CA Legal AR on duty?

[center_x]

What do guys think about using a CA legal AR on duty?

What are the pros/cons of using one?

If I were to use one, what "device" would you recommend? (Ex.BB, mag lock, ect.)

[G-RAT!]

if you are LEO while on duty the BB law doesnt apply to you

[biochembruin]

I would recommend against it. Clearing malfunctions would be problematic with a magazine lock. Magazine changes under stress would be a challenge also, especially tactical reloads. If you're trying to get your department to allow you to use a California legal AR, you might as well go the extra mile and try to get an assault weapon letter.

[SByota]

Bad idea!!! I agree with the above. Get your brass to authorize you to purchase a RAW and carry that. If you are a LEO PM me you "offical" email and I will give you the details of how I did this exact thing at my department. My Colt 6940 rides with me on patrol every shift.

[tyrist]

NO pros

Tons of cons including basic loading/unloading, malfunction clearance, speed reloading, tactical reloading, and suppressive fire.

Using a mini 14 would be a better idea.

[18sam2011]

If you're having to use a CA legal AR for duty use I am guessing that your department does not issue rifles nor do they give letters.

If that's the case, I highly doubt that your department would authorize you to use a rifle on duty either. Remember, just because it's legal to carry, doesn't mean it is in accordance with YOUR department policy.

Always stay within policy when it comes to weaponry used in the performance of your duty. It's not worth losing your job.

[center_x]

Thanks all for your reply. The reason why I ask is because im a Level 1 reserve with a county department. I don't want to go to brass until im hired FT.

Yet again, thank you for everyones time.

[biochembruin]

I wouldn't imagine your command staff would allow you to use a California legal AR on duty regardless of your reserve or full time status. However, if they have a liberal shotgun policy, you may want to look into your policy regarding slug ammunition. At typical patrol distances, slugs have some distinct benefits, not the least of which is the ability to penetrate more intermediate barriers than an AR would, such as windshields.

[nobody33]

Yeah if your department won't give you one, or a letter, they are not going to let you carry one anyways. And if you get a letter you will have to buy a whole new rifle.

[Triad]

Huge liability.

[1911su16b870]

Whatever your department policy says! If your rifle is not in policy you are SOL if something goes down and wrong.

[Notorious]

Thanks all for your reply. The reason why I ask is because im a Level 1 reserve with a county department. I don't want to go to brass until im hired FT.

Yet again, thank you for everyones time.

Wait... Does your department allow for privately owned patrol rifles or not? If they do, then there is a policy on how you go about getting the letter from the brass. It doesn't matter how new you are as long as it is authorized and you follow the protocol in getting the letter signed off.

Now if reserves aren't allowed private rifles, then what are you doing anyway?

If reserves are allowed private rifles but they won't authorize a letter for you, then I would recommend something that is legal and can take detachable mags like the Mini-14 which is in use by the biggest County in CA. 2,300 deputies can't be wrong, can they?

I would not use a BB AR as a fighting gun unless it is the only only only functioning gun in the vicinity and only until I find a real AR.

[BigDogatPlay]

A mag locked rifle has no place in law enforcement use for all the reasons cited above. If you can use a privately owned rifle, but aren't blessed with the letter to be able to buy a featured gun, I'd also suggest a Mini-14 as Notorious mentions.

Utterly reliable and even with ten round mags it would be far superior to any mag locked gun.

[center_x]

Ive been told as long as I can pass qualification, id be able to use my CA Legal AR, but like everyone here, I was unsure about using a BB in the field.

I like the Mini's, they are great guns, but I didnt want to fork out more $$$ for another gun. I guess I cant have too many toys

Thanks all for your inputs.

[1911su16b870]

Fighting Rifle = Detachable Magazine. You have many 223/556 options here in CA.

SU16, Benelli MR1, featureless AR, Saiga, featureless AK, Mini 14.

The SU and MR1 even take AR magazines.