What's the current legal status of making your own rifle?

[Starslinger]

I have a friend (really!) who is interested in getting a rifle for SHTF scenarios, especially since the coronavirus pandemic hit. However, this friend doesn't want to be on any government registries or watchlists, as he is concerned the government may at some point declare martial law and come knocking on doors confiscating firearms and confiscating other property, maybe even confiscating people such as his kids. Given ongoing and recent infringements on our constitutional rights, I can't really dismiss his feelings as some wacky conspiracy theory.

Anyway, I have heard of "build parties" or other events where groups of people get together, share knowledge and equipment, and manufacture a firearm for their own personal use. Is this still legal in California? Can a firearm be manufactured for personal use without being registered? I apologize if this is a taboo subject - I really don't know if this is legal or not and I don't want to see my friend (or anyone else) go to prison. Will someone tell me about this? Thanks for any help!

[solidfreshdope]

I have a friend (really!) who is interested in getting a rifle for SHTF scenarios, especially since the coronavirus pandemic hit. However, this friend doesn't want to be on any government registries or watchlists, as he is concerned the government may at some point declare martial law and come knocking on doors confiscating firearms and confiscating other property, maybe even confiscating people such as his kids. Given ongoing and recent infringements on our constitutional rights, I can't really dismiss his feelings as some wacky conspiracy theory.

Anyway, I have heard of "build parties" or other events where groups of people get together, share knowledge and equipment, and manufacture a firearm for their own personal use. Is this still legal in California? Can a firearm be manufactured for personal use without being registered? I apologize if this is a taboo subject - I really don't know if this is legal or not and I don't want to see my friend (or anyone else) go to prison. Will someone tell me about this? Thanks for any help!

Those days are gone. All self-manufactured firearms must be serialized and registered in CA. You are better off buying a manufactured lower through an FFL if you want to piece together your own rifle.

[Silence Dogood]

If your "friend" lives in CA, he's SOL. All firearms are registered here. DROS=Dealer Record Of Sale.

[Starslinger]

Okay. Thanks guys.

[PyroFox79]

Freemen dont ask permission

[The War Wagon]

Freemen dont ask permission

Yep.

Emigrate to the United States!

[ar15barrels]

Freemen dont ask permission

Freemen also become non-free when found breaking laws.
The key is to not get caught.

[Dave Hoback]

California and a few other States, have laws which are 100% against the Constitution. And they pass these laws while BREAKING Federal law themselves. California leaders are among the most hypocritical in this area.

Here in “Free” America we can build these at will. And I DO! I haven’t purchased a single manufacturer’s firearm in many years now. Everything I currently own(including my carry pistol), I built.

If I lived in California(not that I ever would), I would do the same. The problem is the State has far too many “Yes” men. People who act like they are pro 2A, but are all too happy to point out what someone else is doing. “Hey! You got a TAX STAMP for that silencer??” “Hey! Did YOU register that?” People who act like they have your best interest at heart....“Ya know, I personally wouldn’t use THAT style pin for your fixed mag! It’s probably ILLEGAL! I mean, I’m just try’n to help you out bro!” Pretty easy to spot.

[mshill]

It's called Stockholm syndrome.

[Sparrow Dynamics]

Very good point and TOTALLY agree! Gun ownership and the 2A in CA is constantly under attack. Burdensome and unconstitutional laws are added and changed every legislative session. Sometimes you can tell when someone doesn't know their rifle is not compliant and you can help them know and understand the laws (and get them fired up to vote and support pro-2A groups at the same time). If you say anything, it should be done respectfully. Other times you can tell that someone knows and has decided to be non-compliant with that rifle... and that is great for them, we don't need to "fudd hall monitor" them... we are all responsible for our own decisions. I personally have learned over time that online it is better to assume they know (and leave them alone) unless you can totally tell they have no idea. In face-to-face situations it is much easier to know. I had an older friend from church (that some would call a fudd) who just was unaware of SB880 and bullet button definition changes. It was an opportunity to educate on the 2A and why it is important to never say "I support the second amendment, but".