AK Pistol barrel threads?

[CalGunPro]

So I got this gun and I am changing some parts on it. As of now it has the thread protector you see on the image above. The thread protector was welded by manufacturer.

That raises a question of why would the weld it in a first place. My guess is because it is illegal to have threaded pistol barrels in Cali. Now if I want to change to an actual muzzle device does it mean that as soon as I take off the weld I'll be in possession of an illegal threaded barrel?

If so, then does that mean my only option is to ship this gun with a muzzle device to a gunsmith? Or am I not getting something right, or there is some kind of detail I am not aware of?

Thanks!

[CalGunPro]

AK Pistol + 4 Piece Flash Hider

http://ak-builder.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30405

Hello again.
I was wondering if this is legal on an AK pistol.
All manufacturers I found making this type of muzzle device mention "flash hider" like in a link above.

Yet, I saw people on the range with similar type of muzzle devices. Perhaps some is some kind of exemption or something I am not aware of?

Thanks.

[rromeo]

An AK pistol in California must have a magazine lock, therefore there is no detachable magazine, therefore a threaded barrel is legal

[CalGunPro]

Nice. Is there something I can print out as far as laws that says that?

[rromeo]

Look up the CA assault weapon guide and the flowchart for handguns

[dekul34]

if you had a detachable mag outside the pistol grip then the threads would be moot anyway, since you have a fixed mag your firearm is not restricted by features

[dekul34]

Irrelevant,
AK pistols are not restricted from having flash hiders since they have a fixed magazine... you cannot make a featureless AK pistol since the magazine is outside the pistol grip.

[CalGunPro]

So does it mean that once I put the new muzzle device I won't need to weld it? My question now is why would the manufacturer weld it then? Sounds like an extra step they have to take.

[dekul34]

So does it mean that once I put the new muzzle device I won't need to weld it? My question now is why would the manufacturer weld it then? Sounds like an extra step they have to take.

Depends, some guns if they are importing it complete they have to weld to stay within 'sporting purpose' or some such bs for import. I've seen alot of century arms guns and even seen parts kits with no receiver that have a welded muzzle device though its usually just a tack weld.

[rromeo]

It may be for New York or something. Or maybe the manufacturer likes to be sure.