Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for California Legal AK47 Rifles

Californian AK47 owners must have strict state rules and ensure their weapons adhere to municipal ordinances. California has particular regulations for “assault weapons,” such as the California legal AK47, that limit features like folding stocks, pistol grips, and detachable magazines. 

Fortunately, producers now provide AK47s that comply with California law by making the necessary modifications. Additionally, AK47 owners may lawfully customize their rifles without compromising necessary functionality by adding features like grip wraps and magazine locks. 

This article will list important laws and characteristics that comply with California requirements to assist you in choosing an AK47 that satisfies those requirements. This will enable you to maintain legal compliance while enjoying dependable performance. 

Understanding Laws for California Legal AK47

California has among the strictest gun control laws in the nation when it comes to assault rifles. These rules use characteristics like collapsible stocks, detachable magazines, and pistol grips to determine what constitutes an “assault weapon.” In California, an AK47 must be modified to conform to a “featureless” construction or programmed to ignore specific lawfully owned features.

California-Compliant Features

A California legal AK47 is commonly available in two categories: featureless designs and fixed magazine variants, each meant to fulfill state rules on “assault weapons” but allowing for legal possession and usage.

• Featureless Builds: 

Specific “assault” characteristics that render these guns non-compliant have been altered. A featureless AK47, for example, would not have a telescopic stock, flash suppressor, or front pistol grip; instead, it frequently uses a fixed stock to prevent folding and a grip wrap to replace the pistol grip. Furthermore, muzzle devices are limited to conforming models that do not improve flash suppression or sound quality.

• Fixed Magazine Models: 

These AK47s have magazines that are fastened to the rifle, which means that removing them would require knocking down a portion of the weapon and frequently calls for the use of a tool. Because this fixed magazine design avoids the “detachable magazine” term that California rules consider incompatible with some rifles, it guarantees compliance. With any choice, California legal AK47 fans can lawfully and ethically possess an AK47 in California. 

Popular California-Compliant AK47 Models

Several manufacturers produce AK47 variants that adhere to California’s stringent gun regulations. Here are a few well-liked choices:

Century Arms VSKA California-Compliant: One of the strong AK-style rifles, the VSKA is renowned for its dependability and longevity. It features a featureless construction option and fixed magazine variants.

WASR-10 California Compliant: The WASR-10 is a traditional California Legal AK47 that performs well due to its compliance settings. It is a popular option among enthusiasts because of its fixed magazine and absence of limited features.

Zastava M70 CA Compliant: The AK47, manufactured in Serbia, is known for its precision, robust construction, and high-quality parts; California-compliant models have “featureless” variants and fixed magazines.

Modifying an AK47 for Compliance

Instead of purchasing a new weapon, you might be able to adapt your current AK47 to comply with California law. Typical changes include the following:

Adding a Magazine Lock: Installing a locking mechanism helps satisfy California’s fixed-magazine requirements by making it harder to remove the magazine. 

Using a Fin Grip: A legal solution to the pistol grip restriction is a fin grip or grip wrap, which stops the thumb from wrapping around the grip.

Replacing Stocks and Muzzle Devices: California-compliant AK47s frequently feature a fixed stock rather than an adjustable or collapsible stock, and they avoid flash hiders in favor of legal muzzle brakes.

Ammunition Restrictions and Capacity

California law limits guns to magazines that hold no more than ten bullets. Ensure the magazines on a California legal AK47 comply with California law before purchasing the weapon. 

Many complying AK47 versions include 10-round magazines, while others allow the purchase of compliance magazines separately.

Because magazines that do not comply with California’s stringent weapon laws are illegal, it is essential to confirm magazine capacity. By ensuring all magazines have a 10-round capacity, owners may lawfully enjoy their AK47 while complying with California’s firearm laws.

Registration and Permits

Check with local authorities or licensed dealers to confirm any updates to firearm registration requirements, especially for California legal AR15. Certain firearms, including assault-style rifles modified to comply with California’s registration requirements, must be registered with the Department of Justice. Knowing your rifle’s registration status is essential, particularly if you are modifying an existing model.

Accessories for California Legal AK47s

Even though California prohibits several attachments, you may still improve your legal AK47 with these upgrades:

• Optics: Red dot sights and scopes are unregulated and can increase target shooting accuracy.
• Rails and Handguards: California permits aftermarket rails and handguards, making improving your rifle’s ergonomics simple.
• Sling: A sling can enhance comfort and manageability, especially for prolonged carrying or field use. 

Where to Buy a California Legal AK47?

Californians can purchase compliant AK47s from several licensed firearm shops and internet merchants, such as:

• • Turner’s Outdoorsman: A respectable chain with a range of legal weapons and accessories situated in California.
  • Primary Arms and Palmetto State Armory provide AK47s and other California-compliant firearms for sale online, with the option to ship to authorized California dealers.

• WBT Guns: This company provides in-store and online services. Its skilled employees can help clients with modifications that comply with California law and advise on the state’s legal requirements for handgun ownership. 

Benefits of Owning a California-Compliant AK47

California-compliant AK47s, despite its drawbacks, provide several advantages for enthusiasts and sport shooters:

Accessible Off-Road Shooting and Recreation: Sport shooting is permitted in several of California’s isolated locations. 

Training and Skill Building: A compliant AK47 is a fantastic way to develop your handgun handling abilities safely and legally.

Historical Appreciation: Many people are attracted to the AK47’s historical importance, which can be recognized even in compliant forms.

Staying Informed on California Gun Laws

The California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Firearms, local gun shops, and online forums for California gun owners are all excellent places to stay informed about new developments in firearm regulations. Keeping abreast of these developments can help you stay in compliance.

Final Verdict 

Understanding the laws, models, and compatible characteristics is essential when selecting a legal AK47 in California. The alternatives offered, including California legal AR 15 magazines, provide a safe and lawful off-road shooting experience, whether buying a compliant model or adapting an existing rifle. When configured correctly, California-compliant AK47s combine performance, accessibility, and heritage while meeting state requirements.