Who here has received an opinion from the DOJ?

[xdimitrix]

I am interested in getting an official opinion from the DOJ in regards to the legality of the non "kalishikov usa" SAIGA's. I realize the debate but I would like an official document proving they are legal. Who has done this and what is the best way to do this? If I simply write a letter to:
Firearms Division
P.O. Box 820200
Sacramento, CA
94203-0200

will they respond? Is there a more specific address I should try?

[MonsterMan]

Have your lawyer do it on your behalf. Otherwise they will just not respond.


MM

[xenophobe]

Or they will respond without answering any questions directly. They've done this to me before.

[bwiese]

Anything coming from the DOJ Firearms Division will not be a formal AG 'opinion letter' anyway. It can be very helpful.

Saigas that are not listed (i.e., that are not Kalashnikov USA) are not banned by name - and since they're Saigas, they have no evil features either.

The Feb 1 DOJ internal memo (Ferranto, et al) - of which I believe there's a link in another thread - in fact proposed adding another Saiga rifle to the Kasler list. That alone shows they consider other Saigas to not be listed.

[hoffmang]

Here are the memos where CA DOJ Firearms was contemplating listing additional Saigas:

http://www.hoffmang.com/firearms/CADOJ-Listing_Memo-2005-12-20.pdf

http://www.hoffmang.com/firearms/CADOJ-Listing_Memo-2006-02-01.pdf

-Gene

[dwtt]

I wrote two letters to the DOJ in the summer of 2005 asking about the VEPR's legality and whether it would violate state law to purchase or own one, they never responded. I don't think anyone else would get better results, but you should try anyway. If they get a hundred inquiries about a certain rifle, they might feel compelled to come up with an answer.

[hoffmang]

One way to more effectively press a response is to also make a public records act request at the same time.

-Gene

[anotherone]

The problem with Saigas is that ever since the lapse of the Assault Weapons ban in 2004 the market for them has become extremely limited. Even in the free states they're pretty rare these days. Especially with excellent RPK based .308 rifles such as the VEPR taking their place with sportsmen.

[xdimitrix]

Well I've seen plenty for sale on gunbroker or sites like these: http://www.stanleysproshop.com/Saiga...c85-path.html?
I realize the VEPR option exists but I have no interest in pinning the magazine, so I'd have to find a gripless stock, assuming they exist. Then if they do exist the trigger might be too far forward to reach it. They are also more than double the price of a saiga.

[tman]

There are three major obstacles when going the VEPR route:

1. Find a VEPR for sale at a decent price.

2. Make sure the seller is willing to ship to CA, with the stock in a separate package.

3. Find magazines for your VEPR.

[69Mach1]

There are three major obstacles when going the VEPR route:

1. Find a VEPR for sale at a decent price.

2. Make sure the seller is willing to ship to CA, with the stock in a separate package.

3. Find magazines for your VEPR.

Actually the only problem right now with the Vepr is finding them (not marked up). With CWS or Spreadfire, you can get almost anything you want into CA once you find one. No seller I've talked to has a problem shipping to TX. The 7.62x39, 5.56x45, and 5.45x39 Veprs use standard AK variant magazines, all of which can be found at KVAR (10 rounders). The .308 Vepr is a different matter, but Robinson and Atlantic should be getting Veprs and accessories in soon. Also, once that happens, finding them won't be a problem either.

[tman]

The .308 Vepr is a different matter, but Robinson and Atlantic should be getting Veprs and accessories in soon. Also, once that happens, finding them won't be a problem either.

Haven't people been waiting over a year for more of these magazines?

[69Mach1]

Haven't people been waiting over a year for more of these magazines?

Yes I've been waiting for about a year for the .308 magazines. My rifle only came with one 10-rounder, and one 5-rounder. Even with a Vepr, I still want a Saiga. Hopefully two, one in 7.62x39 and one in .223.