Getting AR Rifle Into CA

[Phil3]

Is there any standard or preferred way of getting an AR rifle built by a manufacturer into CA. I have asked a few makers, and the answers ranged from "we won't do it", to convoluted processes including shipping it in pieces to shipping it to a gunsmith out of state who would install a bullet button kit, and I get it from them. Surprisingly, at least one maker did not know some of the rules and yet said they would ship to California. Their rifle would not be legal here.

To me, it seems if they would be willing to use an OLL receiver, install a bullet button kit, and include only a 10 round mag, I should be OK. Opinions?

- Phil

[pwall]

Which manuf. are you looking for? many stores in ca are selling complete brand name ar rifles. No need to make it hard on yourself!

[evidens83]

If you're talking about a complete rifle, I beleive as long as its an OLL and has bullet button and 10 round mags it should be GTG and just find a FFL that will do the transfer. Correct me if I'm wrong. Some companies just wont deal with CA at all.

[aplinker]

Why are you trying to reinvent the wheel?

There's a lot of history and means of getting rifles into CA. Seeking out new ones is fine, but why not deal with those that are familiar and versed in doing it?

There are a large number of CA-friendly out of state FFLs who will either disassemble or install a BB and ship direct to your local FFL. Many of them are site sponsors - a good place to start. Also look through the commercial sales/deals forum.

Secondly, there are a couple out of state dealers who are willing to accept rifles from non-CA-friendly or unaware people who will modify the rifle (break down or install compliance parts) to make it legal for import. We call them intermediary FFLs.

Lastly, many times the best thing to do is to find a local FFL who already has what you need. The costs associated with the above can occasionally be the same as simply buying local.

[Phireglass]

I just did this recently, i ordered a Smith And Wesson M&P15 M.O.E. , the trouble was i could not find it in my city for anything less than 2500 bucks! I ordered mine online through gundealeronline.com (awesome great people) and it only cost me 1079 w/ship- what many do not know is that even if there is no BB on the rifle they can send it to you in pieces (just separate the upper/lower) and it will meet all CA regulations however when your FFL gets it it is their responsibility to make it cali legal. I think with the current Obama situation and the way prices are going online is the way to go

[aplinker]

I just did this recently, i ordered a Smith And Wesson M&P15 M.O.E. , the trouble was i could not find it in my city for anything less than 2500 bucks! I ordered mine online through gundealeronline.com (awesome great people) and it only cost me 1079 w/ship- what many do not know is that even if there is no BB on the rifle they can send it to you in pieces (just separate the upper/lower) and it will meet all CA regulations however when your FFL gets it it is their responsibility to make it cali legal. I think with the current Obama situation and the way prices are going online is the way to go

Not quite true.

NEVER ship anything to an FFL before asking them what configurations they are willing to accept.

The receiving FFL is not responsible for anything. In fact, it's your problem if it shows up in the wrong configuration, and it's also your responsibility it maintains a legal configuration.

While shipping in pieces (separated) is legal, many FFLs will not receive a complete AR lower without a bullet button. AK or other rifles are often easier, as they have fewer features and can be shipped with those offending features removed (e.g., the pistol grip of an AK).

Please, don't piss off your local FFL.

[Phil3]

The rifle is an AR-10, custom built to selections I make off their option list. They sell direct. It is extremely unlikely this rifle would ever be found at a California dealer. Therefore, I need find a way to get this gun into the CA. I am exploring whether or not they will install a bullet button or not, and use an OLL receiver I already have (the one they use is banned).

- Phil

[aplinker]

The rifle is an AR-10, custom built to selections I make off their option list. They sell direct. It is extremely unlikely this rifle would ever be found at a California dealer. Therefore, I need find a way to get this gun into the CA. I am exploring whether or not they will install a bullet button or not, and use an OLL receiver I already have (the one they use is banned).

- Phil

If you really want one from them, see if they'll sell just the upper.

AR10 compatible lowers, LPKs and stocks are readily available.

[ke6guj]

if they won't ship it to your local dealer in a CA-compliant manner, then use one of the out-of-state middleman FFLs who will californicate it for you, do the CFLC paperwork (which some sellers are unwilling to do), and then ship it to your local FFL for a small fee.

[Phil3]

If you really want one from them, see if they'll sell just the upper.

AR10 compatible lowers, LPKs and stocks are readily available.

Good idea, I already have a Noveske N6 lower receiver.

[Lancear15]

Is there a running list of OLL friendly FFLs in and out of cali? I don't need the list but it would be helpful for others.

[aplinker]

Is there a running list of OLL friendly FFLs in and out of cali? I don't need the list but it would be helpful for others.

You know... this would be a good list to compile.

I'll get on it.