AW Registration Guide **3/18/2021 update: Registration may re-open soon**

[CandG]

This thread has a list of devices that can supposedly make one's rifle into a fixed-magazine type:

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1299090

Since DoJ does not "approve" devices or answer questions about whether a particular device meets the definition of fixed magazine, is it possible to force their hand by trying to register a rifle equipped with one of these devices? That is, if I want to know whether AR Maglock (say) is compliant as a fixed-magazine device, can I try to register a rifle with it, and if the DoJ rejects/accepts the registration, they thereby give an indication whether that device is compliant/noncompliant?

No, because you cannot register anything that has a fixed magazine. There isn't even an option to select that on the registration form.

The DOJ AW FAQ, while talking about the unrelated issue of de-registration, admits that it's fine to use "Patriot mag locks and similar devices" to avoid AW classification.

29. Can a firearms dealer install the patriot mag lock for a customer after January 1, 2017 as long as the owner stays with the firearm?

Yes; however, in order to install a patriot mag lock or similar device designed to fix the magazine in place, the deregistration process has to be started before any change to the magazine release is made. Refer to California Code of Regulations, title 11, division 5, chapter 39, article 2, section 5477(b) and (c) for details.

On the other hand, if you did try to register with a fixed-mag device on your gun, and they denied your registration because of it, then that's sort of a de facto admission that it's a compliant device. Don't know if it holds much water, legally, though.

[Dump1567]

Heads-up Manufacturer List Updated by DOJ

The DOJ has finally updated their list of manufacturers on the AW Registration drop down menu.

My three I had to list as "Custom Model" now have the actual manufacturer listed in the drop down menu (it wasn't there when I first registered).

I emailed the DOJ and requested "Incompletes" so I can actually update these with the correct info.

To check on a manufacturer, log into the CFARS website. Click on the link to register an AW. Scroll through the list of manufacturers to see if your's has been added. I'm sure they were waiting to compile as much info. as possible.

[CandG]

The DOJ has finally updated their list of manufacturers on the AW Registration drop down menu.

My three I had to list as "Custom Model" now have the actual manufacturer listed in the drop down menu (it wasn't there when I first registered).

I emailed the DOJ and requested "Incompletes" so I can actually update these with the correct info.

To check on a manufacturer, log into the CFARS website. Click on the link to register an AW. Scroll through the list of manufacturers to see if your's has been added. I'm sure they were waiting to compile as much info. as possible.

Crap, my Rhino Arms rifle still isn't a listed manufacturer

I think I'll register it at a different time than my other weapons, so it hopefully doesn't cause all dozen of my other firearms to also get held up for no reason.

Thanks for the heads up!

[Dump1567]

Crap, my Rhino Arms rifle still isn't a listed manufacturer

Thanks for the heads up though!

And you wanted to wait to register.

If you had registered 2 months ago, they could have added it to the list. Now they probably won't make anymore updates until the very end.

Send them an email via the "issue log" and ask them what they want you to put.

[CandG]

And you wanted to wait to register.

If you had registered 2 months ago, they could have added it to the list. Now they probably won't make anymore updates until the very end.

Send them an email via the "issue log" and ask them what they want you to put.

I'll try, but I'm not terribly worried... if I can't get that one registered in time then I won't lose any sleep, as long as all the rest go through without issue.

It's the AR in my avatar (which is actually silver in real life, the gold is just photoshop trickery). Just a goofy project gun, nothing I'd ever seriously use for regular shooting or defense or anything.

[Discogodfather]

It's the AR in my avatar (which is actually silver in real life, the gold is just photoshop trickery).

False advertising, I thought you were the man with the golden gun?

[CandG]

False advertising, I thought you were the man with the golden gun?

Still looking for a good gold-plating guy

It's my Raw RAW! http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1208653

[Dump1567]

I'll try, but I'm not terribly worried... if I can't get that one registered in time then I won't lose any sleep, as long as all the rest go through without issue.

It's the AR in my avatar (which is actually silver in real life, the gold is just photoshop trickery)

I don't think you'll have a problem. Just use "Custom Model" until they tell you what to use (add your manufacturer to the menu). I'm sure this registration process will go on at least 6 months past the dead line. As long as it gets in the system you should be good to go.

The problem will be for those that waited until the last minute. If they don't get an "incomplete" email from the DOJ (like some here reported) & something needs to be fixed, they only have 30 days to fix it. If they don't know it needs to be fixed and goes past 30 days, the registration will be cancelled. And if past the deadline, won't be able to re-submit. Or worse, possession on an unregistered AW. All because someone didn't get a DOJ email "incomplete" notice.

[auffie.hk]

No, because you cannot register anything that has a fixed magazine. There isn't even an option to select that on the registration form.

Ah, that was precisely the question I needed answered from the DOJ -- I don't know if my rifle's magazine catch mechanism is considered fixed. So say I attempt to register (without selecting the nonexistent fixed-magazine option), send the pictures, etc., and the registration gets rejected because the clerk who processed it says, "Hey, no bullet button here; it's a fixed magazine." As you said, it may or may not hold legal water, but at least it's something that can be argued.

I used AR Maglock as an example because there are some concerns that, since you can actually remove it using a hex key without "disassembling the action" in case you need to clear a malfunction. (Of course, it's stupid if you'd change magazine that way under normal conditions because it'd be faster to just open the upper than to use the hex key, but the letter of the law is there.)

The DOJ AW FAQ, while talking about the unrelated issue of de-registration, admits that it's fine to use "Patriot mag locks and similar devices" to avoid AW classification.



On the other hand, if you did try to register with a fixed-mag device on your gun, and they denied your registration because of it, then that's sort of a de facto admission that it's a compliant device. Don't know if it holds much water, legally, though.

Thanks for the pointer. I'll print out the FAQ and take it along with my lock-equipped rifle, if I choose the mag-lock option.

[solidfreshdope]

UPDATE to my wait: Today, after 68 days, I finally received email confirmation on my submission of two AW's for registration. One completed and notice of processing (rifle) and another needing "MAKE" added to the comments (pistol from 80%). I added my comment (with my First and last name as the make) and have resubmitted the form. Hopefully it is not another 60+ days.

[CandG]

UPDATE to my wait: Today, after 68 days, I finally received email confirmation on my submission of two AW's for registration. One completed and notice of processing (rifle) and another needing "MAKE" added to the comments (pistol from 80%). I added my comment (with my First and last name as the make) and have resubmitted the form. Hopefully it is not another 60+ days.

That's weird. Did you use "U S" as the make the first time you submitted?

[solidfreshdope]

That's weird. Did you use "U S" as the make the first time you submitted?

Yes I did... They required I then add "MAKE: (FIRST NAME) (LAST NAME)" to the comments section. (Which is weird for me as well, considering it is engraved on the gun.)

[solidfreshdope]

Yes I did... They required I then add "MAKE: (FIRST NAME) (LAST NAME)" to the comments section. (Which is weird for me as well, considering it is engraved on the gun.)

Admin Comment History
On 03/30/2018, Admin wrote: Good afternoon. Thank you for submitting your application. Please update your application to reflect the following for "Make": select "U S" from the drop down menu. Then in the comments section enter the "Make" approved on your serial number application (i.e. your FIRST & LAST NAME). Please add "Make" and your first & last name in comments.

I just started DROS on a long gun today as well through an FFL. The receiver manufacturer was not in their system, and they were required to do the same, by selecting "US" and placing the manufacturer name in the comments, as well, so I am guessing this is the way DOJ wants it done now.

[CandG]

Yes I did... They required I then add "MAKE: (FIRST NAME) (LAST NAME)" to the comments section. (Which is weird for me as well, considering it is engraved on the gun.)

And also, ya know, right there on the top of the application where it asks for your name these guys are idiots. Thanks for that heads up about this, I'll add it to the registration guide

[CandG]

I just started DROS on a long gun today as well through an FFL. The receiver manufacturer was not in their system, and they were required to do the same, by selecting "US" and placing the manufacturer name in the comments, as well, so I am guessing this is the way DOJ wants it done now.

Also good info. I'll have to do that with mine too. Will also add that info to the guide, thank you