At the range today

[OHOD]

I rarely post and generally lurk in the background. Thank you everyone for helping me with a first rate firearms education in California, with that said ...
here is what happened to me at the range and am seeking opinion.

I have a S&W MP15T with a holographic sight, Grip Pod bi-pod, 10 round limited 30 round magazine and a bullet button. I have a legal firearm.

Me...your average gal that believes in 2nd Amendment rights wearing a cap, blue jeans and a ratty old t-shirt.

The situation...
While waiting for the range to clear... a fellow came up to me and asked straight out "What makes that AR legal?". He was pale and probably works night shift. Appears fit and carried himself with authority.

I assumed he was an officer of the law and he did not say he was, just the question.

I told him that the magazine required a tool to remove and had the bullet button. He mentioned his pre-ban AR and then went about his own business.

My request...
Should I have responded differently?
Was my assumption correct that he was probably an officer?
Why would you think he asked such a straight up question?

My questions are to understand, not berate the fellow.

Thanks everyone,
Joanne

[damndave]

you answered correctly.

10rd magazine
not a detachable magazine situation
mag has to be removed by a tool
16" barrel
30" OAL

so all in all, it is only considered a long gun

if he was an officer, it was good that he is sorta educating himself

[JDoe]

Should I have responded differently?

Your response sounds fine to me.

Was my assumption correct that he was probably an officer?

Coin toss.

Why would you think he asked such a straight up question?

Perhaps he wants to buy some more EBRs for himself but wants to stay legal.

[hilnap]

You should have said it was not an AR 15 but a centerfire /carbine rifle made by (OLL manufacturer).. Its CA legal because " " ( you got all that right

[CSACANNONEER]

You did fine. It sounds like he knows the laws and was testing you. Not that it makes any difference but, was he just a patron or, did he have some sort of authority at the range? If you were alone, another possibility is that he wanted to see if you are wearing a ring and just used the question as a way to get close enough to look. Anyway, welcome (I know you've been here a while) and feel free to post more often.

[Sam1]

you did fine, what range was this?

[Greg-Dawg]

... a fellow came up to me and asked straight out "What makes that AR legal?"...

Answer: "By paying close attention on reading CA gun laws".

[Darklyte27]

good to go, what range was this?

[OHOD]

Thanks for everyone's support and very much appreciated.

The range was at Livermore and he wasn't a Range Safety Officer or other official.

All the RSO's are very cool and offer great advice!

Joanne

[SCMA-1]

You did well; although you are under no obligation to answer anyone's questions, you were knowledgeable about your personal firearm and non-confrontational. Who knows what his intentions were. Maybe he was just trying to hit on you in his awkward, gun-nerdy way.

stay safe,

SCMA-1

[Vinz]

good job Joanne,

I like to carry a few copies of the calguns flow chart with me. I have even been known to pin one up on the post behind my shooting area.

If you are going to show up at the SF gunshow you can pick a few up at the Calguns booth. Thats where I got mine. They are sturdy and printed on both sides. Much better than my home printed versions.

Always state its a 5.56/.223 semi automatic rifle. Its easier that way.

10 to 1 says he was just jealous. LOL
vinz

[MAC USMC]

Relax, Sweetie, he was just checking you out - - not as a gun owner, but as a good looking lady. Guns, etc. make the most wonderful ice breakers and conversation starters.

[Stormfeather]

Joanne, you did great, no worries. As for if he was an officer or not, I wouldnt have even hazarded a guess at a persons profession.

[IsaacGlass]

I rarely post and generally lurk in the background. Thank you everyone for helping me with a first rate firearms education in California, with that said ...
here is what happened to me at the range and am seeking opinion.

I have a S&W MP15T with a holographic sight, Grip Pod bi-pod, 10 round limited 30 round magazine and a bullet button. I have a legal firearm.

Me...your average gal that believes in 2nd Amendment rights wearing a cap, blue jeans and a ratty old t-shirt.

The situation...
While waiting for the range to clear... a fellow came up to me and asked straight out "What makes that AR legal?". He was pale and probably works night shift. Appears fit and carried himself with authority.

I assumed he was an officer of the law and he did not say he was, just the question.

I told him that the magazine required a tool to remove and had the bullet button. He mentioned his pre-ban AR and then went about his own business.

My request...
Should I have responded differently?
Was my assumption correct that he was probably an officer?
Why would you think he asked such a straight up question?

My questions are to understand, not berate the fellow.

Thanks everyone,
Joanne

Joanne,

You answered correctly and Im glad you took the opportunity to answer him as it helps to spread the word regardless of your gender. Knowledge is power.

[BamBam-31]

You answered well. Great job.

As for whether he was an LEO or not, it doesn't matter. Your answer would have been the same either way.

You have a nice collection going, btw. Have most of the bases covered, eh?