Why isn't this legal?

[Wonderwhippet]

I was visiting a friend in another state and he showed me his Springfield M1A which was NIB. On the box was printed "Not Legal in California." I don't understand why this rifle is not legal in California. Is it because it can accept a 20 round magazine? M1 carbines are legal in California even though they can accept 15 and 30 round magazines. Camp 9 and Camp 45 rifles are OK in California even though they can accept hicap magazines. What's different about the M1A? If he was moving to California could he legally bring his M1A with him?

[SVT-40]

It probably had the original "flash suppressor" on it instead of the California approved muzzle brake model.

[GI_JOE]

It may have a flash hider installed

[Vin496]

That's exactly it, flash hider.

I had to swap mine out for the muzzle break when I brought my M1A out here.

It is such a moronic difference, how does giving the gun a better follow up shot ability make it more legal than hiding a flash? Is it because the flash hider looks meaner?

[soopafly]

this is why:

California Penal Code Section 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:
(a) pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
(b) thumbhole stock.
(c) folding or telescoping stock
(d) grenade launcher or flare launcher.
(e) flash suppressor.
(f) forward pistol grip.

The following definitions apply to terms used in the identification of assault weapons pursuant to Penal Code section 12276.1:

5469 (a) "detachable magazine" means any ammunition feeding device that can be removed readily from the firearm with neither disassembly of the firearm action nor use of a tool being required. A bullet or ammunition cartridge is considered a tool.

(d) "pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon" means a grip that allows for a pistol style grasp in which the web of the trigger hand (between the thumb and index finger) can be placed below the top exposed portion of the trigger while firing.