Threaded barrels in CA

[tcsnake]

whats the deal with this law here in CA? can we simply not buy guns with threaded barrels, or is it ANY threaded barrel in general? like the EFK firedragon aftermarkets sold "barrel only".

Could I have the individual barrel in my safe and just not install it?

 

[PTK]

Threaded barrels are illegal to possess in CA, as far as I'm aware. It stinks, but there it is.

 

[Zoogster]

A threaded pistol barrel is legal by itself.

Threaded barrels on long guns are legal.

Installing a threaded barrel on a semi-auto pistol creates an illegal unregistered assault weapon (and you cannot legally register it.) A felony punishable by many years in state prison and fines.



Components that can create an "assault weapon" have been ruled not to constitute illegal possession of an "assault weapon".

So yes you may have it. You may not legally use it.
You may purchase and store all the threaded barrels you wish.

 

[tcsnake]

Thanks zoogster that was the general consensus from my friend who is a gunsmith as well. just checking every available source to make sure I don't get in any hot water.

 

[PTK]

A threaded pistol barrel is legal by itself.

Threaded barrels on long guns are legal.

Installing a threaded barrel on a semi-auto pistol creates an illegal unregistered assault weapon (and you cannot legally register it.) A felony punishable by many years in state prison and fines.



Components that can create an "assault weapon" have been ruled not to constitute illegal possession of an "assault weapon".

So yes you may have it. You may not legally use it.
You may purchase and store all the threaded barrels you wish.

Interesting info! I can pass this good news on to friends in CA. I'm glad I was wrong.

 

[Quiet]

In CA, thread barrels are only illegal when installed on semi-auto pistols that use detachable magazines.

Threaded barrel + semi-auto pistol + detachable magazine = illegal [PC 12276.1(a)(4)(A)]
Threaded barrel + semi-auto pistol + fixed magazine = legal
Threaded barrel + revolver = legal
Threaded barrel + single-shot pistol = legal
Threaded barrel + bolt-action pistol = legal
Threaded barrel + lever-action pistol = legal
Threaded barrel + semi-auto rifle = legal
Threaded barrel + bolt-action rifle = legal
Threaded barrel + lever-action rifle = legal
Threaded barrel + pump-action rifle = legal
Threaded barrel + single-shot rifle = legal
Threaded barrel + semi-auto shotgun = legal
Threaded barrel + pump-action shotgun = legal
Threaded barrel + lever-action shotgun = legal
Threaded barrel + single/double barrel shotgun = legal


Penal Code 12276.1
(a) Notwithstanding Section 12276, "assault weapon" shall also mean any of the following:
(1) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
(A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon.
(B) A thumbhole stock.
(C) A folding or telescoping stock.
(D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher.
(E) A flash suppressor.
(F) A forward pistol grip.
(2) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
(3) A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.
(4) A semiautomatic pistol that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine and any one of the following:
(A) A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer.
(B) A second handgrip.
(C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon without burning his or her hand, except a slide that encloses the barrel.
(D) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location outside of the pistol grip.
(5) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.
(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:
(A) A folding or telescoping stock.
(B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip.
(7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine.
(8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

 

[Zoogster]

Yes that is the specifics, though most semi-auto pistols have detachable magazines there is exceptions.


Have to keep in mind the less conventional designs.


You could also install a bullet button on a typical semi auto pistol so it takes a "tool" to remove the magazine creating a fixed magazine pistol under the law. Though I doubt most pistol rounds would be pointed enough to press a button your finger cannot, requiring another tool.

So plenty of legal uses, and not illegal to have even if the only pistol you have that can use it would be illegal to install it on in stock form.
You could even permanently screw on a small legal accessory (assuming it does not interfere with stripping the pistol like would often be the case) and weld it on so it no longer was "capable of accepting" an accessory not allowed. If the threads are "permanently" covered it is incapable of accepting anything.
You might need to redo the heat treatment on the barrel though after welding to avoid potential safety issues.

 

[Wolfsbane]

Just out of curiosity. What if a semi-auto pistol uses a threaded barrel to attach the barrel to the receiver? Does that make it a assault rifle?

 

[DamnLiberals]

Hey guys, I purchased a CA legal MPA 930 mini MAC 11 and the muzzle break is spot welded. I would like to install a different break but don't want to attempt if there are no threads on the barrell. Does anyone have any info on these CA models?

 

[Eagle Eyes]

Well the law if somewhat vage in that you COULD have a threaded barrel...... the only thing is that the THREADS could not make ANY existing flash suppressor or silencer be able to be screwed on.

So as long as you follow that rule it could be possible to be legal ........ the only problem would be if the LEO that checks your gun out might have a thread measuring device on him ...good luck on that.

BUT......

There is NO MENTION of a quick connect type coupling like on air hoses or a 90 degree twist lock connector........ hmmmmmm