"A .22 rifle is an AW if the receiver is registered with the state as one."

I read this in a thread over in the California Hometown forum:
www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=8&f=11&t=218014

Are the West Coast brothers getting too much sun, or do our stringent laws apply to Centerfire rifles only?

No.
.22's that meet the assault weapon criteria are still considered assault weapons.

An example is the Marlin Model 60.
It is tube loaded. if the tube can take over 15 rounds (the older guns can) then you have an assault weapon. You will be prosecuted the same as if you had an automatic AK47 with a 30 round mag.
The cure is to buy from Marlin a tube that is crimped so that it only takes under 15 rounds.

NJ does not care if the gun is a .22 or a 7.62. A gun is a gun is a gun in this crazy state. Ever try to purchase a BB gun??? Enough said...

RW3