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I know this would generally be better suited for the 2A forum or maybe the Gunsmithing forum, however, the question being debated is this: I mentioned to a friend my intent to (eventually) get the rest of the necessary pieces needed to "roll my own" AK type rifle from a pre-cut flat (I have a bending jig, so far). He claims a "cop friend" told him that it's flat out illegal to build an AK from a flat unless you're "licensed to manufacture guns", i.e. an FFL07. Period.
Now, being as how Calguns has a fairly large number of active and retired LEOs participating in the forums, many of whom I'm sure have at one point or another at least skimmed over the numerous AK build party threads, coupled with a remarkable lack of warnings by "The Right People" to not engage in such activities, leads me to believe that whomever my acquaintance is getting his info from is either misinformed, or misunderstanding the law. He did also mention that his LEO friend was also his FFL of choice, so there might be some bias there to protect business interests.
The crux of my argument is this: if a non-prohibited individual who is not an FFL07, purchases a flat, parts kit, magazine lock/"bullet button", and other ancillary parts to assemble a functional semi-automatic AK pattern longarm that complies with the CA AWB features list (i.e. has a pistol grip, is 30" long or more in it's shortest configuration, and is equipped with a magazine release that requires a tool to actuate) and does all the assembly procedures themselves, possibly with the oversight, guidance and intermittent assistance of a more experienced individual to ensure they perform said steps correctly and safely, and permanently engraves a manufacturers name and serial number of their choosing per BATFE guidelines (appropriate font size and marking depth) on the receiver, that this person has not committed a felony, misdemeanor or infraction of any kind, and is now the lawful possessor of a semi-automatic centerfire long arm for their own personal use.
If the preceding paragraph is true, what case law cites or penal code cites would I need to cite to back my argument? Or which PC/case law should I ask his source to cite as his basis of claiming illegality? I'm operating on the assumption that his source is well meaning but uninformed or under-informed in this area of law.
The friend is a good guy, very knowledgeable about metalworking, black smithing, machining and such, and something of a closet gunny. I'd like to bring him the equivalent of the 10 commandments to let him review on his own to show him that his LEO friend has been feeding him FUD, and maybe even educate his friend too.
Now, being as how Calguns has a fairly large number of active and retired LEOs participating in the forums, many of whom I'm sure have at one point or another at least skimmed over the numerous AK build party threads, coupled with a remarkable lack of warnings by "The Right People" to not engage in such activities, leads me to believe that whomever my acquaintance is getting his info from is either misinformed, or misunderstanding the law. He did also mention that his LEO friend was also his FFL of choice, so there might be some bias there to protect business interests.
The crux of my argument is this: if a non-prohibited individual who is not an FFL07, purchases a flat, parts kit, magazine lock/"bullet button", and other ancillary parts to assemble a functional semi-automatic AK pattern longarm that complies with the CA AWB features list (i.e. has a pistol grip, is 30" long or more in it's shortest configuration, and is equipped with a magazine release that requires a tool to actuate) and does all the assembly procedures themselves, possibly with the oversight, guidance and intermittent assistance of a more experienced individual to ensure they perform said steps correctly and safely, and permanently engraves a manufacturers name and serial number of their choosing per BATFE guidelines (appropriate font size and marking depth) on the receiver, that this person has not committed a felony, misdemeanor or infraction of any kind, and is now the lawful possessor of a semi-automatic centerfire long arm for their own personal use.
If the preceding paragraph is true, what case law cites or penal code cites would I need to cite to back my argument? Or which PC/case law should I ask his source to cite as his basis of claiming illegality? I'm operating on the assumption that his source is well meaning but uninformed or under-informed in this area of law.
The friend is a good guy, very knowledgeable about metalworking, black smithing, machining and such, and something of a closet gunny. I'd like to bring him the equivalent of the 10 commandments to let him review on his own to show him that his LEO friend has been feeding him FUD, and maybe even educate his friend too.
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