Tweet
So I have been thinking about going featureless for awhile now and the potential of SB249 is giving me a nudge in that direction as well. I understand that the stock needs to be fixed, either an A2 or pinned collapsable. I get the evil pistol grip thing (Clarification; I understand the requirements, but I think they are stupid) as well as the no evil features. My question is that I have a PWS FSC556 compensator on my 16" carbine barrel. Do I need to get it pinned or can it be threaded on since it is not an evil flash hider? I tried searching for the answer but my search fu kind of sucks right now. Thanks in advance for the help, someone forgot to put the cheese at the end of the CA gun law maze.
-
-
Sorry the PWS FSC is as you said "an evil flash hider"
In short the CA DOJ’s system for determining a Flash Suppressor is:
1. Examine the device and the claims made by the manufacturer.
If at step 1 the device is found to be a Flash Suppressor there is no need to progress to later steps and the device is determined to be a Flash Suppressor.
2. Test if the device does nonetheless function as a Flash Suppressor
If at step 2 the device is determined “not function to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter's field of vision” then the device is determined not to be a Flash Suppressor
3. If unable to determine, consult with ATF
So....
1. The FSC Flash Suppressing Compensator fails step 1 of claims even though it has an ATF letter
2. It also fails the 2nd step as it has features common in a flash hider such as tines
3. Notice that it's step 3 to consult the ATF and if at any point before it is determined to be a flash hider then it is and you do not progress to the next step. Clearly it would fail step 1 if it somehow got to step 2 it would most likely fail so them having an ATF letter does very little for CA legality when it comes to Featureless rifles
Check out my build guide, seems you have the other parts of featureless rifles figured out but it may help.
I also have nearly 100 muzzle devices classified for their possible legality
In regards to pinning and threads.
There is no mention of threads in the CA AWB. Threaded barrels where a no no in the Federal AWB which has sunsetted.
Unless your barrel is under 16 and needs to be brought to proper length you do not need to worry about the threads or pinning -
Thanks Chaos. When I was shopping around I called PWS and they told me that it was good to go in CA, but I guess since they make it they would say that. I wish I had seen your write up before I went the route I did. I am glad I asked the question before I ended up in big trouble. Plus side is that I do not have to pin so I can go back if I choose, provided the laws do not change. Again, thanks for the help!Comment
-
No problem, sorry to be the barer of bad news...
The FSC is CA legal... for magazine locked rifles. As they can have FH's...
Same problem with Battle Comp, they say that it's CA legal, but then they make claims of FH ability. Using the Case Law of Hunt v Lockyer unfortunately their claims are enough to make it illegal. (They would fail step 2 anyways so it really doesn't matter)Comment
-
I also have the FSC and will get the TTO once I go featureless.Comment
-
Yea the TTO is a good option. I would think you would have no trouble selling your FSC used for a little under retailComment
-
No worries Chaos, not your fault we live in CA where a 1" piece of metal can be scary. I am just glad to have Calguns as a resource with knowledgable people willing to share the information. If left up to the guberment to pass out information this would be some secret squirrel stuff that they would tell you after they slapped the cuffs on.Comment
There are currently 12457 users online. 138 members and 12319 guests.
Most users ever online was 239,041 at 10:39 PM on 02-14-2026.
Comment