AR pistol questions

[hammerhands32]

A good friend of mine wants to build an AR pistol. Living in Reno makes things a lot easier for him.

He wants to make sure it is ca legal because we often shoot together here. (I am aware of the other requirements, bullet button, no shoulder stock, no vfg, etc..) Before he goes forward with this we need help understanding which lowers would be banned as AWs in CA.

As far as I can tell we only need to avoid the models listed as "all" by the AW list (Bushmaster, etc...). Please educate us.

Thanks for the help

[NiteQwill]

Yes, look here: http://www.calguns.net/caawid/flowchart.pdf

All models listed on the 2nd page are banned. Do not use them.

Make sure not to break any NFA rules in the process of the build. In Cali, use 10 rounders with a bullet button.

Good luck!

[hammerhands32]

some are listed as specific models and some are listed as all. So it is my understanding that that when it says all next to the brand He cannot bring in any lower with that name. When it says a model next to the name just that model is persona no grata.

For example - No bushmaster, armalite, or DPMS at all but a Rock river arms inc pistol would be OK.

(I used to think LE should know the laws better but I can see why even they are confused. Good gracious if my boss gave me that list and told me to enforce it I don't know what I'd do.)

[NiteQwill]

some are listed as specific models and some are listed as all. So it is my understanding that that when it says all next to the brand He cannot bring in any lower with that name. When it says a model next to the name just that model is persona no grata.

For example - No bushmaster, armalite, or DPMS at all but a Rock river arms inc pistol would be OK.

(I used to think LE should know the laws better but I can see why even they are confused. Good gracious if my boss gave me that list and told me to enforce it I don't know what I'd do.)

Yes, ALL means ALL.

For example: KAC SR-15 (ALL) means all SR-15 lowers.

To make this easier, what type of lower does your friend have?

[hammerhands32]

he was planning on picking one up at the Reno Gun show this weekend and I was trying to figure out which ones he should avoid.

Thanks for the help. I think I know but it is always good to get someone else to reinforce what you think you know.

[hammerhands32]

Better yet what are some solid brands he should look for.

I know spikes and RRA, Maybe YHM. I am kind of new to the AR scene and he is worse than me.

[ragenmoan]

I seem to recall that my FFL advised me that the the AR pistol needs to be DROS'd as a completed pistol (can't DROS just the lower receiver) with pistol marked receiver (otherwise it would be a SBR when assembled with the short barrel upper receiver) and a single shot pistol (with magazine sled). Not sure about needing a bullet button though....

[ke6guj]

I seem to recall that my FFL advised me that the the AR pistol needs to be DROS'd as a completed pistol (can't DROS just the lower receiver) with pistol marked receiver (otherwise it would be a SBR when assembled with the short barrel upper receiver) and a single shot pistol (with magazine sled). Not sure about needing a bullet button though....

doesn't have to be "pistol marked". I don't recall seeing Kimber or Springfield marking "pistol" on the side of a 1911.

[sirr6]

Just picked my 3rd one last week, it needs to be a complete pistol before they DROS it, it needs to be single shot with a bb, but doesnt need to say "pistol" on it.

[45_acp]

what is the reasoning behind the single shot AR pistol and why? does it always have to be a single shot and is it legal to change to semi. Why can't
we purchase it as semi to began with.

[ke6guj]

what is the reasoning behind the single shot AR pistol and why? does it always have to be a single shot and is it legal to change to semi. Why can't
we purchase it as semi to began with.

there is a single-shot exemption to the roster. That is why the AR pistol must be initially built or purchased in a dimensionally-compliant single-shot configuration. There is no prohibition against converting a pistol from single-shot to semi-automatic after you own it..

[TheClap1]

So If I get my cousin who lives in Colorado to put a lower together that was CA compliant would I be able to have him send it to my ffl for purchase?

[karl9422]

yes he would be able to send it from colorado to here if the ffl would accept it. it would still meed to be single shot thought. and his friend is in reno, nv one of the free states so he can buy and build an ar pistol. now with the lower thing it does not have to be makes pistol but it must be drosed as a pistol not a long rifles as all of our lowers are here in california. now you could get an 80% lower and make it into a pistol this is the only way to legally build an ar pistol here. someone correct me if i am wrong here