I am just checking and I think they are illegal, but are any AR pistols legal in CA?

Sure.    

Why do you ask?

They are either CA Registered Assault Weapons or have a "non-detachable magazine" with no more than 10 rounds.

Here a post with lot's o' pics.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=110703

This one talks about an out-of-state visitor.
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=8&f=11&t=353319

This is a flowchart.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=157216


If you file a Form 1 with ATF and pay for the tax stamp, you can even make an AOW with a vertical fore-grip
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=82693.

Wow, how cal guns has grown... I was a member a long time ago and the place was good but slow.  Now look at all the good info!

So Russian American Armory Saigas are legal?

I totally want a shotgun!!!!!

the pistol looks really cool, but kinda looks like a pain in the ass?  Also no one seems to know exactly how it works.

Yes.

If you are talking about center-fire semi-auto rifles, check out the CA AW ID Flowchart at http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php.   You'll either need a "non-detachable" magazine (10 rounds max) or a "Monsterman/U15" feature-less build.  See the link for more info.  With AR's the consensus seems to be use Bullet Buttons.  For AK's, people seem to use RADLOCKS.

If you are talking about RAA Saiga-12 Shotguns, they are available as well.  They MUST have a "non-detachable" magazine.  There are several vendors that sell them with just the magazine locking method or converted to pistol grip, sights, etc by installing enough US-made parts to satisfy the the Federal 922 requirements.  In Nor Cal (PRK Arms, Bullseye).  Not sure about So Cal.  Cold War Shooters?  Just search for Henderson, Fedup and AlohaRover on Calguns.  http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=141543.  Just know they are EXPENSIVE.

Also check out forum.saiga-12.com and dinzagarms.com for good 922r compliance info, conversion info, and conversion parts.

A semi-automatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine is an "assault weapon" in California.

Saiga shotguns sold legally in California have been modified to require a "tool" to detach the magazine.

In addition to complying with California's assault weapons laws, you also have to comply with Federal law (922r) related to the importation of foreign "sporting" firearms. If you change out enough foreign parts with US made parts, you can use 10 round magazines in CA. See the 922r info on the sites above for more info.

Just remember you have to comply with both 922r and California's assault weapon laws.

In the case of a Saiga shotgun:
You can't have
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has BOTH of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.

(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.

Not sure what you mean.  To build?  To shoot?

Check out http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=122

It just seems like people are having trouble getting the off list pistol lowers...