The family and I are headed out to California to visit extended family for Christmas.  A brother-in-law (also coming in from out of state) wants to get together for a Black Rifle showdown and shoot fest.

Here’s my question: Can I bring my Texas AR’s (30 rd mags and such) into the state and go shoot them without fear of my guns being confiscated and me getting thrown in jail for bringing them?

I don’t want to take any chances so I’d really like to get a knowledgeable response from some locals on this one.  Thanks.

You can bring the ARs as long as they aren't banned by name. You can find a ban list somewhere. You must install a bullet button in place of the magazine release.
You can not bring the 30rd mags.

This is from NRA-ILA's website. As I read it, you probably should  leave your Texas legal ARs at home

CALIFORNIA—Caution: California has an extensive state and local regulatory scheme over firearms and ammunition. With narrow exceptions, California law generally prohibits the transport or carrying in public (either in a vehicle or on one’s person) of concealed handguns, and the carrying of any loaded firearm. During transport a firearm must generally be unloaded and locked in the vehicle’s trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle other than the utility or glove compartment. Permits to carry concealed or loaded firearms are often difficult to get, particularly in urban areas.

Importation of so-called “assault weapons,” .50 BMG rifles, and magazines that hold over ten rounds is heavily regulated and generally prohibited. Possession of an “assault weapon” or .50 BMG rifle is prohibited unless the firearm is registered. Even registered “assault weapons” or .50 BMG rifles may only be transported to and from specified places for specified purposes. A person moving into California must first show “good cause” for a permit to bring these firearms into the state. Permits are rarely issued except for police or for entertainment productions. The general prohibitions on the importation and possession of “assault weapons” and .50 BMG rifles do not apply to nonresidents coming to California to compete at authorized sporting events at authorized venues. Preauthorization from the California Deptartment of Justice in Sacramento for any of these activities is required. For additional information call the Department of Justice Firearms Bureau at (916) 263-4887, or at www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/.

Found this list of "bad" ARs
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/infobuls/kaslist.pdf

As far as transporting them, the rifle must be unloaded, and *should* be locked while in a school zone, though that isn't a biggy, really.
Ammo can be in the same locked container, just not in the firearm.

Well we first need to know what your make and model is, as a few ARs are banned by name. For instance, most Colt, Bushmaster, and all DPMS ARs are banned by name. If your rifle isn't on the ban list, look into a Raddlock

Sounds like the family needs to travel and visit you.

You can transport your ARs there as long as they are Cali legal before entering the state. You need to check out Calguns for details or ask for help in the Cali hometown forum on this site.

Just temporarily install the radlock as stated above.  It installs in seconds, and you can reverse it back to normal when you get back to Texas.
Installing the radlock will keep the firearm from being considered an "assault weapon"
Then just get some 10 round mags and you will be good to go.

sorry, with all the texans badmouthing Ca, your not allowed to bring them here.

so glad i live in a free state.

i went through this when i was thinking of taking some of my stuff to kommiefornia to see a friend.  i said screw it, its too much trouble.

That's funny!  I had originally included a negative reference (calling it the People's Republic of California) but removed it before posting.  I was born and raised in So Cal and loved it.  The weather and scenery in my coastal hometown is unbeatable and I still love to visit but man the inmates are running the asylum.  

Thank you all for your great advice and opinions.  I think I’ll keep my black rifles in a red state for the holidays.  I agree with Mr. Heat Miser; the family needs to come visit me.

Probably a good idea.  Not really worth the hassle and trying to figure out the laws just for a couple days of shooting.  Having the family come visit you next time sounds like a good idea.

This sounds like your best option, given your lower is not on the ban list.