LCM in BB-RAW - GO / NO-GO

[MudCamper]

Sorry if this has been answered already. I tried searching.

Can we use legally possessed LCM (large capacity magazines) in our legally possessed BB (bullet button) RAW (registered assault weapons)?

I know that the CA DOJ has created some regulations to the effect that we cannot remove our BB from our BB-RAW. But I want to know if they have created any regulations restricting magazine capacity in BB-RAW.

[SkyHawk]

Yes, still technically ok (or at least you wont be charged) to use while the large cap mag ban injunction is in place. The mags could still be confiscated however.

[champu]

My non-lawyer thought process is as follows:

A BB creates an odd type of magazine release that is non detachable (hence why you could build them before the latest AWB revision) but yet is also not fixed (hence why you were required to register them because of the latest AWB revision.)

In order for the state to go after you on AW grounds for using a magazine over ten rounds in your BB rifle (CA PC 30515(a)(2)) they would not only have to test their “it’s a different weapon” argument, but they would also have to argue that the BB actually did create a fixed magazine which contradicts the entire ban.

[Quiet]

Sorry if this has been answered already. I tried searching.

Can we use legally possessed LCM (large capacity magazines) in our legally possessed BB (bullet button) RAW (registered assault weapons)?

I know that the CA DOJ has created some regulations to the effect that we cannot remove our BB from our BB-RAW. But I want to know if they have created any regulations restricting magazine capacity in BB-RAW.

LCM in BB-RAW = GO.

[CandG]

LCM's are only illegal* (*see SkyHawk's comment above) when used in fixed-magazine semiautomatic centerfire rifles and pistols.

Bullet buttons, per CA PC 30515(b), do not create a fixed magazine. Therefore, no issue. Ironically, that wasn't true before 2016.

[bwiese]

Howdy MudCamper... been awhile....

Let us by default assume your magazines were legit - either were acquired
in CA pre-1/1/2000 or during first week of April 2019 ("Freedom Week").

Nothing in the Fed injunction/stay deals with mag APPLICATIONS, just
basic continued possession. [Nor does it address Prop63 changes on
'reimportation' of hicaps from outside CA, so do not leave CA with your
hicaps because you cannot re-enter CA with them.]

1. BB rifles pre-2016 could be considered as 'fixed mag' although
were (then) meeting 'nondetachable' standard. They are now (R)AWs.

2. Post 2016 AB880 (SB880?), true 'fixed mags' (10 or less rds) were
required so as to not trigger AW status if evil features present.

3. You do have a defendable case using a hicap in a BBRAW. People of
the Bar I've talked to say "not worth pushing the risk" vs your bank
account. This is a different legal environment than 2007-2010
when JB was AG, and local news was not sensitive to this. Different
decade and players now.

Normally I'd push this. But some DAs are doing some totally bogus things.

Wanna use hicaps? Go featureless.

[bwiese]

Yes, still technically ok (or at least you wont be charged) to use while the large cap mag ban injunction is in place. The mags could still be confiscated however.

Skyhawk,

That is not the issue - hicap mag possession.

The issue is AW law using hicaps. And the fixed magazine vs nondetachable
is 'defendable with effort'.

But remember you're in a CA courtroom arguing how "assaulty" an AW can be ;-)

[MudCamper]

Howdy MudCamper... been awhile....

Let us by default assume your magazines were legit - either were acquired
in CA pre-1/1/2000 or during first week of April 2019 ("Freedom Week").

Nothing in the Fed injunction/stay deals with mag APPLICATIONS, just
basic continued possession. [Nor does it address Prop63 changes on
'reimportation' of hicaps from outside CA, so do not leave CA with your
hicaps because you cannot re-enter CA with them.]

1. BB rifles pre-2016 could be considered as 'fixed mag' although
were (then) meeting 'nondetachable' standard. They are now (R)AWs.

2. Post 2016 AB880 (SB880?), true 'fixed mags' (10 or less rds) were
required so as to not trigger AW status if evil features present.

3. You do have a defendable case using a hicap in a BBRAW. People of
the Bar I've talked to say "not worth pushing the risk" vs your bank
account. This is a different legal environment than 2007-2010
when JB was AG, and local news was not sensitive to this. Different
decade and players now.

Normally I'd push this. But some DAs are doing some totally bogus things.

Wanna use hicaps? Go featureless.

Thanks Bill!