Best rifle/carbine for non-military non-LEO California citizen

[Raystonn]

Some might call me crazy. I just want to make sure I'm prepared. I hope never to have to use it, except at a range.

What is the best rifle/carbine to keep for the possibility of something like a large-scale invasion to the contiguous U.S. by a foreign army? I need suggestions that don't require the construction of a weapon from parts (that would be beyond my skill), and is currently legal in California (not interested in breaking the law). I will also take suggestions on what might be better to own if California's AWB is eliminated, but please let me know it's not currently legal due to the AWB.

Thanks,
Raystonn

 

[yenchisks]

H&k 416. google it OK R should I say youtube it, Better.

 

[Vegaslaith]

I would say an M1 garand. Its the only self -loading rifle(that comes to mind) that doesn't feed from a detachable mag or have a pistol grip. Plus .30-06 is no joke.

 

[Raystonn]

Hmm. According to wiki:

A civilian variant of the HK416 was announced in 2007 known as the MR223. It is a semi-automatic rifle with several sporterized features. It is slated to be released in the third quarter of 2008. A similar sporting variant of the HK417 is also under development, designated MR308.

So you're recommending the MR308? It looks like that's not yet available, per the wiki quote.

I suppose since it's not yet out it might not be on the AWB list. Though some things are banned based on characteristics and not name. Any idea on California legality?

Thanks,
Raystonn

 

[Vegaslaith]

I'm from CA originally (Sacramento). Anything with a pistol grip, detachable magazine(regardless of capacity as of 2000) barrel shroud, forend grip, or flash hider is verboten. Based on that the M1 garand is all you're left with, really. Unless you like bolt actions.

 

[Raystonn]

Wow, that's pretty pathetic. The M1 Garand doesn't seem like a good urban weapon. There are no carbines that are legal to obtain in California currently?

-Raystonn

 

[Librarian]

Springfield M1A - only trick is to get one with a 'muzzle break' rather than a 'flash hider'. .308 is no joke, either. Restricted to 10-round mags.

So-called "Off List Lowers" are becoming available as complete weapons, so AR15 clones and AK47 clones can be had. There are "cautious behaviors" required - see Calguns.net for more detail.

M1 carbine is legal, with 10-round mags.

 

[Nate C.]

Springfield M1-A. Unless things have changed, it wasn't even referenced in the California 'assault weapons' lunacy.

 

[Matt-man]

The Ruger Mini-14 (except for the variant with the thumbhole stock) is fine here, as are the Kel-Tec SU-16A, B, and CA.

 

[Yosemite**Sam]

I second the mini-14. It's about the best thing going here in California.

 

[dvcrsn]

or the mini30

 

[Moonclip]

You could get a SKS as well.

 

[Raystonn]

I just read about the SIG 556 being legal in California. Opinions on SIG 556?

Thanks,
Raystonn

 

[bukijin]

sounds similar to here...

30-30 lever action
remington pump action patrol rifle in .308
milsurp bolt action. .303 anyone ?
garand, sks, mini 14 sound like great rifles to own also
scoped bolt action - eg .308

actually owning any centrefire rifle is better than having none

 

[everallm]

Robinson Arns XCR come in 3 California legal variants and in 5.56, 6.8SPC and 7.62x39 calibers

http://www.robarm.com/XCR_CA.htm

 

[spwenger]

In My Safe...

...there is a Winchester Trapper lever-action carbine, in .357 Magnum, which I refer to as my "California Assault Rifle." It is manually operated and feeds from a tubular, non-detachable magazine, which holds only nine rounds. While currently out of production, it was also offered in .44 Magnum. (I also have a sister version in .30-30 - more power, fewer rounds.) Similar carbines are currently available from other manufacturers.

Just as one is counseled to diversify an investment portfolio, I think it's a worthwhile hedge to own a few double-action revolvers and lever-action carbines, particularly if one lives in a jurisdiction that already restricts semi-automatic technology.

 

[eflatminor]

You can get an AR15 in CA

It either has to have something other than a pistol grip or a mag release that is locked down with a hex nut. I didn't like the 'non pistol grip' and can't recall with they call it, so I went with the latter.

 

[Goblin]

Of all the "carbines" mentioned, I think the SKS is the only one you can use stripper clips to re-load. That's a plus!!

 

[Mauserguy]

Get an AK-47. Most manufacturers are legal in California, you just can't install the pistol grip thereby keeping it under the evil feature list. Installing the pistol grip only takes thirty seconds, so you will be all set for the big invasion.
Mauserguy

PS: I'm a bolt action kind of guy, so I would probably rely on a Mauser if things got bad.

PPS: As a point in fact, the United States is being invaded. Our borders are wide open and unknown people are coming here from unkown points, mostly Mexico but some middle-easterners as well, with unkown intentions. I believe that we have already passed the point where we have lost our stability. Things don't look good.

 

[Gordon]

Get an M1-a , easy to have had GI mags before the ban, don't you?

 

[scott22]

Take a look at the Saiga's in 223 or 7.62x39, they are completely legal and can be converted to accept regular AK magazines with a little work.

I second you check out calguns.net

 

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

You can get an AR-15 or AK with a bullet button. It will allow you to have the evil features you want BUT you have to use a tip of a bullet to depress the mag release. If a 'foreign army invades the United States' in your Red Dawn wet dream, switch lowers.

H&K 416 is out since you still has to comply with the Roberti Roos list and SB-23, leaving you to do the same you would with a 'normal' AR.

Without doing any modifications:

-RAAC Saiga
-M1A (sans flash suppressor)
-Mini-14/30 (which cost too much for what you get)
-Any bolt action rifle
-Any .22

MILITARY SURPLUS
-FN-49
-SVT-40
-Hakim
-G43
-Any model of SKS except the 59/66 unless the grenade launcher has been made inert and Chinese Model D
-M1 Garand
-M1 Carbine

As mentioned, go to www.calguns.net and research. There's a lot of misinformation out on various gunboards (including this one) about our weapon laws.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

The M1 Garand doesn't seem like a good urban weapon.

Lightweight, no---but .06 is the king of the hill for a shoulder fired weapon.

When you're limited to 10 rounds, few weapons are going to give you more firepower. Plus, you can reload an en bloc faster than any mag fed weapon with practice (again, playing by Cali law rules here).

 

[Z-Michigan]

Mini-14 or Mini-30 are top picks - for now you can get cheaper ammo for the Mini-30 (such as Wolf), though that may not be true forever. Stock up on all the 10rd mags you can.

Robinson XCR in California legal flavor, with detachable mags and that silly looking megaman grip, would be a decent option. But it's twice the price and while ergos are probably great with a pistol grip, I suspect the Mini will have better ergos than the megaman grip. Haven't handled one though.

Pump shotguns and lever-action rifles/carbines are also great choices. In a lever gun I would probably choose a .357 or .44mag for your purposes, given the greater ammo capacity.

 

[cslinger]

M1A Scout Squad.
-Easy to mount optics
-Stone reliable
-Excellent cartridge
-Detachable magazines (10 rounds is nothing to scoff at)
-Short enough for ease of use
-Long enough for accuracy/power
-Wood stocked (less evil looking)
-Great ergos IMO (easy mag release, safety etc.)
-Self regulating gas system
-Makes a decent club if need be
-Fun to shoot
-Fun to own

I think the Scout Squad is about the best thing going in California.