....help me please....I've got a spare virgin lower just asking to be built.

It needs to be entered in the manufacturer's records as a pistol lower, it cannot be just a "virgin" rifle lower. You cannot make a lower that has not been manufactured as a pistol lower one at the time of DROS, virgin or not. Currently the DOJ is still taking the stand that a "frame = handgun", and since a frame cannot be rostered, handgun frames cannot be DROS'd. That seems to have a short half-life at the moment (see: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=136084 But, until NRF's become doable, we apparently have to go the functioning single shot route to DROS them.

So, your spare lower does not make the registered pistol lower cut. A stripped pistol registered lower still doesn't make the current "frame = handgun" cut. You need an out of state FFL to receive the pistol lower, attach the pistol upper, install a bullet button and Bob Sled (or similar single shot magazine conversion), and then ship it to a CA FFL who will DROS the single shot pistol for you. You can then remove the Bob-Sled and install a 10 round magazine after DROS.

It appears that the disabling of the gas system was an earlier "more safe" legally move that has been determined to not be required to meet the CA PC definition of single shot (I just found that out myself, thanks to HoffmanG and ENTHUSIAST http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=136568

When the NRF's become a reality, then a lot of that hocus-pocus will go away and you can assemble your parts and build it your self.