Removing AR Mag Lock

[flyer92]

I am a military member who will be transferring to CA later this year, and am looking at different mag lock options for my Colt CE1000. Although EP Armory's SB-880 lock looks good, I have also been looking at the MA Lock from Mean Arms.

Although I like the MA Lock, it installs by tightening the installation screw until the head shears off. While it makes for a somewhat cleaner installation, I am concerned about how difficult it will be to remove it after I transfer out of CA. I would prefer to remove the device without destroying it, but it seems like that might be the only method. Conversely, it appears that EP Armory's product can easily be unscrewed and removed. As I am unable to physically see/handle both devices, I would greatly appreciate any advice on this issue...and thanks in advance for your assistance!

[colossians323]

Just make it featureless and call it good

[Cokebottle]

Maglatch or FC Hook, easy enough to reverse when you are able to leave again. Maglatch has the advantage that it can be converted to and from free-state mode quickly and easily, you don't HAVE to buy a replacement catch when you leave permanently.

[Ivan275]

Use a dremel to cut a notch in the bullet button and the shear locking nut till you are just about to hit the bolt you screwed in on. Use a screw driver that is barley wide enough to fit into the bullet button and unscrew. If the bolt is too tall and there is not enough to grip the shear nut dremel into the bolt and use something like the pic. So the bolt fits inside and the bit fits inside the bullet button.

[Mesa Defense]

Maglatch

[flyer92]

Thanks for all the great advice. The only thing I won't do is try to make my AR featureless. That process alone would cost more than the thing is worth!

[REDdawn6]

No , it can be done very inexpensive
https://aimsportsinc.com/default/cal...-lock-pin.html or a pin 10C maybe.

https://www.strikeindustries.com/shop/amfinder/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-2x28-FXC-1-Short-Muzzle-Brake-Compensator-223-5-56-22-Crush-Washer-Compact/273012908247?hash=item3f90d660d7:g:h3MAAOSwTM5YwHYY\

IMO. The only need for an AR Maglock type is for an AR pistol!!

[LEAD LAUNCHER]

I went with the Maglatch and am happy with it.

https://maglatchusa.com/products/f-n-g-r-never-lose-your-ar-15-magazine-again

It's a very simple part.



It's a mag catch with a slot in it for a little lock called the fngr that drops in the slot from the inside when you have the action open.

The lock can't come out of the slot until you open the action and turn the gun upside down.

Then the lock will fall out and you have a free state rifle.

So a free state rifle if you want in seconds.

Easy to install-simply swap for your stock mag catch.

And except for a little set screw hole in the mag catch(for the set screw if you want to install in the hole to make the fngr not fall out when you open the action and invert the gun)your gun appears unmodified.



I use Bear flag Defense Loaders to load through the ejection port and so far so good.

..

[CSACANNONEER]

Of all the commercial options for AR fixed magazines that I've seen, I like the AR maglatch, Franklin's DFM and AR15 Compmag.

[flyer92]

After a little more research on the Maglatch and FC Hook, I noticed both websites state that their products have "not been approved for use by the DOJ." Additionally, "...the FC-Hook still needs to prove its abilities to stand up to DROS and case law, or it needs to be accepted as common law by the California DOJ." So....this begs the question: if not approved or accepted, do either of these products make a featureless AR legal?

Although new to the CA restrictions, I suspect that no product (including the MA Lock and SB880 Lock) has really been approved by the DOJ, and these sites are trying to be transparent as possible, while relinquishing any responsibility if a user is apprehended by LE. I sincerely hope this is not the case, and would rather just defer to a product that has been approved. Ideas?

[T6pilot]

[rivraton]

DOJ does not "approve" any device...

[flyer92]

Thanks, Riv...that's kind of what I was thinking. Really liked the CompMag over everything else because it locks in place without having to fiddle with any of the AR's original parts (bolt catch, mag release, etc.) AND you can load/unload without having to release the rear takedown pin. No doubt it is a bit large and pricey, but it appears to be the easiest to install, use, and uninstall if/when needed. Only remaining question, is if it matters that the mag lock is inherently part of the firearm itself, rather than the magazine.

[rivraton]

Thanks, Riv...that's kind of what I was thinking. Really liked the CompMag over everything else because it locks in place without having to fiddle with any of the AR's original parts (bolt catch, mag release, etc.) AND you can load/unload without having to release the rear takedown pin. No doubt it is a bit large and pricey, but it appears to be the easiest to install, use, and uninstall if/when needed. Only remaining question, is if it matters that the mag lock is inherently part of the firearm itself, rather than the magazine.

I have one of the CompMags and I like it, but you are right about the price, if i had a bunch to do I would go a different way. I only have 3 ARs so I went featureless on 2 and put the CompMag on 1.

[mshill]

After a little more research on the Maglatch and FC Hook, I noticed both websites state that their products have "not been approved for use by the DOJ." Additionally, "...the FC-Hook still needs to prove its abilities to stand up to DROS and case law, or it needs to be accepted as common law by the California DOJ." So....this begs the question: if not approved or accepted, do either of these products make a featureless AR legal?

I assume meant "featured" AR, since featureless don't require a maglock of any kind.

Additionally, the CA DOJ does not/will not "approve" these devices. They either meet the definition of the law or they do not. If any of them are questionable (eg. "magazine can be removed without disassembly of the firearm action") then the risk is assumed by the user.

Although new to the CA restrictions, I suspect that no product (including the MA Lock and SB880 Lock) has really been approved by the DOJ, and these sites are trying to be transparent as possible, while relinquishing any responsibility if a user is apprehended by LE. I sincerely hope this is not the case, and would rather just defer to a product that has been approved. Ideas?

That is exactly the case. Seeing that no products will receive a CA DOJ "endorsement" you have to go with what you are most comfortable with. I would say, that if you see SACF rifles on the wall of your LGS, then whatever they are using are likely to be safe. Otherwise, the DOJ should have shut them down a year ago.