CA Legal HK91/G3 Clone???

[m2hbvic]

Does anyone know if it is possible to build/own a CA legal clone of a HK91/G3 type rifle if the magazine release is pinned or welded up, as is done on the CA legal clones of FAL type rifles???
THANKS,
Vic

[Mike Searson]

Originally posted by m2hbvic:
Does anyone know if it is possible to build/own a CA legal clone of a HK91/G3 type rifle if the magazine release is pinned or welded up, as is done on the CA legal clones of FAL type rifles???
THANKS,
Vic

I don't think there is a feasible way of doing this unless you load through the ejection port.

[bwiese]

Unless you could manage to load thru ejection port (ouch) it might be a problem.

The HK91/93 receivers are bent sheet metal, so there's no heavy frame that can just have a sheet metal cover like the CaliFALs can. There are a few HK9X-style receivers made out of aluminum forgings - someone might have the bright idea of adapting one of those, dunno...

If the gun is not specifically named a Heckler & Koch HK91 or HK93 - both being on the Roberti-Roos AWCA 1989 "list" - the gun would be a Type III 'by features' AW only if it had a pistol grip and/or flash hider.

If you keep the pistol grip off the rifle, and store/transit it with both the grip AND the gun locked separately you could use this gun out of state.

Bill Wiese
San Jose

[m2hbvic]

Thanks guys for the info.

So am I correct in saying that it would NOT be CA legal to have an HK91/G3 clone (receiver NOT marked "HK91" or "G3") here in CA even though the magazine (a 10-round capacity) is permanently fixed to the gun (as in pinning and/or welding the magazine release mechanism)???

I would think that just making a semi-automatic centerfire rifle with a non-detachable 10-round magazine would not define it as an "assault rifle" here in CA. Is that correct?

As far as being able to load it only through the ejection port, yeah, it would be a pain. But what the heck, at least you've got the basic gun.
THANKS,
Vic

[bwiese]

m2hbvic wrote:
So am I correct in saying that it would NOT be CA legal to have an HK91/G3 clone (receiver NOT marked "HK91" or "G3") here in CA even though the magazine (a 10-round capacity) is permanently fixed to the gun (as in pinning and/or welding the magazine release mechanism)???

No: I believe this would indeed be legal as it no longer has enough evil features to be a CA assault weapon, and would be the HK-style equivalent of a 'CaliFAL' FAL-based non-AW.

This is not an AR or AK so the mag just needs to be affixed with screws, etc. and not welded. It just can't be 'readily detachable' but must take reasonable time + tools to remove.

...just making a semiautomatic centerfire rifle with a nondetachable 10-round magazine would not define it as an "assault rifle" here in CA. Is that correct?

As above, yes. You're allowed just one evil feature before it becomes an AW. Since your HK clone will have a pistol grip, you can't have a detachable magazine, etc.

As far as being able to load it only through the ejection port, yeah, it would be a pain. But what the heck, at least you've got the basic gun

Yes - but with really sore fingers! May be REALLY difficult to load and almost useless.

And because of this I doubt you'll find any "Cali-HK" kits that allow a permanently affixed 10rd magazine, etc. Just no demand. By contrast the FAL clone upper receivers are open on the top so only a different receiver cover, made from a simple sheet metal stamping, is needed.

I honestly think you are better off spending your $$ for a CaliFAL. Many more quality parts available, bigger knowledge base, etc. And if you're a reloader, a FAL doesn't kill brass like an HK does: factory HK barrels have a fluted chamber that makes spent brass essentially useless.

Bill Wiese
San Jose

[1919_4_ME]

If you could get an out of state FFL to cut the pistol grip off of a Century G3 it could be legal by Cali standards.It is not named on the list only HK.

[bwiese]

I wouldn't buy ANYTHING that has been mauled by Century!

Numerous folks tell of dangerous headspacing in a variety of arms (Garands, FALs, etc.) they've touched. "Finish work" = Dremel!

Bill Wiese
San Jose

[Mike Searson]

Aside from the CA-15's (not around anymore anyway!) if you're going to buy anything from century make sure it's something they imported...and nothing built by them...unless you don't mind checking headspace, etc.

It still echoes in my mind:

"What do you mean by headspace?"

[m2hbvic]

Thanks BWIESE for the clarification!

Yes, I'm already planning on a CA legal FAL clone with a "non-detachable" 10-round magazine on it, but I sure would like to also have an HK91 clone even though it would have to be a CA legal configuration.

BTW, would it be legal to permanently attach a 20-round magazine on a FAL clone or HK91 clone if the magazine was owned prior to the CA high-capacity magazine ban???
THANKS,
Vic

[esskay]

Originally posted by m2hbvic:
BTW, would it be legal to permanently attach a 20-round magazine on a FAL clone or HK91 clone if the magazine was owned prior to the CA high-capacity magazine ban???

No, sorry it has to be 10 rounds or less.

[m2hbvic]

Okay, thanks for that info. 10-round mags sucks, especially when it's on a nice semi-auto military style rifle!!!
Vic

[Sean]

Hello,

Here’s my plan:

Have a kit built with the required number of US parts by a reputable smith and have them install a 10 round magazine. For the magazine release, instead of putting in a spring, I will have them put in a sleeve so that the magazine release cannot be pushed in. This should follow all the rules and be legal. Loading through the ejection port isn’t as hard as many people think UNLESS… you have larger fingers. I’ve tested this on my HK and it works fine. If you ever move to an area where you can have this gun in its normal form, you remove the sleeve and reinstall the spring and you’re back in business. HTH.

Respectfully,

Sean
dvtagent@hotmail.com

P.S. If you are looking for a kit, let me know, I still have a few of the nicer ones left.

[50 Freak]

Personally I'd stick with the idea of a pistol grip-less HK.

Not as easy to handle as a rifle with a PG, but at least you can use full mags.

I recently shot a Robinson Arms M-96 (minus PG) and it wasn't so bad.

[Turbinator]

Originally posted by Sean:
Have a kit built with the required number of US parts by a reputable smith and have them install a 10 round magazine. For the magazine release, instead of putting in a spring, I will have them put in a sleeve so that the magazine release cannot be pushed in. This should follow all the rules and be legal. Loading through the ejection port isn’t as hard as many people think UNLESS… you have larger fingers. I’ve tested this on my HK and it works fine. If you ever move to an area where you can have this gun in its normal form, you remove the sleeve and reinstall the spring and you’re back in business. HTH.

Would you please keep us informed.. this sounds like an interesting plan. If this works, I'd also be interested in doing something similar.

Turby

[Cutaway]

A "U15" stock for a G3 would make it look like a Japanese Type 11 light machine gun