Newbie trying to buy first AR15 (CA advice?)

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

neomedic

Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2006
Messages
7
I am totally new to rifles and have no gun experience in terms of AR15, AK, or any rifle (just some handguns and a Rem 870). I also live in California...so I'm very limited in options.

I tried to do as much research as I can and know that the following brands should be good in terms of reliability, function, and quality of build. But I want to hear from people who have been shooting for awhile and know first hand experience.

This is what I plan to get: DSA lower receiver with DPMS lower parts kit built by a local gun smith. And the reason I'm getting a DSA lower with DPMS lower kit is because that's what the local gun smith builds and I don't feel comfortable enough to built it myself. I will most likely get a Rock Rivers Flattop Upper Receiver. (total price is around $900 without any other accessories).

I plan to only using good ammo (probably only American Eagle / Federal) and will clean and oil after every time I take it to the range since I don't go shooting much.

Under all these circumstances, will this gun be reliable (meaning if I take it out of the closet, load it, I will hear a boom).

Thanks all!!!!!
 
This one that they are selling have a fixed 10rd mag via an allen screw that makes the mag release inoperatable. I have seen many people with these type shooting at a range and assume they are ok?!?!
 
Last edited:
Provided your gunsmith knows his business, you shouldn't have a (technical) problem. DSA and DPMS both have decent reputations. Besides, even though I managed it :eek: there's not much to mess up on a lower receiver build.

As to the legality.. I don't know, but honestly I'm dubious. If all that it would take to get the gun back to proper working order is removing the allen screw and putting in a mag release, it seems out of character for the CA DOJ to look kindly on it. As I recall, wasn't there a big dust up over having AR recievers imported earlier this year?

So far as what's legal, when I lived there (seven years ago, give or take?) I know they banned sale, not possession, of "assault weapons" -- so you could see a feller at the range right next to you with a rifle you couldn't legally buy anymore. I don't know if that's still the case, but I suspect it is.
 
I don't know anything about ar's but just make sure that you use an "off list" lower for your build. If the lower you use is listed as an assault weapon it won't matter how you build it,the gun will still be considered an assault weapon. Go here for info: http://www.calguns.net/. Mark
 
The legality should be fine, as long as the receiver is not listed. You can own what are called off-list AR-15s and AKs in California. There is a finite list of lowers you can get as a result, I am not sure if DSA is on the list. My gut assumption is that it is not, but you better double check that. When you actually build the rifle you have two options. The first is to build it with a fixed magazine. With this configuration you can put as many evil features that you want on the rifle. The second way to build the rifle is without a pistol grip, and without a flash suppressor. Buying a monsterman grip would be a good idea in this configuration. If you build the gun using the parts that you list, it should be reliable.
 
First go over to Calguns and view a few of the off list lower threads. You can purchase an internal 10rd mag lower from Fab 10 or others that avoids the capacity to accept language. The set screw mag fix that leave the lower with the capacity to accept is being challenged by DOJ. It is to long too post here. FAB 10 doesn't have the capacity to accept a detachable mag so it is not on the hit list now and likely won't be in the future. You have to open either one up to feed it anyway no difference there. The difference is the off list lower could be reversed if you move out the FAB 10 can't.
As to the fixed mag DSA. If your dealer and you are in California and the FFL/Gunsmith is comfortable with this arrangement go for it.
You will see from Calguns that there is a chance you will have wasted your money on an off list lower as DOJ is not taking this off list detachable thing to well. If you get an internal mag lower it will most likely stay legal.
You should build your own. It is easy and fun. A few simple tools and you are good to go.
Mine is a FAB 10 internal mag and it is reliable and fun. :)
 
Bslacker,

Do you have the link to calguns regarding the DOJ challenge??

"off list lower as DOJ is not taking this off list detachable thing to well" Do you mean that they don't like the allen screw thing to fix the mag...will they accept like a nut and bolt??? What is keyword to search this info on calguns???

Thanks
 
Oh cool.. glad to see I'm wrong and things aren't quite as horrific there as I'd thought.

So you can use AR-pattern recievers without permanent alteration, provided you use a fixed mag and/or wierd grip?
 
kaylee, if you use a "weird grip," you can run a detachable mag, BUT you cannot have a flash hider, collapsible stock, foregrip, or any other evil feature.

so, yes, it is quite horrific to be a firearms enthusiast in CA. :banghead: :D
 
As mentioned before, save the hassle and buy a CA legal Bushmaster. You remove the takedown pins and open up the receiver in order to load the 10 rd fixed magazine. You can have any other feature you want on it really.

I have personal experience with it, and it shoots great. My friend managed to get a 2.5MOA group at 100 yards and we weren't even taking our time. I just hate reloading it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
AR15 Striped Lowers / kits question
2
Replies
28
Views
1K
digdeep74
D
T
  • Locked
Colemantyler.com????
Replies
0
Views
381
TWBryan
T
J
  • Locked
Build or buy next AR15?
Replies
19
Views
787
GunNut
GunNut
A
  • Locked
Finished building my first AR15... Thanks, Uncle Sam!
Replies
9
Views
1K
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow
D
T
  • Locked
AR15 home-built accuracy/quality questions
2
Replies
40
Views
2K
Tarvis
T
Back
Top