Pin/Weld Threaded Barrel

[anthracite]

[Scotty]

Yes, but the issue with most handguns is how do you take it apart to clean it?

[Quiet]

Hello everyone,

For handguns that have a threaded barrel, is it possible to pin & weld a muzzle device (ex: comp) to make it CA legal?

Thought crossed my mind as I overheard a conversation at a LGS. I always just figured you’re obligated to buy a non threaded barrel when in CA. But for those who never plan on leaving to a Free State, could this be an option instead?

Summary for threaded barrels in CA:
Threaded barrel not installed on a firearm = CA legal*.
Threaded barrel installed on a RAW = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a shotgun = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a rifle = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a revolver = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a break-open pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a bolt-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a lever-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a pump-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto pistol that has a fixed magazine with a capacity of 10 or less rounds = CA legal
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto pistol that does not have a fixed magazine = CA illegal assault weapon. [PC 30515(a)(4)(A)]
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto firearm, that is not a pistol or rifle, that has a fixed magazine with a capacity of 10 or less rounds = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto firearm, that is not a pistol or rifle, that does not have a fixed magazine = CA illegal assault weapon. [PC 30515(a)(9)(G)]


A threaded barrel with a muzzle device that is permanently attached to the barrel, causes the barrel to no longer be considered a threaded barrel.
^Per CA DOJ BOF, if a CA LE forensic/gun unit can remove the muzzle device that was affixed in a manner that does not meet the CA regulations for permanently attachment [11 CCR 5471(d)], then it will be treated as a threaded barrel.

*Various CA firearms lawyers have advised that it is prudent to not store or transport a threaded barrel with a semi-auto pistol that does not have a fixed magazine. This is due to past cases involving arrests & convictions for possessing a "broken" assault weapon and for "intent to make/possess" an assault weapon.



California Code of Regulations Title 11 Divison 5 Chapter 39 Article 2 Section 5471
(d) “Barrel length” means the length of the barrel measured as follows: Without consideration of any extensions or protrusions rearward of the closed bolt or breech-face the approved procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. Permanent methods of attachment include full-fusion gas or electric steel-seam welding, high-temperature (1100o F) silver soldering, or blind pinning with the pin head welded over. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the closed bolt or breech-face. The rod is then marked at the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device, withdrawn from the barrel, and measured.

[SkyHawk]

You can, but I wouldn't.

[anthracite]

Yes, but the issue with most handguns is how do you take it apart to clean it?

Summary for threaded barrels in CA:
Threaded barrel not installed on a firearm = CA legal*.
Threaded barrel installed on a RAW = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a shotgun = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a rifle = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a revolver = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a break-open pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a bolt-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a lever-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a pump-action pistol = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto pistol that has a fixed magazine with a capacity of 10 or less rounds = CA legal
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto pistol that does not have a fixed magazine = CA illegal assault weapon. [PC 30515(a)(4)(A)]
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto firearm, that is not a pistol or rifle, that has a fixed magazine with a capacity of 10 or less rounds = CA legal.
Threaded barrel installed on a semi-auto firearm, that is not a pistol or rifle, that does not have a fixed magazine = CA illegal assault weapon. [PC 30515(a)(9)(G)]


A threaded barrel with a muzzle device that is permanently attached to the barrel, causes the barrel to no longer be considered a threaded barrel.
^Per CA DOJ BOF, if a CA LE forensic/gun unit can remove the muzzle device that was affixed in a manner that does not meet the CA regulations for permanently attachment [11 CCR 5471(d)], then it will be treated as a threaded barrel.

*Various CA firearms lawyers have advised that it is prudent to not store or transport a threaded barrel with a semi-auto pistol that does not have a fixed magazine. This is due to past cases involving arrests & convictions for possessing a "broken" assault weapon and for "intent to make/possess" an assault weapon.



California Code of Regulations Title 11 Divison 5 Chapter 39 Article 2 Section 5471Permanent methods of attachment include full-fusion gas or electric steel-seam welding, high-temperature (1100o F) silver soldering, or blind pinning with the pin head welded over. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the closed bolt or breech-face. The rod is then marked at the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device, withdrawn from the barrel, and measured.

Thank you Quiet for that.

You can, but I wouldn't.

Makes sense to just buy a non threaded barrel.

[hitdank]

I think you would clean the barrel by locking the slide open. Works for guns like glock because the slide is sold widespread.

[SkyHawk]

While using the Search function last night, I believe I read a few threads where people soak the comp in a solution to clean off carbon. But yes I’d imagine it’d be a nuisance.

On some guns like a 1911 where the barrel removes out the front of the slide, it is a little more tolerable to do that and having a comp mated to the barrel would not be so bad.

On other guns, like a Glock and most others where the barrel removes from inside the slide, you are going to be locking the barrel into the slide permanently - and that for me is a bridge too far.

I don't even know how you could change or tighten a front sight on a Glock with the barrel locked in, let alone clean or lube the assemblies properly when they are mated like that.

[anthracite]

On some guns like a 1911 where the barrel removes out the front of the slide, it is a little more tolerable to do that and having a comp mated to the barrel would not be so bad.

On other guns, like a Glock and most others where the barrel removes from inside the slide, you are going to be locking the barrel into the slide permanently - and that for me is a bridge too far.

I don't even know how you could change or tighten a front sight on a Glock with the barrel locked in, let alone clean or lube the assemblies properly when they are mated like that.

Thank you for the perspective Skyhawk.

[fmunk]

Yes, but the issue with most handguns is how do you take it apart to clean it?

Excluding some rimfire pistols...

Far from impossible. With recoil spring removed, the barrel can still slide, rotate and pivot within the slide. No effect on use of a Bore Snake or patch/rod for cleaning the bore. Q-tips and cleaning solutions can still be used to clean exterior of barrel and most internal surfaces of the slide. For deeper cleaning you can soak and/or ultrasonic.

Is it ideal for long-term value of the gun? Far from ideal.