What semi-auto rifle would you buy in Calif?

SpyGuy · September 12, 2001, 05:38 PM

I live in California and, thanks to the unconstitutional regulations in this state, cannot buy a so-called "assault" rifle.

So, I'm planning on going to a gun show this weekend in San Francisco and was thinking I might buy a semi-automatic rifle, probably in .223 caliber.

Can anyone recommend a rifle that is still "allowed" for mere citizens in California. I would prefer to know why you recommend the rifle rather than just telling me to buy this or that.

Thanks!

Dave3006 · September 12, 2001, 06:25 PM

Here are your choices (I too am living in captivity in occupied Kali):

1. Garand
2. M1A
3. Mini-14/30
4. Ruger PC9/PC4
5. SKS

My handsdown choice is the Garand. You can get 3 for the cost of an M1A. Don't discount the fact that it needs clips. In a battle rifle, clips are faster than box mags. The M1A is a good gun. The Garand is a better value. And, some of the M1As are pretty cheesy from Springfield.

In the others, it is a matter of minimizing the undesireable characteristics... The PC series shoot wimpy rounds that are marginally better than a handgun. The Mini is inaccurate and it is hard to find reliable magazines that are 10 rounds. The SKS is a weapon that I find hard to develop a lot of pride of ownership. However, it may be the best value.

That is your situation thanks to the socialist scum in Sacramento.

Dave

DougB · September 12, 2001, 06:31 PM

I also live in California, so I share your frustration. If you want a semi-automatic .223, the only option I can think of is a Ruger Mini-14 or Ranch Rifle. I recently bought a Stainless Ranch Rifle with a black plastic stock. If you want a handy and reliable rifle with an evil, "assault rifle" look in California - this is about as good as it gets. The blued finish is probably more military, but I like the look and durability of stainless. The Minis have a mediocre reputation for accuracy, but otherwise are nice little rifles. They cost around $450-$550.

Other options to consider, if you aren't stuck on .223 are:

- Mini-30 (Same as Mini-14, but in 7.62x39 caliber. This makes a lot of sense to me, since the Mini-14/30 rifles aren't especially accurate anyway, so why get the high-velocity .223. The 7.62x39 probably penetrates better and could be legally used for deer hunting if you wanted to). Around $450-$550.

- M1 Caribine. This is significantly lower powered than the above options. Nice, handy, historic (WWII and Korea), low-recoil rifles. There are lots of surplus magazines available for low cost in other states, but for a Californian, you'd be limited to 10-round magazines - I don't know how common they are. Around $450-$600.

- M1 Garand. This is a lot more powerful than the other rifles mentioned (it shoots the 30/06). It was the standard WWII U.S. rifle. Larger, longer, and heavier than the others. Uses 8-round "clips" that you insert from the top into a fixed magazine. About $500-$800.

- Springfield Armory M1A (various configurations). This is similar to the Garand, but shoots the .308 (just slightly less powerful than the Garand). It is similar to the Garand, but uses detachable box magazines. Original 20-round GI magazines are expensive and illegal in California. I'm not sure what 10-round mags go for. These are also expensive rifles. Around $1,200, depending on configuration.

- SKS. These are surplus rifles from former/current communist countries (Russia, China, Romania, etc.). They vary in price from around $400 (for a pristine Russian) to around $150 for a well-used Romanian. I ordered a nice one from G-U Wholesale a few months ago for $129.95 plus shipping and FFL fee. It was in very good shape - if you have a dealer you can order through, I'd give them a call. They shoot the same cartridge as the Mini-30.

- There are some FAL rifles avaiable that have their magazines permanently attached to make them legal. It is frustrating not to be able to use detachable magazines, but these rifles probably shoot fine and would certainly have the look and feel of a full-blown assault rifle. They also shoot the .308 (no doubt someone will point out that they really use the 7.62 NATO - which is virtually the same thing).

Maybe someone else will be able to think of some other options (l'll be intersted myself). Good luck. I'd get a Mini-14 or 30 AND and SKS.

Doug

ocabj · September 12, 2001, 06:32 PM

i already had a colt sporter pre-ban, but i wish i had bought some more before 1/1/2000. i just recently acquired a springfield m1a, fully loaded, wood with stainless barrel.

but of course, the m1a is .308. for .223, the only legal semi-auto you can acquire is a ruger mini-14.

Destructo6 · September 12, 2001, 06:36 PM

Semi auto .223: HK SL6; a little spendy but very nice and it won't depreciate. Mini14.

Battle rifles: M1A, normal capacities available, but since you already have some, that's not a factor. M1 Garand; an excellent choice.

Mithirium · September 12, 2001, 06:45 PM

IT depends if you want full size rifle or a carbine. If you want full size your limites to a M1Garand or M1A. If you want a lighter smaller gun go for the Mini14 or sks. Not that sks's are that much smaller. If you going to limit yourself to 223, Mini14 is pretty much it.

saands · September 12, 2001, 06:49 PM

As has already been said, the Garand is a good choice ... don't forget that it can be had in .308 and there is no reliability issue with the conversion.

SpyGuy · September 12, 2001, 07:16 PM

Destructo6, could you point me to more info about the HK SL6? I haven't heard about that one before. I am familiar with the HK SL8-1, but my guess is that that rifle is not allowed by the California socialists.

To everyone so far, thanks for the advice!

SpyGuy · September 12, 2001, 07:20 PM

Ok, I found it (sorry I didn't do a better search first).

Not exactly what I was picturing in my mind. Yes, the California pickings are very slim, aren't they...

johnAK · September 12, 2001, 07:41 PM

simple, join CMP, get a Garand,
if you have $$, buy M1A from springfield,
if you have more time than $$, then SKS is the heck of a rifle,

blades67 · September 12, 2001, 08:02 PM

I would get a Garand, but then I already have a Mini-14.

9mmepiphany · September 13, 2001, 12:46 PM

it was a horrible expierience trying to beat the assault rife cut-off date in CA. my wife is still finding where i'm hiding the guns, i HAD to get a fal, ar-15, m15, sar-1, sar-2 and saiga 20. i'm still trying to dig out from the debt.

back to the focus of your question:
1) unless you already have your mini 14/30, m-1 carbine or m1a mags...you'd actually be better off IMO loading with stripper clips
2) the garrand is a great rifle, the first semi-auto mil-supl i ever shot as a child, and a piece of history...strudy and accurate

but if you were looking at a .223 class cartridge, the 30-06 has quite a bit more recoil.

i think the sks might be the "best buy" in the CA market right now with the affordable initial cost, low cost of ammo (7.62x39mm), reliability, controlability (russian version of germany's original "assault rifle" cartridge), full mag capacity (10), and ability to load with stripper clips. you can also "top off" a sks with loose rounds, which you can't do with the garrand

you will also be able to afford to refurbish/refurnish the stock to your personal taste

Ledbetter · September 13, 2001, 01:07 PM

Although discontinued, you can still find the Marlin Camp Carbine in .45 ACP. It takes 1911 mags, which come in many capacities.

Also, isn't the Browning Auto Rifle series still available, as well as the Remington 7400? I know, not what you had in mind. Me either, but I think I may buy an SKS now, after reading this thread.

Regards.

September 12, 2001, 05:38 PM	#1
SpyGuy Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2001 Location: California Posts: 326	What semi-auto rifle would you buy in Calif? I live in California and, thanks to the unconstitutional regulations in this state, cannot buy a so-called "assault" rifle. So, I'm planning on going to a gun show this weekend in San Francisco and was thinking I might buy a semi-automatic rifle, probably in .223 caliber. Can anyone recommend a rifle that is still "allowed" for mere citizens in California. I would prefer to know why you recommend the rifle rather than just telling me to buy this or that. Thanks!

September 12, 2001, 06:45 PM	#6
Mithirium Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2001 Location: In the Foothills Posts: 345	IT depends if you want full size rifle or a carbine. If you want full size your limites to a M1Garand or M1A. If you want a lighter smaller gun go for the Mini14 or sks. Not that sks's are that much smaller. If you going to limit yourself to 223, Mini14 is pretty much it. __________________ Freedom requires the individual will to let others live as they would choose.

September 12, 2001, 07:20 PM	#9
SpyGuy Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2001 Location: California Posts: 326	HK SL6 Ok, I found it (sorry I didn't do a better search first). Not exactly what I was picturing in my mind. Yes, the California pickings are very slim, aren't they...

September 12, 2001, 08:02 PM	#11
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	I would get a Garand, but then I already have a Mini-14. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

September 13, 2001, 12:46 PM	#12
9mmepiphany Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2000 Location: northern california Posts: 1,092	it was a horrible expierience trying to beat the assault rife cut-off date in CA. my wife is still finding where i'm hiding the guns, i HAD to get a fal, ar-15, m15, sar-1, sar-2 and saiga 20. i'm still trying to dig out from the debt. back to the focus of your question: 1) unless you already have your mini 14/30, m-1 carbine or m1a mags...you'd actually be better off IMO loading with stripper clips 2) the garrand is a great rifle, the first semi-auto mil-supl i ever shot as a child, and a piece of history...strudy and accurate but if you were looking at a .223 class cartridge, the 30-06 has quite a bit more recoil. i think the sks might be the "best buy" in the CA market right now with the affordable initial cost, low cost of ammo (7.62x39mm), reliability, controlability (russian version of germany's original "assault rifle" cartridge), full mag capacity (10), and ability to load with stripper clips. you can also "top off" a sks with loose rounds, which you can't do with the garrand you will also be able to afford to refurbish/refurnish the stock to your personal taste __________________ the map is not the territory

September 12, 2001, 06:25 PM	#2
Dave3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 25, 2000 Location: Lake Forest, CA USA Posts: 493	Here are your choices (I too am living in captivity in occupied Kali): 1. Garand 2. M1A 3. Mini-14/30 4. Ruger PC9/PC4 5. SKS My handsdown choice is the Garand. You can get 3 for the cost of an M1A. Don't discount the fact that it needs clips. In a battle rifle, clips are faster than box mags. The M1A is a good gun. The Garand is a better value. And, some of the M1As are pretty cheesy from Springfield. In the others, it is a matter of minimizing the undesireable characteristics... The PC series shoot wimpy rounds that are marginally better than a handgun. The Mini is inaccurate and it is hard to find reliable magazines that are 10 rounds. The SKS is a weapon that I find hard to develop a lot of pride of ownership. However, it may be the best value. That is your situation thanks to the socialist scum in Sacramento. Dave

September 12, 2001, 06:31 PM	#3
DougB Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 1999 Posts: 838	I also live in California, so I share your frustration. If you want a semi-automatic .223, the only option I can think of is a Ruger Mini-14 or Ranch Rifle. I recently bought a Stainless Ranch Rifle with a black plastic stock. If you want a handy and reliable rifle with an evil, "assault rifle" look in California - this is about as good as it gets. The blued finish is probably more military, but I like the look and durability of stainless. The Minis have a mediocre reputation for accuracy, but otherwise are nice little rifles. They cost around $450-$550. Other options to consider, if you aren't stuck on .223 are: - Mini-30 (Same as Mini-14, but in 7.62x39 caliber. This makes a lot of sense to me, since the Mini-14/30 rifles aren't especially accurate anyway, so why get the high-velocity .223. The 7.62x39 probably penetrates better and could be legally used for deer hunting if you wanted to). Around $450-$550. - M1 Caribine. This is significantly lower powered than the above options. Nice, handy, historic (WWII and Korea), low-recoil rifles. There are lots of surplus magazines available for low cost in other states, but for a Californian, you'd be limited to 10-round magazines - I don't know how common they are. Around $450-$600. - M1 Garand. This is a lot more powerful than the other rifles mentioned (it shoots the 30/06). It was the standard WWII U.S. rifle. Larger, longer, and heavier than the others. Uses 8-round "clips" that you insert from the top into a fixed magazine. About $500-$800. - Springfield Armory M1A (various configurations). This is similar to the Garand, but shoots the .308 (just slightly less powerful than the Garand). It is similar to the Garand, but uses detachable box magazines. Original 20-round GI magazines are expensive and illegal in California. I'm not sure what 10-round mags go for. These are also expensive rifles. Around $1,200, depending on configuration. - SKS. These are surplus rifles from former/current communist countries (Russia, China, Romania, etc.). They vary in price from around $400 (for a pristine Russian) to around $150 for a well-used Romanian. I ordered a nice one from G-U Wholesale a few months ago for $129.95 plus shipping and FFL fee. It was in very good shape - if you have a dealer you can order through, I'd give them a call. They shoot the same cartridge as the Mini-30. - There are some FAL rifles avaiable that have their magazines permanently attached to make them legal. It is frustrating not to be able to use detachable magazines, but these rifles probably shoot fine and would certainly have the look and feel of a full-blown assault rifle. They also shoot the .308 (no doubt someone will point out that they really use the 7.62 NATO - which is virtually the same thing). Maybe someone else will be able to think of some other options (l'll be intersted myself). Good luck. I'd get a Mini-14 or 30 AND and SKS. Doug

September 12, 2001, 06:32 PM	#4
ocabj Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2000 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 205	i already had a colt sporter pre-ban, but i wish i had bought some more before 1/1/2000. i just recently acquired a springfield m1a, fully loaded, wood with stainless barrel. but of course, the m1a is .308. for .223, the only legal semi-auto you can acquire is a ruger mini-14.

September 12, 2001, 06:36 PM	#5
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 4,001	Semi auto .223: HK SL6; a little spendy but very nice and it won't depreciate. Mini14. Battle rifles: M1A, normal capacities available, but since you already have some, that's not a factor. M1 Garand; an excellent choice.

September 12, 2001, 06:49 PM	#7
saands Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 1999 Posts: 1,573	As has already been said, the Garand is a good choice ... don't forget that it can be had in .308 and there is no reliability issue with the conversion.

September 12, 2001, 07:16 PM	#8
SpyGuy Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2001 Location: California Posts: 326	Destructo6, could you point me to more info about the HK SL6? I haven't heard about that one before. I am familiar with the HK SL8-1, but my guess is that that rifle is not allowed by the California socialists. To everyone so far, thanks for the advice!

September 12, 2001, 07:41 PM	#10
johnAK Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2001 Location: somewhere orange county,CA Posts: 398	simple, join CMP, get a Garand, if you have $$, buy M1A from springfield, if you have more time than $$, then SKS is the heck of a rifle,

September 13, 2001, 01:07 PM	#13
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	A couple of others Although discontinued, you can still find the Marlin Camp Carbine in .45 ACP. It takes 1911 mags, which come in many capacities. Also, isn't the Browning Auto Rifle series still available, as well as the Remington 7400? I know, not what you had in mind. Me either, but I think I may buy an SKS now, after reading this thread. Regards.