What Rifles are Illegal in California?
California is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the United States. In 2016, the state passed a law that banned the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic rifles, commonly referred to as "assault weapons." This law, known as AB 395, expanded on a previous law passed in 1989 that banned the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines.
What is an Assault Weapon?
Before we dive into the specific rifles that are illegal in California, it’s important to understand what is considered an assault weapon. According to California law, an assault weapon is any semi-automatic rifle that meets certain criteria, including:
- Has a detachable magazine
- Has a pistol grip
- Has a folding or collapsible stock
- Has a flash suppressor or threaded barrel
- Has a muzzle brake or silencer
- Has a grenade launcher or rocket launcher
Illegal Rifles in California
The following rifles are illegal in California:
- AR-15 rifles with detachable magazines: Any AR-15 rifle with a detachable magazine is considered an assault weapon and is illegal in California.
- AK-47 rifles with detachable magazines: Like AR-15 rifles, AK-47 rifles with detachable magazines are considered assault weapons and are illegal in California.
- Other semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines: Any semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine that is not specifically exempted by California law is considered an assault weapon and is illegal in California.
Exemptions
Not all semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines are illegal in California. The following exemptions apply:
- Rifles with fixed magazines: Rifles with fixed magazines, meaning the magazine is permanently attached to the rifle, are not considered assault weapons and are legal in California.
- Rifles with grandfathered status: Rifles that were legally owned in California prior to the passage of AB 395 in 2016 are exempt from the new law and are still legal to own and possess.
- Rifles specifically exempted by law: Certain rifles, such as the Ruger Mini-14 and the Heckler & Koch HK91, are specifically exempted from the assault weapon ban by California law.
Other Prohibited Rifles
In addition to assault weapons, California also prohibits the sale and possession of certain other types of rifles, including:
- Short-barreled rifles: Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches are prohibited in California.
- Rifles with threaded barrels: Rifles with threaded barrels are prohibited in California, unless the thread is for a muzzle brake or silencer.
- Rifles with folding or collapsible stocks: Rifles with folding or collapsible stocks are prohibited in California, unless the stock is specifically exempted by law.
Penalties for Illegal Rifles
Possessing or selling an illegal rifle in California can result in serious penalties, including:
- Fines: Up to $10,000
- Imprisonment: Up to 3 years
- Criminal charges: Possession of an illegal rifle can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.
Conclusion
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and the possession or sale of certain rifles is illegal. It’s important for gun owners and enthusiasts to understand what rifles are illegal in California and to ensure that they are in compliance with state law. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and to check with a qualified firearms dealer or attorney if you have any questions about the legality of a particular rifle.
