AR pistol from 80% lower

[Sir Stunna Lot]

With all the recent bills being signed, am i correct to assume that starting 2017 AR pistols from 80% lower will no longer be legal to own?

[Whiskey_Tango]

No

http://www.calguns.net/caawid/hgflowchart.pdf

[Quiet]

With all the recent bills being signed, am i correct to assume that starting 2017 AR pistols from 80% lower will no longer be legal to own?

First issue... (making a CA legal AR style pistol)

The handgun needs to be made into a dimensionally compliant bolt-action single-shot pistol or a dimensionally compliant break-top/open single-shot pistol.

Because the firearm can never had been semi-auto prior to creation, you will most likely need to build your own upper, instead of buying an existing upper and modifying it. This is because existing uppers are typically test fired by the manufacturer as a semi-auto.

In addition to installing a non-detachable 0 round mag/sled*, the following must be done depending on the type of upper...

If the AR style pistol normally operates via direct impingement, then:
1. Do not install a gas tube.
2. Do not install a gas block or plug the gas block.
This makes it a straight pull bolt-action single-shot.

If the AR style pistol normally operates via gas-piston, then:
1. Do not install a gas piston.
2. Do not install a gas block or plug the gas block.
This makes it a straight pull bolt-action single-shot.

If the AR style pistol normally operates via blowback, then:
1. Install a dowel in the buffer tube, which prevents the buffer from moving.
This makes it a break-top/open single-shot.

The upper will also need a minimum 6" barrel length and the handgun will need a minimum 10.5" overall length.

*non-detachable 0 round mag/sled...
^Until 12-31-2016, a "bullet button" style maglock + 0 round mag/sled will comply with this requirement.
^Starting 01-01-2017, a 0 round mag/sled that can not be removed without disassembling the firearm's action or a solid magazine well will be needed to comply with this requirement.


Second issue... (keeping an AR style pistol CA legal under the new assault weapons laws)

Starting 01-01-2017, in order for it to be considered a fixed magazine, the magazine can not be removed without disassembling the firearm's action.

If a AR style pistol is semi-auto and utilizes a "bullet button" style maglock, then it will be considered an assault weapon.

In order to make it legal, one of the following options must be done before 01-01-2018:
A. Register it as an assault weapon.
B. Replace the "bullet button" maglock with a maglock that does not allow the magazine to be removed without disassembling the firearm's action. (example... ARMagLock & BB Reloaded)
C. Install a fixed 10 round magazine that can not be removed without disassembling the firearm's action. (example... Franklin Armory DFM)
D. Take it out-of-state for storage or to be transferred through an out-of-state FFL dealer.
E. Surrendered to law enforcement for destruction.


Third issue... (required markings)

In order to register it or transfer it, it must be properly engraved/marked.

Markings must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch.
Markings must use Roman letters (A, B, C, etc.) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc).

Markings must include:
1) Serial Numbers (can not be just a name, must contain numerals)
2) Model
3) Caliber
4) Manufacturer's name
5) City & State where the Manufacturer is located

Since you made the receiver, you are the manufacturer.
So, your name (first & last) and city/state needs to be engraved on it.

If you do not properly mark/engrave the firearm before 07-01-2018, then you must apply to CA DOJ BOF for the required markings for home built firearms. [PC 29180(b)]

Starting 01-01-2019, possession of a home built firearm without identifying information will be illegal. [PC 29180(f)]

In addition, it will also be illegal to transfer home built firearms, unless it is to surrender them to law enforcement. [PC 29180(d)]

[funkytech99]

Great summary. Thanks, Quiet.

[Freeze]

...
Markings must include:
1) Serial Numbers (can not be just a name, must contain numerals)
2) Model
3) Caliber
4) Manufacturer's name
5) City & State where the Manufacturer is located
...

Thanks Quiet. One question.
Can the caliber be: "Multi"?

[Quiet]

Thanks Quiet. One question.
Can the caliber be: "Multi"?

Unknown.

However, recently CA DOJ has rejected "multi" as caliber and is requesting the caliber the firearm is currently chambered in.

[Freeze]

Unknown.

However, recently CA DOJ has rejected "multi" as caliber and is requesting the caliber the firearm is currently chambered in.

Thanks Quiet. I guess it doesn't really matter anyway as calipers can change but starting life as a 22 and having that as the caliber is no big deal.

[Junkie]

A related question: the new AWB requires possession by the end of this year in order to register, and then registration by the end of next year. If I want to register a homebuild as an AW, does that mean I need to VolReg by the end of this year?

[Quiet]

A related question: the new AWB requires possession by the end of this year in order to register, and then registration by the end of next year. If I want to register a homebuild as an AW, does that mean I need to VolReg by the end of this year?

Unknown at this time.

CA DOJ BOF is still developing the regulations and registration process for the new assault weapons laws that go into effect on 01-01-2017.

[Jimi Jah]

TBD.

[Junkie]

Other than a VolReg done before the end of this year I'm not sure how you could demonstrate that you had a homebuild by then. Then again, I imagine they'd like people to not manage to register them...

[gobuchul74]

Thanks for the summary, this is exactly the information I've been looking for.

Just to be certain, for an AR pistol, I am not required to pin/weld the muzzle device, correct?

[Quiet]

Thanks for the summary, this is exactly the information I've been looking for.

Just to be certain, for an AR pistol, I am not required to pin/weld the muzzle device, correct?

In order to be CA legal, AR style pistols must utilize a fixed 10 or less round magazine.

Because they use a fixed magazine, it can legally have a threaded barrel.
(muzzle device does not have to be permanently attached)

[desertjosh]

Tagged for the future. Great stuff Quiet! Thanks for taking the time

[Hippoyell]

I have an AR15 rifle, registered and all that good stuff. I'd like to ARmagLock it to keep it from being registered, BUT I have an 80% lower I'd like to machine to be a RAW so that I don't have to use that bull**** new feature, but let my family keep my AR after my death or sell if I/they decide to later.

I can do this all with JUST the 80% lower machined, registered, then all the parts swapped over and registered as AW, right?

I would also be interested in doing the same with an AR pistol. 2 lowers (both from 80%ers for this one though), one RAW and one ARmagLock.

Does this sound legit, or will this not work?