Posted: 10/14/2016 7:20:54 PM EDT
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From all information available, flash suppressors constitute an "evil feature" but a muzzle break or thread protector do not.
I cannot find a reference prohibiting a threaded muzzle as pertaining to semi-auto rifles and carbines. Does anybody out there have information to the contrary? |
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I don't see threaded barrel in the DOJ assault weapon guide. Generic Characteristics Defining Assault Weapons: 12276.1 (a) Notwithstanding Penal Code section 12276, "assault weapon” shall also mean the following: Rifles (1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (B) A thumbhole stock. (C) A folding or telescoping stock. (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. (E) A flash suppressor. (F) A forward pistol grip. (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches. Note: Bayonets and bayonet lugs are not assault weapon characteristics under California law. |
| In terms of muzzle devices, only flash suppressors and grenade spigots are prohibited from use on detachable magazine firearms. I forget if CA had standards whereby if a device not designed to be a flash suppressor still reduced the flash, that that made it a flash suppressor. Sound suppressors are regulated separately. Grenade spigots that serve no other function are considered DDs here, and are regulated if over 0.6 inches in external diametre. |
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While it can change at any time, the last i heard was CA DOJ defers to the BATFE in regards to this. That's why some manufacturers will explicitly state that the BATFE has determined it to be one or the other. When there is no determination, it's primary designed function is what it is. If it happens to do other things as well, that's irrelevant. The only exception is if it moderates the sound, at which point it becomes a suppressor regardless of its primary function.
The original law was written to prohibit flash suppressors that would conceal the position of a sniper. As stupid as that sounds, that was its intent. Threads, brakes, compensators, etc don't conceal the position of a sniper and are therefore not regulated. |
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Inquiries directed to either agency were as usual an exercise in futility, but all printed information seems to indicate that
the only modifications needed for fixed-stock AKs or ARs would be a muzzle thread protector and a Kydex "fin" for the pistol grip or something like a MONSTERMAN grip to make the rifle "featureless" and therefor not an AW by definition requiring registration. Does this seem like a reasonable conclusion? |
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A fin or Monster Man grip if the grip remains or NO grip at all is also acceptable.
For the muzzle, anything EXCEPT a flash suppressor. It doesn't need to be a thread protector. Exposed bare barrel, threads, thread protector, or muzzle brake/compensator would all be acceptable. |
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Quoted:
I don't see threaded barrel in the DOJ assault weapon guide. Generic Characteristics Defining Assault Weapons:12276.1 (a) Notwithstanding Penal Code section 12276, "assault weapon” shall also mean the following: Rifles(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one ofthe following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (B) A thumbhole stock. (C) A folding or telescoping stock. (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. (E) A flash suppressor. (F) A forward pistol grip. (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches. Note: Bayonets and bayonet lugs are not assault weapon characteristics under California law. Do we have to go with fixed stocks? |
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Quoted:
Do we have to go with fixed stocks? Quoted:
Quoted:
I don't see threaded barrel in the DOJ assault weapon guide. Generic Characteristics Defining Assault Weapons:12276.1 (a) Notwithstanding Penal Code section 12276, "assault weapon” shall also mean the following: Rifles(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one ofthe following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (B) A thumbhole stock. (C) A folding or telescoping stock. (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. (E) A flash suppressor. (F) A forward pistol grip. (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches. Note: Bayonets and bayonet lugs are not assault weapon characteristics under California law. Do we have to go with fixed stocks? That depends. Bullet button no, RAW no, featureless yes. |
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Quoted:
That depends. Bullet button no, RAW no, featureless yes. Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I don't see threaded barrel in the DOJ assault weapon guide. Generic Characteristics Defining Assault Weapons:12276.1 (a) Notwithstanding Penal Code section 12276, "assault weapon” shall also mean the following: Rifles(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one ofthe following: (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon. (B) A thumbhole stock. (C) A folding or telescoping stock. (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. (E) A flash suppressor. (F) A forward pistol grip. (2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10rounds. (3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches. Note: Bayonets and bayonet lugs are not assault weapon characteristics under California law. Do we have to go with fixed stocks? That depends. Bullet button no, RAW no, featureless yes. Great info. To me, the pistol grip is the hardest feature to remedy with acceptable esthetically pleasing results. I have seen the "fin" solution, and find it difficult to see that as a passable solution to the powers that be. |