Modifying a registered "assault weapon."

[antarius]

Quick question. I've been on this board quite a while, but I've never researched making one of my registered AR-15's a short barreled rifle, because, well, I never thought about it until now.

I have two legitimately registered AR-15's right now, both with 16" barrels. I'd like to change one to a short barrel. Can I do that?

I understand I have to file paperwork with the BATFE and pay a $200 "tax" or whatever it is they call it; But does California law prohibit me from doing this?

As I said, the weapon is already registered as an assault weapon in California, so do they care if I make it "more assaulty"? Haha.

Thanks in advance.

[SeanO]

No SBR for CA. (Unless you have a VERY rare permit like the movie industry). The shortest you can go is a 14.5 inch barrel w/a perm flash hider or break to make it 16" or longer.

[antarius]

I figured something like that would come up. Thanks.

[ohsmily]

No SBR for CA. (Unless you have a VERY rare permit like the movie industry). The shortest you can go is a 14.5 inch barrel w/a perm flash hider or break to make it 16" or longer.

Why do you think that 14.5" with a perm flash hider or brake is the shortest you can go.

You can have ANY length barrel as long as the overall length of the barrel and any permanently attached muzzle devices is 16".

[CHS]

I figured something like that would come up. Thanks.

Basically, CA has some exemptions for AOW's, SBR's and SBS's as long as the SBS/SBR's are C&R guns (to be safe, make sure they are C&R by way of being more than 50 years old). AOW's can't be "pen guns".

Since the donor gun must be more than 50YO, it's very hard to have any "interesting" SBR's like AR's and AK's (remember, most AK's are imported as parts and built on new receivers, making them a lot younger than 50YO).

You can, however, buy a brand new AR receiver and AOW it. Then you can have a short pistol barrel and a VFG, but no stock.

I've been tinkering with the idea of getting another Encore frame and AOW'ing it so that I can have a 6" 12ga barrel made for it. heh.

[CHS]

As I said, the weapon is already registered as an assault weapon in California, so do they care if I make it "more assaulty"? Haha.

California does not care if you make it "more assaulty" (I really love that term, BTW), but remember that SBS/SBR's are a FEDERAL issue and not (exactly) a state issue. The weapon in reference is a STATE "registered assault weapon", but just a plain ole Title 1 rifle in most any other states.

[antarius]

Thanks guys. I figured California would prevent me from just dealing with the Feds like I should....

They can't ever just leave us alone...

Oh well, looks like I've got two standard length AR's....

[Big O]

Oh well, looks like I've got two standard length AR's....

You poor baby.

[ke6guj]

Thanks guys. I figured California would prevent me from just dealing with the Feds like I should....

There are situations that you can just deal with the Feds, and not have to involve CADOJ in it. bdsmchs already elaborated on them.

[GuyW]

...but remember that SBS/SBR's are a FEDERAL issue and not (exactly) a state issue.

NO - there are specific CA Penal Codes that control SBRs and SBSs...
.

[CHS]

NO - there are specific CA Penal Codes that control SBRs and SBSs...

What part about "not (exactly) a state issue" was unclear?

[GuyW]

What part about "not (exactly) a state issue" was unclear?

How about the fact SBR/SBS ARE EXACTLY and specifically state issues??

.

[CHS]

How about the fact SBR/SBS ARE EXACTLY and specifically state issues??

Not really.

In CA SBS's and SBR's aren't controlled at all if they are C&R's. The law specifically exempts them (and all non-pengun AOW's) and refers to FEDERAL reg's which is where they are controlled and registered. Specifically, the OP is confusing and joining the FEDERAL SBS/SBR regs with the STATE AW regs.

[aklon]

No SBR for CA. (Unless you have a VERY rare permit like the movie industry). The shortest you can go is a 14.5 inch barrel w/a perm flash hider or break to make it 16" or longer.

I've got a registered AR with a 16" barrel, and I want to buy a new upper, one with a longer barrel. Would this be a problem, or does this consideration only apply to going to shorter barrel length?

[slick_711]

I've got a registered AR with a 16" barrel, and I want to buy a new upper, one with a longer barrel. Would this be a problem, or does this consideration only apply to going to shorter barrel length?

Have at. You can reconfigure and change your rifle as much as you'd like, so long as the barrel length is at least 16" and the overall length is at least 26" (which it will be if the barrel is of legal length).