{"id":206745,"date":"2024-10-12T15:49:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-12T20:49:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=206745"},"modified":"2024-10-12T15:49:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-12T20:49:43","slug":"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"California&#8217;s Assault Weapons Laws&#8230;PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">14<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The idea of building your rifle used to seem like an impossibility.\u00a0 However,   that has changed with the advent of stripped lowers, complete uppers for sale, and the growing hobby-scape AR building.\u00a0 California has even seen this boon for its gun community \u2013 even in its legal landscape. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building an AR is a great way to learn more about the platform, and move from a casual enthusiast to a more informed and invested member of the gun community. It also can be a more economical way to get an AR in California.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-building-an-ar-in-california-lower-receiver\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Building an AR in California: Lower Receiver<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-stripped-lower-options\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Stripped Lower Options<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-legal-hoops-to-jump-through\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Legal Hoops To Jump Through<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-80-lowers\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">80% Lowers\u2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-california-bills\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">California Bills<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-registering-a-lower\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Registering A Lower<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-fixed-magazine-options\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Fixed Magazine Options:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-featureless-compliance-when-building-an-ar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">\u201cFeatureless\u201d Compliance When Building An AR<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-grips-for-building-an-ar\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Grips For Building An AR<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-your-stock\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Your Stock<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-flash-hider-to-muzzle-break\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Flash Hider to Muzzle Break<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-short-barrels-on-ar-and-ar-pistols\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Short Barrels on AR and AR Pistols\u2026<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-building-an-ar-conclusion\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" data-level=\"2\">Building An AR Conclusion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/building-1-1024x628.jpg\" alt=\"Tools and parts for building an AR\" class=\"wp-image-206746\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-an-ar-in-california-lower-receiver\">Building an AR in California: Lower Receiver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a serialized AR lower in California is perfectly legal.\u00a0 It would be like buying any other firearm in the state.\u00a0 Go to an FFL, pick out the AR lower of your heart\u2019s desire, and complete your paperwork.\u00a0 After your 10-day wait, as is normal for all firearms, you can pick up your lower and begin building it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two important things to know: this weapon will be registered to you, and when you build it out, it must comply with the law as discussed before.\u00a0 This means you will need to choose between the fixed magazine route or our featureless route.\u00a0 Also, AR pistols are in a somewhat grey area, so I would counsel against that.\u00a0 They are sold as single-shot weapons in the state, which you should be able to build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stripped-lower-options\">Stripped Lower Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick search showed that stripped lower can be found anywhere from $110 based on your wants.\u00a0 Buyers must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee, even if they ordered online.\u00a0 These will be purchased like any firearm with a background check, a 10-day wait, and registration.\u00a0 A complete parts kit for a rifle can be found for as low as $280 \u2013 $500 from makers such as Del-Ton, Palmetto State Armory, and Aero Precision to name a few. However, the buyer must purchase compliant parts to make it legal under California law. They can do this by making the weapon fire from a fixed magazine or by parts to make the weapon featureless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may think, well, I can buy my parts out of state and bring them in.\u00a0 Yes, you can do the upper parts.\u00a0 However, you cannot bring the serialized lower into the state without it being processed through a California FFL.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legal-hoops-to-jump-through\">Legal Hoops To Jump Through<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you, as a California Resident, buy an assault weapon out of state (if you even can\u2026) then you still must legally have it shipped into the state to an FFL.\u00a0 If you move into the state and have an AR-15, it must meet state law regarding assault weapons as described above and be registered with the state online through the CFARS system.\u00a0 It cannot come into the state as an Assault weapon.\u00a0 This will also include if you have one of the named \u201cassault weapons\u201d from the original 1989 ban, it cannot come in\u2026period.\u00a0 I know it does not necessarily make sense, but this is the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/building-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Tools for building an AR 15\" class=\"wp-image-206748\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Building an AR has become a very popular way for people to enter the AR landscape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-80-lowers\">80% Lowers\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some may want to build their own from an 80% lower with the thought it\u2019s kind of an \u201coff-grid\u201d firearm.&nbsp; However, the days of buying an 80% lower without a background check and serial number in California are gone.&nbsp; Period.&nbsp; There was a period when the 80% pistol and rifle frames were prevalent.&nbsp; However, when they started showing up in more and more numbers at crime scenes, the state outlawed them.&nbsp; Per ATF they said 30% of crime scene guns recovered were unserialized lowers.&nbsp; LAPD saw an increase in 300% of these weapons at crime scenes from 2017 to 2021.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of Jan 1, 2024, all firearms precursor parts (CA DOJ\u2019s name for an unfinished receiver) must be bought through an FFL.\u00a0 Then, you must apply to the CA DOJ for a serial number through their online system (called CFARS), where they will approve the creation of the serial number\/firearm.\u00a0 Starting on July 1, 2025, the FFL must complete a background check and forward the information of the sale like any other firearms sale.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will then be required to engrave the serial number assigned by the state on the receiver along with the caliber, model, and name because you\u2019re the manufacturer.&nbsp; The serial number will be registered to you, and this will also entail a background check through the DOJ.&nbsp; One important note, the 80% lower must get this serial number engraved before you begin any work on it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-california-bills\">California Bills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I reached out to the CA DOJ to get their opinion on 80% lowers directly from them.\u00a0 They directed me to California Penal Code sections 16531, 23920, and 30400, as well as California Assembly Bill AB1621.\u00a0 This defined 80% lowers, or \u201cfirearms precursor parts\u201d as \u201cany forging, casting, printing, extrusion, machined body or similar article that \u2026 may readily be completed, assembled or converted to be used as the frame or receiver of a functional firearm\u2026\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 Possession of an unserialized firearm is now a misdemeanor (23920(b) PC).\u00a0 The link to apply for a unique serial number is still in the California DOJ website, so this option still exists.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people bought 80% lowers in their heyday and built rifles and AR pistols with them.&nbsp; The ban on 80% or unserialized lowers was retroactive, so anyone owning one had to have a serial number permanently engraved and then register it by January 1, 2024, with photos of the gun sent to the California DOJ.&nbsp; Any unserialized lower now in the state of California that is part of a firearm makes possession of that gun a crime.&nbsp; If you still have one, I would strongly suggest conferring with legal counsel on how to legally dispose of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-registering-a-lower\">Registering A Lower<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who tried to register them had many struggles or issues with the DOJ website portal (CFARS) to register them.&nbsp; Others built guns that did not comply with the law which they tried to register, which generally earned them a visit from the DOJ.&nbsp; To my knowledge, no one was arrested, but they forfeited possession of the items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After researching this topic, it was very clear that there is still a lot of confusion.\u00a0 No companies sell the 80% lowers to California residents that I could find.\u00a0 I also could not find any stores that carried them.\u00a0 So while it may appear there is a pathway to purchase, serialize, register, and build out 80% lowers; in all practicality, it isn\u2019t a viable option that I could find.\u00a0 After speaking with multiple gun shops, no one sold them or believed they were legal anymore.\u00a0 Moreover, with the prevalence of fully legal complete or stripped lowers it seems like 80% lowers have had their day, but that\u2019s gone now.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fixed-magazine-options\">Fixed Magazine Options:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The CompMag as a fixed magazine option.\" class=\"wp-image-206749\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/compmag-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The CompMag allows a fixed magazine to be loaded through the gate on the side. (Photo Courtesy of CompMag)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the shooter that wants a rifle with all the standard features, then people should look to a fixed magazine setup where the receiver and frame must be opened\/parted to reload or remove the magazine.&nbsp; This is done in one of two basic ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the rifle is built with a truly fixed magazine.&nbsp; In these, the weapon can be broken open, and rounds loaded one at a time into the top of the magazine from an open receiver.&nbsp; Or, in the case of the Compmag, the magazine stays put as does the receiver.&nbsp; A small window on the side of the magazine is opened to load the rounds one at a time into the magazine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC_9162-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Loading the 10-Round Magazine from the open top of the receiver.\" class=\"wp-image-206758\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loading a fixed magazine can be done by opening the receiver and loading the magazine from the top.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, the builder incorporates a system like the Juggernaut Tactical Hellfighter or the AR Maglock. These systems allow the operator to replace the rear locking pin so the weapon\u2019s action is broken open to remove the magazine and reload.\u00a0 While this is happening, the gun cannot be fired.\u00a0 In essence, both systems allow the shooter to press the new receiver pin, which breaks the weapon ever so slightly.\u00a0 Once this happens, the magazine release can be used to eject the magazine.\u00a0 The shooter then reloads the weapon with a new magazine and closes the action where they can now fire.\u00a0 AR Maglock says their system makes AR\u2019s compliant in California, New York, and Illinois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-featureless-compliance-when-building-an-ar\">\u201cFeatureless\u201d Compliance When Building An AR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>OK\u2026so if you want to be featureless, you must build the rifle with none of the following features:\u00a0 a pistol grip that extends conspicuously below the action, a thumbhole stock, a folding or extending stock, a flare or grenade launcher, a muzzle flash hider, or a forward pistol grip.\u00a0 Most people don\u2019t put a grenade\/flare launcher, so you\u2019re left working with the other issues, which come down to the stock\/grip, flash hider, or a forward pistol grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grips-for-building-an-ar\">Grips For Building An AR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/grips-stocks-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Different option for California legal grips\" class=\"wp-image-206754\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There are several options to allow for the replacement of a conventional pistol grip. (On the gun, Sparrow Grip, Exile Machine &#8220;Hammerhead Grip (left), Juggernaut Tactical Grip (left).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>First off, for pistol grips, this was initially a sticky, and vague point that was difficult to define, until case law later codified it in California\u2019s Code of Regulations (CCR) and the Penal Code (PC 30515(a), CCR 11 \u00a75469(d)).&nbsp; The law states the grip cannot allow for the web of the hand to go below the top of the exposed part of the trigger.&nbsp; This definition has created a lot of innovation that allows for a grip that resembles a traditional rifle grip\u2026ish.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC_9163-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of legal AR Grip\" class=\"wp-image-206753\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For a &#8220;featureless&#8221; rifle grip. Using the Juggernaut Tactical Grip illustrates how the web of the gripping hand must be above the top of the exposed trigger.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The free market has adapted.\u00a0 The first I saw was the Exile Machine Hammerhead Grip.\u00a0 They have since gone by the wayside. Now, companies like Resurgent Arms, Sparrow Dynamics, and Juggernaut Tactical have created handgrips. These are compliant with California Law and allow for a serviceable grip.\u00a0 Upon a trip to Turner\u2019s Outdoorsman, I saw numerous guns outfitted with the Juggernaut tactical grip.\u00a0 These grips come back at an angle and keep the web of your hand above the exposed trigger as required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC_8978-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fin Style Grip\" class=\"wp-image-206751\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The most popular &#8220;featureless&#8221; grips tend to be the &#8220;fin grip&#8221; which forces the shooter to wrap their hand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-stock\">Your Stock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Then came Thordsen\u2019s FRS-15 stock.&nbsp; It replaces the stock and hand guard, creating an entire stock system that complies with California law.&nbsp; It may look a little different. Those who I&#8217;ve met at the range shooting them still swear by them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/photo-3a-pt-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Thordsen Stock\" class=\"wp-image-206728\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Thordsen Stock has taken the AR stock and taken it to a new level. It replaces both the grip and stock to make the gun California legal as far as the stock goes. (Photo Courtesy of Thordsen Customs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The other grip option this created was the \u201cfin-grip\u201d which does not allow the pistol grip to be held traditionally.&nbsp; Instead, the shooter must wrap their dominant hand around the front of the grip, including the thumb.&nbsp; As a lefty, for this is easier to access the safety, etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, the rifle stock must be fixed.&nbsp; This is a very easy solution.&nbsp; Most guns will either have their expandable stock permanently pinned.&nbsp; Others will elect to have a stock that is made as a fixed stock from the factory such as the CA version of the Sig M400 Tread.&nbsp; Strike Industries also sells a set of plugs that go into the locking holes of the buffer tube. These accomplish this without pinning the stock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"874\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC_9197-1024x874.jpg\" alt=\"Fixed AR Stock\" class=\"wp-image-206759\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fixed stock, like this Magpul, is essential for a featureless rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-flash-hider-to-muzzle-break\">Flash Hider to Muzzle Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"631\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/muzzle-devices-1024x631.jpg\" alt=\"Versions of Muzzle Breaks\" class=\"wp-image-206757\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These three muzzle devices are good examples of featureless rifles. (Left &#8211; Linear Compensator, Middle and Right &#8211; Muzzle Breaks)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Flash hiders can be replaced with any of the muzzle brakes available today, or a simple thread protector.&nbsp; California defines a \u201cflash hider\u201d as \u201cany device designed, intended, or that functions to perceptibly reduce or redirect muzzle flash from the shooter&#8217;s field of vision.&nbsp; (CCR 11 \u00a7 5469(b)).&nbsp; Muzzle breaks serve to redirect muzzle energy to reduce felt recoil.&nbsp; The flash hider is supposed to hide or reduce the muzzle flash of the weapon in firing by redirecting the blast energy from the round.&nbsp; Some of the common ones found are the old Vietnam-era bird cage or many of the 3-prong varieties.&nbsp; If you\u2019re unclear, most manufacturers will designate it as such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC_9145-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Side by Side Comparison\" class=\"wp-image-206760\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Muzzle Break (front) is legal for a featureless build, the Flash Hider (rear) like the traditional M16 Birdcage will turn your featureless build into an assault weapon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-short-barrels-on-ar-and-ar-pistols\">Short Barrels on AR and AR Pistols\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When building your ARs in California, remember that all rifles must have a barrel of no less than 16 inches and an overall length of no less than 26 inches.&nbsp; Possession of a short-barreled rifle in violation of either of these can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Expect the arrest to be made as a felony, so off you go to jail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some try to get around this by looking to AR pistols.&nbsp; From the get-go, let me say they are also heavily regulated.&nbsp; There are legally sold single-shot, 10-shot fixed magazines, or bolt-action AR-pistols.&nbsp; Manufacturers like Juggernaut Tactical and Fulton Armory continue to bring these options.&nbsp; Some may want a properly licensed FFL to build an AR Pistol, but it must be built on a lower that was never used for or registered as a rifle.&nbsp; From the get-go, it must be set up to be a pistol.&nbsp; Second, it must have a fixed magazine that holds no more than 10 rounds. It also must not have any of the assault weapon features mentioned before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-an-ar-conclusion\">Building An AR Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Building ARs is a booming business, even in California.&nbsp; It\u2019s an amazing way to learn the platform. There are many, many products out there. You can make everything from an economical modern sporting rifle to a top-tier rifle. It is incredibly important to keep up with the law here in the Golden State so yourself out of legal jeopardy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ PART 1: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/modern-sporting-rifles-in-the-golden-state-pt-1-ars-for-california-residents-and-those-in-other-restricted-states\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AR-15s For California Residents: Pt 1<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some may read this and find pause.\u00a0 You may want a long gun for defensive use, but not want to deal with the drama and ever-changing legal challenges for ARs or other so-called \u201cassault rifles\u201d.\u00a0 In my final installment, I\u2019ll be looking at other options for long guns for California.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"californias-assault-weapons-laws-part-ii-building-your-own-ar-in-california\" title=\"California's Assault Weapons Laws...PART II \u2013 Building An AR In California\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building an AR is a great way to learn more about the platform, and move from a casual enthusiast to a more informed and invested member of the gun 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