In plain english please...what is a single shot exemption?

[RazzB7]

Single shot exemption?

I've used the search feature. I've read the sticky that is filled with all the legalese and what-not. I get the impression that it is some way to purchase a handgun that is otherwise not available here in California.

Would someone please explain it to me (I work on cars, use small words) what it is, what's the benefit?

[spdrcr]

If you read the sticky then you know what it is in legal and technical terms.

Your impression is correct, in simple terms it is, in fact a "way to purchase a handgun that is otherwise not available here in California"

Not really much more to be said.

[CK_32]

Read the sticky

Section 2: Explanation

- This conversion MUST be done by an 07 FFL, or can be done by a private party (unlikely for them to have the parts) prior to shipping.
An 07 FFL is now no longer required for this process. If you can find an 01 FFL with the knowledge/willingness to do these conversions, you can.
- Depending on availability and specific shop policies, you may order from an FFL, transfer from Gunbroker, etc.
- This reversible conversion generally entails a replacement barrel of greater length and a mag lock (not revolvers). There are no permanent modifications to the gun.
- Keep in mind that certain guns, due to the nature of demand and or design, will be prohibitively expensive or not readily available to be converted.
- Either complete DROS at that 07 FFL or have it shipped to an FFL who is willing to accept guns in this format. Note, this may require a deposit on the parts from the 07FFL.
- Take possession of the gun after DROS.
- Return the gun to its original configuration (note, for guns with the magazine outside of the grip, a bullet button must be used, and you cannot use "normal capacity" magazines).

[Librarian]

The Roster does not include all possible handguns; some may never get on the Roster, since they lack some required bits and bobs.

BUT certain guns, in certain configurations, may still be sold even if they are not on the Roster. The 'single shot exemption' is one of the ways to configure a gun that is not subject to the Roster.

[bwiese]

PC 12133 exempts certain single-action revolvers and single-action pistols from Rostering constraints expressed in 12125PC et seq.

- Single-shot pistols are Roster exempt if they have a barrel 6" or longer and overall length of 10.5" or more when assembled.

- Single-action revolvers are Roster exempt if they have a barrel 3" or longer, hold 5 or more rounds, and the overall length is 7.5" or longer when assembled.

[These lengths are measured parallel to bore.]

These exemptions laws do not and cannot include inference of anything amounting to 'original design intent'. ...

... if the pistol has zero round capacity outside the chamber and is dimensionally compliant, it is an exempt single-shot pistol. Doesn't matter if it looks like a Thompson/Center break-top pistol or not.

.... if the revolver is single-action (separate cock-the-hammer and firing motions) and dimensionally compliant per above, it is an exempt single-action revolver. The law does NOT mean that the gun must look like a cowboy gun like a Colt SAA, Ruger Blackhawk/Vaquero or other clone/derivative.

That's the broad strokes; there are some fine points that need coverage and you can look for some of my detailed posts about proper 'recipes' that have stood the test of time/DOJ audit.

[osxgp]

CA laws in plain english? Is such a thing possible? I would like to know the added cost in getting a gun the single shot conversion. Anyone what to let us know?

[Cyc Wid It]

Please read the sticky... everything is there. Sorry it's not in picture form, there are words involved but it's all there.

[Dhena81]

Single shot = Plain English

[RazzB7]

Please read the sticky... everything is there. Sorry it's not in picture form, there are words involved but it's all there.

You obviously worked very hard on that sticky. And, alas...there are no pictures. I apologize for offending you and denegrating your efforts on behalf of the calgun community. But if you step back and look at it from someone who is new to the single shot exemption process, I think you will find that your "plain english" explanation is confusing. If you look at it from the perspective of someone who knows a lot about it, I'm sure it makes perfect sense.

Perhaps if you gave an example of a handgun that is appropriate to a single shot exemption. A synopsis of what is modified on the handgun from a mechanical point of view might help.

I'm not a troll. Just a noob looking to learn.

To bweise: Thanks. Your explanation came closest to telling me what I asked. I appreciate it.

[Press Check]

CA laws in plain english? Is such a thing possible? I would like to know the added cost in getting a gun the single shot conversion. Anyone what to let us know?

Prices vary, but you can expect to pay upwards of $100 to have your pistol conversion completed. At the end of the day, you're expected to return the barrel and parts used to complete the conversion, so you're essentially renting the parts.

In my case, it cost me $75. Sometimes, the smith completing the conversion will in fact take into consideration the amount you paid for the pistol, and give you a break on the conversion cost.

[Press Check]

Perhaps if you gave an example of a handgun that is appropriate to a single shot exemption. A synopsis of what is modified on the handgun from a mechanical point of view might help.

I'm not a troll. Just a noob looking to learn.

To bweise: Thanks. Your explanation came closest to telling me what I asked. I appreciate it.

In laymans terms, and in MY case, I purchased a pistol that's not listed on the CA-DOJ Roster of Handguns, so I had the pistol sent to an FFL in Oregon to convert to a Single-Shot pistol. From there, among other things, the FFL installs a 6" barrel, a magazine block, and forwarded the pistol to the FFL that it was actually DROS'd at.

The term Single-Shot should be self-explanatory, but in short, a Single-Shot pistol is nothing more than a Single-Shot rifle that's reduced in size.

After DROS, since there are no laws that prohibit you from converting your Single-Shot pistol back to its original configuration, you are free to do with the pistol as you please, including removing the barrel and parts used to complete the conversion.

In my case, there was an extra step because my local FFL didn't have the parts to convert this particular pistol.