.22lr Rifles Exempt From AW Restrictions?

[ukdkbr]

Ok so while reading the various threads about the GSG-5, I have seen some people mention that .22lr rifles, unles listed as an AW by the DOJ, are exempt from AW restrictions (So you can have a detachable (10 round) mag, pistol grip, flash hider, etc ...).

I was doing some searching and I'm having a hard time locating anything from the DOJ stating this, can someone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

[troyus]

It's based on cartridge not caliber so, rimfire are exempt, centerfire are not.

[double_action]

* 12276.1 (a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall also mean any of the following:
1. A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
1. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
2. A thumbhole stock.
3. A folding or telescoping stock.
4. A grenade launcher or flare launcher.
5. A flash suppressor.
6. A forward pistol grip.
2. A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
3. A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.
4. A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
1. A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer.
2. (B) A second handgrip.
3. A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel.
4. The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.
5. A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
6. A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
1. A folding or telescoping stock.
2. A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
7. A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.
8. Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.
1. "Assault weapon" does not include any antique firearm.
2. The following definitions shall apply under this section:
1. "Magazine" shall mean any ammunition feeding device.
2. "Capacity to accept more than 10 rounds" shall mean capable of accommodating more than 10 rounds, but shall not be construed to include a feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than 10 rounds.
3. "Antique firearm" means any firearm manufactured prior to January 1, 1899.
3. This section shall become operative January 1, 2000.

[ukdkbr]

Forgive my complete n00bness and can you please explain to me the difference between a Rimfire rifle and a centerfire? So does that mean the GSG-5 is a rimfire rifle?

[StupidMoFo]

Forgive my complete n00bness and can you please explain to me the difference between a Rimfire rifle and a centerfire? So does that mean the GSG-5 is a rimfire rifle?

22lr is a rimfire rifle round. Which is exempt from the AW laws as long as the overall length is 26" compared to 30" for centerfire systems

[double_action]

Yes, the GSG-5 is rimfire.

Rimfire and centerfire

Q: What is the distinction between rimfire and centerfire cartridges?

A: The terms rimfire and centerfire describe two basic types of cartridge design. The difference between the two types is in the location of the priming compound in the cartridge case. The priming compound initiates the burning of the main powder charge when it is struck by the firing pin of the gun.

A rimfire is so called because the priming compound is actually inside the rim of the case, which is of folded construction. Look at a .22 LR cartridge and you will immediately see what I mean. The firing pin of a rimfire rifle strikes the rim of the cartridge when you pull the trigger.

A centerfire cartridge has a separate primer in the center of the base of the cartridge case. The rim of a centerfire case is solid. Look at a .30-30 cartridge and you will immediately see the difference. The firing pin of a centerfire gun strikes the primer located in the center of the base of the cartridge, rather than the rim. Such cases are much stronger than the rimfire type, and can contain much higher pressures, which makes possible modern high velocity rifles and pistols.

[dizzy]

Would it be legal to build a Sabre Defense .22LR lower/pistol grip/detachable mag combo with an AR upper + Ceiner conversion kit?

[GuyW]

[IMG]22lr...Which is exempt from the AW laws as long as the overall length is 26" compared to 30" for centerfire systems

? where'd 30" come from?

[ukdkbr]

Thanks guys, I understand now!

[Black Majik]

Would it be legal to build a Sabre Defense .22LR lower/pistol grip/detachable mag combo with an AR upper + Ceiner conversion kit?

The .22 upper is recommended, since it's specifically for rimfire.

On a ceiner conversion, once that BCG is swapped out, you got yourself a AW.

[ohsmily]

? where'd 30" come from?

From the law.

California requires that centerfire semi auto rifles be 30" or over or they are AWs.

Rimfires only need to meet the federal minimum of 26".