Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
Many gun owners in California want an option for a defensive long gun. AR or AK platforms cause a lot of drama though. If the assault weapon bans touch it, many want to steer clear. In a state where many feel their state’s politicians treat you like a criminal for enjoying a constitutional right, you cannot blame them.
Table of contents
Read Part I: AR-15s For California Residents: Pt 1
Read Part II: California’s Assault Weapons Laws…PART II – Building An AR In California
So let’s be clear, for better or worse, California has the law screwed down pretty tight on Modern Sporting Rifles such as the AR-15. (Guns the state calls Assault Weapons.) California Residents may want to find another option. That way they can avoid the legal hurdles and risks of accidentally running afoul of the law. A more traditional rifle might be what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a semi-auto, you have growing options. These are generally traditionally styled rifles and don’t have the state’s perceived problematic features. They are, however, an effective alternative.
California Likes Semi-Autos
Ruger Mini
Ruger seems to lead the way in this category with rifles like their Mini-14. These guns have enjoyed some resurgence due to California’s laws. They are a much more traditional rifle from the get-go. As a general rule, they have none of the offending “features”. This seems to be less odious to the assault weapon ban crowd while still giving shooters an effective long gun in a solidly performing caliber.
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Newer models of the Mini 14 have enhanced accuracy that can approach closer to MOA levels. They also weigh in at around 7 lbs., making them in the AR ballpark for their ease of carry. All the ones I see for sale here wear the 18.5-inch barrel which is a little long. Even then, the gun’s overall length is 38 inches, only a few inches longer than typical AR-style carbines.
The Mini’s use a similar mechanism to the venerable M-1 Garand and M1A. This is a time-proven design, just ask anyone who shoots an older World War II-era rifle. It is easy to work on and operate, and they are very well made. They can be had in 5.56, 7.62 x 39, and I have heard there is a 300 Blackout version as well. These have become much more expensive (again our “sunshine tax” economy at work) in the $1100-$1200 plus price range.
Ruger PC Carbine
Another option from Ruger is their PC Carbine. It’s another big seller I see on gun store shelves. These 9mm take-down rifles are set up like a standard rifle and are much more economical when it comes to purchase price, at under $700, as well as ammunition cost. They are light, short, and can be stored in a backpack (in your CA-approved safe of course) due to their take-down setup. I see a lot of these at the range, and the stores seem to run right through them. For a 9mm carbine, this might be a winner.
I’ll even go out on a limb and say that even a 10-22 can be used as a defensive weapon in a pinch. These venerable plinkers were a mainstay of many of our childhoods. We used them to shoot cans, and maybe squirrel hunt as kids. They are light, really have no recoil to speak of, and can be had for bargain prices. This may be the only gun you can afford. I’m not going to lie and say the .22 Long Rifle is some great man-stopper, but if this is what you have, or maybe it’s all the gun you can handle, then I suggest you “dance with the one you brought with you…”. Stoked with CCI’s 22 Mini Mags or their new Uppercut Defense you have some options for 2-legged threats.
Henry Homesteader
Another newcomer to this game is Henry Firearms. They introduced the Homesteader 9mm and it has a lot to offer. The rifle’s just over 6 and a half pounds and is just under 36 inches in length. That makes for a handy rifle that swings well and can handle tighter spaces. It also has a gorgeous traditional look with blued steel and wood furniture that many prefer. It essentially would fall into the “featureless” category of rifles (just like the Ruger PC Carbine above) so if you had legally purchased standard capacity magazines,
The M1A/M14 – Springfield Armory
Another potential option is the M1A from Springfield Armory. These may not be for everyone, as they are bigger and heavier than the rifles mentioned above. The California versions are set up with a muzzle break for state compliance, and, again, resemble a more standard rifle. These weapons are pricey, starting around $1800 here, are much heavier at around 8 ½ – 9 pounds than a lighter AR, and longer at over 44 inches. However, I do have to say they are outstanding rifles in their own right. The better option would be their Socom or Scout versions at 37-40 inches. But even these are just bigger rifles than an AR or Mini 14 that are heavier and harder to carry about.
One advantage is that they do shoot the potent 7.62 x 51 NATO / .308 Winchester which can be used for hunting if you need something for multiple uses. The weight of the M1 dampens that recoil, but it’s a big gun to use for anywhere indoors compared to other options. You have to deal with the penetration of the .308 in an indoor setting. Some caution is warranted.
The M1 Carbine
So going smaller, and maybe a little further back in time, the M1 Carbine is an excellent choice. Using the .30 Carbine round, this shorter, lightweight rifle is a great option…if you can find them. They were in the 35-inch range and weighed in at under 6 lbs. Inland Manufacturing makes a model, but they start at around $1500 MSRP, while Auto Ordnance makes one you can find at around $1100. Older surplus ones can come in prices that are all over the map, but go near the stratosphere without so much as blinking. This is again a traditional-looking rifle and can be used effectively as a defensive rifle. The paratrooper version with the pistol and folding stock, while attractive isn’t legal as it is considered an assault weapon by those characteristics.
The .30 Carbine isn’t as fast as the .223/5.56, but it still can send a 110-grain round out at just under 2000 feet per second per gundata.org which is nothing to sneeze at. Also, as a straight-walled cartridge it may be used as a light hunting cartridge in states with such rules…shockingly California doesn’t have such a law. (but let’s not give them any ideas…)
Adapted Bufferless AR Systems
There has been a lot of innovation lately that has created some AR-like rifles using traditional stocks. The Sig MCX Regulator or the CMMG Dissent both have bufferless lowers that will mate to their non-buffer uppers but are otherwise contoured like a standard rifle without a collapsible stock or pistol grip. I am not familiar with these as they are pretty new to the market here. These come in multiple calibers but lean towards the pricier side ranging from $1800-$2800+. Buyer beware, that the rifle must not have any of the state’s prohibited features added to it to keep it legal here.
Lever Gun Options For California
Huge Variety
Another option that many overlook is lever guns. However, there has been a huge resurgence in recent years. Yes, they are marginally less quick on repeat shots as a semi-auto but they are completely clear of any Assault Weapon restrictions. Models from Rossi, Henry, or Marlin are light, can be had in handy 16-inch barrel lengths, and shoot formidable calibers such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or even 45-70 if Sasquatch comes calling in the dark of night.
I did find that mine was a little ammo-dependent for point of aim and point of impact. I have a .357 Magnum Rossi 92 16-inch and out to 50 yards even .38 Special is dead on. At 100 yards the .357 Magnum is still hitting easily in the zero using my Burris red dot, but the .38 I’ve been using does hit a bit low.
Tactical Lever Guns
Henry, Rossi, and others are now making more “tactical” versions with dark furniture, and other enhancements. Ranger Point and Midwest Industries are making fore-ends and stocks that are set up with cartridge quivers and mounding setups for lights, etc. These guns can be had anywhere from $500 or above if you’re willing to look at used ones. Henry also makes a couple of 5.56 lever guns in their Long Ranger lineup. These are magazine-fed lever guns that can use the 5.56 NATO round.
In full disclosure, I prefer the lever gun to even my semi-auto’s. I can shoot them relatively quickly, and keep shots on target. My 16-inch Rossi 92 is a well-balanced and accurate rifle. The wood furniture with the deep blued steel feels a bit nostalgic for me and doesn’t leave me feeling under-armed. With Ruger’s new reintroduction of the Marlin line, there are a lot of really good options out there. I’m hoping for a stainless Marlin 336 in .30-.30 is in my future someday…
Bolt Guns For You California Residents
OK, now a bolt gun is not what many think of as an alternative to a modern sporting rifle. However, some prefer the simplicity and accuracy of a bolt gun. Some will remember these were the guns we sent our men out to war with in WWI, and for some shooters, they aren’t a complete outlier for a defensive option. If the rifle needs to double as a hunting rig maybe this is for you.
While not as quick as a semi-auto, bolt guns can be pretty quick when you practice. As a southpaw I can never find a left-handed rifle in what I want, so I adapted to the right-handed guns. Using my support hand to quickly come back, work the bolt, then back is pretty quick, but works best when the gun is supported.
Ruger
Ruger has several compact and light actions that might fit the bill. One option for those who have the need for a 5.56 is the Ruger American Ranch Rifle. These bolt guns are light, reasonably priced, have a short 16” barrel, and with a scope mine gives me 2” groups consistently at 200 yards. They also use standard AR rifle mags. Ruger also has their Scout Rifle that is built on their time-proven Model 77 Action that is available in 5.56 or 7.62 NATO. It’s a bit heavier but is an extremely well-made rifle.
Mossberg
Mossberg also has their MVP rifles that are short, light, and come in 300 Blackout, 7.62 NATO, or 5.56 NATO. These are similar to the Ruger American Ranch and are also a great option if you’re looking for as bolt-gun option..
Shotguns In California
OK, so the final, and probably most obvious option we have here in. California to a modern sporting rifle is the shotgun. Since I was a young police recruit, the scattergun was a mainstay as a long gun…it was really all we had. Pump–action shotguns such as the Mossberg 500 or 590, and the Remington 870 are excellent, simple choices. For the recoil-sensitive shooter, they can go to a 20 gauge or a .410. There are a lot of semi-auto choices such as the Benelli, the Beretta, or others.
12-gauge shotguns, shooting slugs, can launch a 1-ounce slug downrange to devastating effect. Buckshot is also a great option for an indoor defense of your space, although not without its own risks.
On the positive side, these are often seen as hunting weapons, and especially the pump action shotgun seems to really be low on the priority of the state’s outlaw bandwagon. But on the downside, these are often heavy and produce a fair amount of recoil. I can only say if this is your potential option, try before you buy.
Big Guns In California
California has a well-deserved reputation for some of the strongest gun control laws in the United States. Even here, Golden State residents have found some ways to purchase and possess modern sporting rifles like the AR-15. Gun owners and the state have found an uneasy compromise for owning them, at least for now.
In California, our rifles may look different but still operate the same as other state’s rifles. Whether it’s a modification to remove “features” or going with a fixed magazine, there are ways to comply with the law and still own one.
READ MORE: California’s Assault Weapons Laws…PART II – Building An AR In California
Even then, there are alternatives for California residents if they want to get a more traditional-style rifle and avoid the issues of what some may call “assault weapons”. These, may not be as user-friendly as the modern sporting rifle, however, with training, this can be overcome. Lever actions and bolt guns also give more possibilities for someone who wants a utility for a defensive rifle. It’s always good to have options.
Conclusion
It’s extremely important to be aware of the California laws regarding “assault weapons” and related items such as standard capacity magazines for gun owners to stay on the right side of the law. To put it simply, I cannot emphasize how important it is not to try to push the envelope. All firearms here must go through dealers, and even still, the constant push towards ever-stronger gun control marches on here, and I am sure there will be more restrictions on these rifles until this legal battle gets some guidance from the Supreme Court. As these laws evolve, we will continue to adapt.
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Of course, the easiest option if you want an AR is to go down to your local FFL and buy a “featureless” rifle off the shelf, since it will assuredly comply with California law. The only time things might get dicey is if you build your own and haven’t read and and understood the regulations.