M1911 custom build

[krwada]

M1911 custom build builds prohibited in the state of California?

That is; Can I purchase an M1911 lower through an FFL and then build the thing using 2nd source parts here?

My eldest son has a friend in AZ who built him a custom M1911. He managed to get it PPT'd into California using an FFL. Now, that I am reading all the convoluted California laws ... I am wondering how this happened. Maybe it could have been due to the fact that they were both in the Marine Corps when this happened?

I thought ONLY rostered handguns were ONLY allowed in California.

Thanks!
krwada

[dtelston]

Your FFL of choice would have to have some 1911 frames on hand to sell you (that are for models on the roster of course), otherwise, you can pick one up through a face-to-face PPT. Once it's in your possession you can build on it and do whatever you like with it as far as sending it out to get worked on, or upgrading yourself goes.

I'm not 100% sure how your son got his 1911 lower transferred to him in California from a friend in AZ, unless he had some kind of written document authorizing him to from a commanding officer. Although military can get most anything they want with authorization, they are generally not able to do so with a military ID alone. I'm sure someone else will chime in here with a more definite answer on this.

Only rostered handguns are allowed in California when purchasing them from an FFL dealer, however, when buying a firearm from an individual/Private Party, you can purchase, transfer and own anything you want besides SBRs and full auto's...go figure, another completely logical piece of legislation thought up by the parasites in charge of this crazy state.

[S0M1L9S]

Marine Corps, so I am thinking he has PCS orders to a CA location. That would make him good to PPT in CA.

[beetle]

you cannot (easily) buy 1911 frames in california. The problem is the dreaded "Roster" of safe handguns certified for sale. Since a frame is not a complete gun, it can't be on the roster. No way to do the tests (drop test) or meet the requirements (loaded chamber indicator), etc.

However, if a frame is already legally in california, then you are allowed to PPT it. "Wait a minute beetle! you just said you cannot buy a frame in california, why would one be here available for private sale?" There are a variety of legal ways that a frame might make it into California. the most common is someone moving into the state. If the person is moving into California he/she can bring as many frames as they want and get them registered. Once a resident of california then they could sell them as private party transfers.

Your sons gun is probably a different story. from what you wrote it sounds like the gun was built out of state by a smith. In that case all you would need to do is to "SSE" or single shot exempt it for the FFL to complete the transfer. Read the sticky on SSE. Luckily 1911s are easy to convert in this manner.

One last option that I'll mention. If you already own the gun than you can have a smith build/customize it. The smith can then send the gun directly to your house with no FFL involved. So you can always legally buy a base gun to customize.

good luck!

[Mr. Magoo]

I vote SSE as well.

[krwada]

you cannot (easily) buy 1911 frames in california. The problem is the dreaded "Roster" of safe handguns certified for sale. Since a frame is not a complete gun, it can't be on the roster. No way to do the tests (drop test) or meet the requirements (loaded chamber indicator), etc.

However, if a frame is already legally in california, then you are allowed to PPT it. "Wait a minute beetle! you just said you cannot buy a frame in california, why would one be here available for private sale?" There are a variety of legal ways that a frame might make it into California. the most common is someone moving into the state. If the person is moving into California he/she can bring as many frames as they want and get them registered. Once a resident of california then they could sell them as private party transfers.

Your sons gun is probably a different story. from what you wrote it sounds like the gun was built out of state by a smith. In that case all you would need to do is to "SSE" or single shot exempt it for the FFL to complete the transfer. Read the sticky on SSE. Luckily 1911s are easy to convert in this manner.

One last option that I'll mention. If you already own the gun than you can have a smith build/customize it. The smith can then send the gun directly to your house with no FFL involved. So you can always legally buy a base gun to customize.

good luck!

My son's custom 1911 was built by a friend of his who is a gunsmith. His friend lives in AZ and the firearm was a gift. It was not sold. I believe the transfer process was a PPT.

I am not certain about the details ... nor do I want to give away too much information on a public forum.

Thanks to all for their input.

I suppose all those wonderful used C&R handguns ... (almost ALL are not on the list are off limits to CA gun owners too?) ... that is for PPT between two Californians?

Now ... where can someone purchase a CHEAP, 'safe' M1911? Or does such a beast exist?

[Gottmituns]

I suppose all those wonderful used C&R handguns ... (almost ALL are not on the list are off limits to CA gun owners too?) ... that is for PPT between two Californians?

Now ... where can someone purchase a CHEAP, 'safe' M1911? Or does such a beast exist?

Obtain a C&R license. You'll get very good deals for rifles and handguns.
And the C&R handguns don't have to be on the roster so you can get them.
i.e. CZ-82 (9x18, 12+1, chrome lined barrel, fixed barrel great shooter)
Mosin Nagant 7.62x54R in any variety, shipped directly to your home for less than $200.

In 1911, there are some, but they are expensive in the C&R realm, since were talking about original 50+ year old Colts, Remingtons, et al...

[SMR510]

Rock Island Armory 1911's are about the best bang for the buck you will ever get. If you want to step up from that you are looking at a Springfield GI (one of the most popular base guns for gunsmith builds), up from there would be a Springfield Loaded.

[krwada]

Obtain a C&R license. You'll get very good deals for rifles and handguns.
And the C&R handguns don't have to be on the roster so you can get them.
i.e. CZ-82 (9x18, 12+1, chrome lined barrel, fixed barrel great shooter)
Mosin Nagant 7.62x54R in any variety, shipped directly to your home for less than $200.

In 1911, there are some, but they are expensive in the C&R realm, since were talking about original 50+ year old Colts, Remingtons, et al...

Wow ... Thanks for the info!

I currently have my C&R. I have done all that LIVESCAN stuff and submitted the application for the COE too.

I thought the C&R handguns had to be SSE ... or something like that?

[krwada]

Rock Island Armory 1911's are about the best bang for the buck you will ever get. If you want to step up from that you are looking at a Springfield GI (one of the most popular base guns for gunsmith builds), up from there would be a Springfield Loaded.

I checked out the DOJ 'safe handgun roster' Rock Island Armory is nowhere on the list!

[Cool Custard]

I checked out the DOJ 'safe handgun roster' Rock Island Armory is nowhere on the list!

The parent company is armscor. Look there