AR (pistol) upper only w/ threaded barrel

[cvigue]

I did search for both AR threaded barrel and threaded barrel before posting this. Sorry if I missed an old answer.


I don't have anything in the way of AR lowers in California. Is a threaded AR upper legal, since it's not a gun, and I can't assemble it into a gun (constructive violation or whatever) with items I own?

[Decoligny]

A threaded upper is just gun parts. Perfectly legal. Legally a threaded barrel on an AR is no different than a non-threaded barrel.

[edgerly779]

no problem in kommiefornia

[cvigue]

A threaded upper is just gun parts. Perfectly legal. Legally a threaded barrel on an AR is no different than a non-threaded barrel.

It is a pistol length upper, 8.5" in 300BLK, if that matters, but it sounds like probably not.


EDIT: Yes, I'm getting out of this hellhole (no offense meant) ASAP.

[Quiet]

It is a pistol length upper, 8.5" in 300BLK, if that matters, but it sounds like probably not.

As long as you own a handgun, handgun receiver, or do not own a rifle receiver that can use that 8.5" AR upper; then consult this summary...

Summary on threaded barrels and handguns:
Threaded barrel not attached to anything = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a bolt-action pistol = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a lever-action pistol = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a pump-action pistol = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a revolver = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a single-shot pistol = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a semi-auto pistol with a fixed magazine = legal
Threaded barrel attached to a semi-auto pistol that accepts detachable magazines = illegal [PC 30515(a)(4)(A)]


If you do not own a handgun or handgun receiver and/or own a rifle receiver that can use that 8.5" AR upper, then you are in possession of a SBR. [PC 17170(e)]
Basically...
Do not own/possess any type of AR receiver/firearm = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Own AR pistol = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Own AR pistol receiver = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Only own AR rifle = illegal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length [PC 17170(e)]
Only own AR rifle receiver = illegal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length [PC 17170(e)]

[Sniper3142]

Threaded Barrels are totally LEGAL on rifles in California.

They are illegal on pistols, unless that pistol has a bullet button or similar device (AR Pistols) or is a Registered Assault Weapon.

[stix213]

Your only issue would be having a pistol upper while possessing rifle lowers, as that would be SBR constructive possession.

[Decoligny]

Threaded Barrels are totally LEGAL on rifles in California.

They are illegal on pistols, unless that pistol has a bullet button or similar device (AR Pistols) or is a Registered Assault Weapon.

Pistols that are semi-auto with detachable magazines are the only pistols on which threaded barrels are illegal.

[CSACANNONEER]

I did search for both AR threaded barrel and threaded barrel before posting this. Sorry if I missed an old answer.


I don't have anything in the way of AR lowers in California. Is a threaded AR upper legal, since it's not a gun, and I can't assemble it into a gun (constructive violation or whatever) with items I own?

Federal law doesn't give a damn whether you have an AR lower in CA or not. You could be violating Federal constructive possession laws if you have an AR rifle in Maine and a short barreled upper in California. Of course, if you also have an AR pistol lower in Alaska, you would have a legal use for the short barreled upper so, there wouldn't be a problem with constructive possession.

[Quiet]

I don't have anything in the way of AR lowers in California. Is a threaded AR upper legal, since it's not a gun, and I can't assemble it into a gun (constructive violation or whatever) with items I own?

If you own it or have control over it, then it's constructive possession.
It does not matter if the items are in the same location or in different States.
It's about ownership or control over the parts, which equates to constructive possession.

Basically...
Do not own/possess any type of AR receiver/firearm = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Own AR pistol = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Own AR pistol receiver = legal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Only own AR rifle = illegal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length
Only own AR rifle receiver = illegal to possess AR upper with a less than 16" barrel length