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It's been a relief to read some interesting threads on CalGuns regarding some potential solutions in order to SSE new semi-autos going forward.
After reading the new law, as quoted, and hearing the commentary from some of the forum's most respected users, I'm now trying to wrap my head around the vocabulary that we'll be using going forward.
First off, this is heavily influenced by SVI's method of getting full custom 1911s into CA prior to SSE. But, I'd like to adapt that into something that we can request from most semi-custom and custom manufacturers (without looking crazy).
From what I've read, 1911 bolt action uppers have been around for ages (for example the Pachmayr Dominator). Assuming something like that or a modern purpose built SSE upper is used, would it be possible (legal) to request a functional, but unfinished "Single Shot Frame" from the likes of Ed Brown, Dan Wesson, Nighthawk etc. This would not be a frame / slide combo that's sold as a semi-auto.
As I understand, converting that "semi-auto" frame and slide combo (aka semi-auto handgun) into single shot does not qualify for SSE. However, if it was always an undesignated frame or a "Single Shot Frame", then once it's paired with a bolt action upper, like the Pachmayr Dominator, it can legally be transferred as a SSE firearm? After that, depending on the manufacturer's preference, it's either a frame that you keep for personal use or one you send back to get built into the semi-auto you'd like.
Is this interpretation correct? Obviously, this assumes that any manufacturer would go through the hassle of sending out frames, then receiving them post DROS to complete them. SVI most likely has the margins and low volume to make it work (and they already have a 1911 on the roster). But, with a small upcharge, I imagine the semi-custom and custom manufacturers could implement it.
Here are some other assumptions I've made:
1) I assume that the FFL would need to have a FFL 07 license in order to "manufacture" the single shot 1911 from the bolt action upper and the "SSF" lower.
2) I assume, if the above is true, that the FFL would need to mark and or serialize the frame with their company name.
3) I assume, if the above is true, that the FFL will impose a 10% markup based on the federal manufacturer's tax.
4) Lastly, I'm assuming that we don't have to convince semi-custom and custom manufacturers to produce full bolt action 1911s and instead can rely on 07 FFLs to build the SSE handgun from a supplied frame.
5) (Thanks Newport) Lastly, if the above is true, I'm assuming that the bolt action upper and mag block, used during DROS, would remain property of the FFL. The upper would be treated in the same way a barrel and mag block were during SSE prior to 2015 (remain installed during DROS period and uninstalled after the handgun was officially picked up and recorded as such).
So, does this all hold water? It's obviously a lot more hoops to jump through, but, with the cooperation of a manufacturer and FFL frame markings hidden under a grip panel, it might be an option to access the higher end 1911s that are suddenly out of reach.
After reading the new law, as quoted, and hearing the commentary from some of the forum's most respected users, I'm now trying to wrap my head around the vocabulary that we'll be using going forward.
First off, this is heavily influenced by SVI's method of getting full custom 1911s into CA prior to SSE. But, I'd like to adapt that into something that we can request from most semi-custom and custom manufacturers (without looking crazy).
From what I've read, 1911 bolt action uppers have been around for ages (for example the Pachmayr Dominator). Assuming something like that or a modern purpose built SSE upper is used, would it be possible (legal) to request a functional, but unfinished "Single Shot Frame" from the likes of Ed Brown, Dan Wesson, Nighthawk etc. This would not be a frame / slide combo that's sold as a semi-auto.
As I understand, converting that "semi-auto" frame and slide combo (aka semi-auto handgun) into single shot does not qualify for SSE. However, if it was always an undesignated frame or a "Single Shot Frame", then once it's paired with a bolt action upper, like the Pachmayr Dominator, it can legally be transferred as a SSE firearm? After that, depending on the manufacturer's preference, it's either a frame that you keep for personal use or one you send back to get built into the semi-auto you'd like.
Is this interpretation correct? Obviously, this assumes that any manufacturer would go through the hassle of sending out frames, then receiving them post DROS to complete them. SVI most likely has the margins and low volume to make it work (and they already have a 1911 on the roster). But, with a small upcharge, I imagine the semi-custom and custom manufacturers could implement it.
Here are some other assumptions I've made:
1) I assume that the FFL would need to have a FFL 07 license in order to "manufacture" the single shot 1911 from the bolt action upper and the "SSF" lower.
2) I assume, if the above is true, that the FFL would need to mark and or serialize the frame with their company name.
3) I assume, if the above is true, that the FFL will impose a 10% markup based on the federal manufacturer's tax.
4) Lastly, I'm assuming that we don't have to convince semi-custom and custom manufacturers to produce full bolt action 1911s and instead can rely on 07 FFLs to build the SSE handgun from a supplied frame.
5) (Thanks Newport) Lastly, if the above is true, I'm assuming that the bolt action upper and mag block, used during DROS, would remain property of the FFL. The upper would be treated in the same way a barrel and mag block were during SSE prior to 2015 (remain installed during DROS period and uninstalled after the handgun was officially picked up and recorded as such).
So, does this all hold water? It's obviously a lot more hoops to jump through, but, with the cooperation of a manufacturer and FFL frame markings hidden under a grip panel, it might be an option to access the higher end 1911s that are suddenly out of reach.
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