Building an AR-15 in a Restricted State

Just because you live in a state that has restrictions on ARs, does not mean you can’t build one. That said, there are some things you will definitely want to be careful of. Building an AR-15 style rifle in a state with strict firearm laws is absolutely legal, but it is surprisingly easy to inadvertently create what the state classifies as an assault weapon. To avoid this, it is essential to spend time thoroughly researching the laws and understanding what is and isn’t legal before you start buying parts. Whether you’re a seasoned gunsmith or a DIY enthusiast, understanding and adhering to legal restrictions is crucial.

Disclaimer: While we’ve tried to be as thorough as possible, this article does not constitute legal counsel and may not accurately reflect the current legal and legislative situation in California or any other state. It is the responsibility of all law-abiding gun owners to be fully aware of and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The content presented here by Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo is based on the author’s personal experiences and perspectives at the time of writing.

This blog post will explore the key considerations and steps involved in Building an AR-15 style rifle in a restricted state. For this blog, we’ll use California, since that’s where Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo is located.

Understanding the AR-15 Platform

It makes sense to want an AR, but it also makes sense to understand the basics, if you don’t already know them. The AR-15 platform is renowned for its modularity and versatility. Originally designed by ArmaLite in the 1950s, this rifle has become one of the most popular firearms in the United States. Its modular design allows for easy customization, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. However, this same flexibility can create complications when building in states with strict regulations.

Some popular components of an AR-15 style rifle include:

• Upper receiver
• Lower receiver
• Barrel
• Muzzle device
• Bolt carrier group
• Trigger group
• Stock
• Pistol grip
• Handguard
• Magazine

Some of these components may be subject to specific regulations in restricted states. For example, there may be barrel length considerations if you are planning on building an AR-15. In fact, with the nationwide pistol brace drama, you need to be careful and stay informed about having anything shorter than 16″.

In some states, you cannot have a flash hider-type muzzle device. In these same states, you may also see restrictions on what type of pistol grip you can install, or what sized magazine you can use. It can be tricky, and this is why you really need to do your research before buying parts. What we don’t want is to have you unknowingly violate a law, or have you buy something that you are not to legally install on your rifle.

Researching State Laws

Again, the first and most critical step in building a compliant AR-15 style rifle is thoroughly researching your state’s laws. Firearm regulations can vary dramatically between states, and even between local jurisdictions within a state. Some key areas to investigate include:

• Assault weapon definitions
• Banned features
• Magazine capacity limits
• Registration requirements
• Background check procedures
• Licensing requirements

It’s essential to consult official state resources and consider seeking legal advice to ensure full understanding and compliance with all relevant laws. As you research, you might be like us and determine that the laws are written in a confusing way. It almost seems by design. As such, move slowly, and be smart. When in doubt, pause and seek guidance.

Building vs. Buying an AR-15

Building your own AR-15 offers the ultimate customization and control over the final product. However, it comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here are the key factors to weigh when deciding to build your AR-15:

Pros:

• Tailored to Your Needs: Building allows you to select every component, tailoring the firearm to your specific requirements and preferences. This level of customization ensures that the final product aligns precisely with your intended use and preferences.
• Potential Cost Savings: With careful part selection and patience for sales, building your AR-15 can sometimes cost less than purchasing a factory gun. Savvy builders often wait for sales or promotions to acquire components at a lower price, making the overall investment more budget-friendly.
• In-Depth Understanding: Assembling your firearm provides a deep understanding of the platform, enhancing your ability to maintain, modify, and troubleshoot it. This hands-on learning experience can significantly increase your knowledge and confidence with firearms.

Cons:

While this is a blog about building, we’d be negligent if we didn’t mention the cons of building an AR-15 in a restricted state. Frankly, if we were in your shoes, we’d lean towards avoiding the hassle and finding a pre-built AR.

Building an AR-15 in a restricted state can be a daunting and complex process, fraught with potential pitfalls. The research required to ensure compliance with state laws can be time-consuming and stressful. Mistakes during the build or misinterpretation of regulations can easily result in an illegal firearm, leading to serious legal consequences.

Additionally, sourcing compliant parts can be challenging and often more expensive than anticipated. For many enthusiasts, the stress and risk involved may outweigh the benefits. In such cases, purchasing a complete, factory-built compliant AR-15 might be a better option.

Common Restrictions and Compliance Solutions

As mentioned above, many restricted states have laws targeting specific features of AR-15 style rifles. Here are some common restrictions and potential compliance solutions:

• Pistol Grips: Some states ban pistol grips on rifles. Compliance options might include using a “fin grip” or other modified grip designs that change how the rifle is held.
• Adjustable Stocks: Telescoping or folding stocks are often restricted. Fixed stocks or stock modification kits can be used to comply with these laws.
• Flash Suppressors: These are commonly banned. Alternatives include muzzle brakes or compensators that don’t suppress flash.
• Detachable Magazines: Some states restrict detachable magazines, especially in combination with other features. Fixed magazine conversions may be necessary for compliance.
• Overall Length: Be aware of minimum overall length requirements, which may affect your choice of barrel and stock.
• Magazine Capacity: Many restricted states limit magazine capacity. Ensure you’re using compliant magazines.

Determining Parts and Kits

When building a compliant AR-15 style rifle, you may choose to start with a partial kit or acquire individual components. Consider the following:

• Lower Receiver: This is the serialized part considered the “firearm” by federal law. Ensure you’re acquiring this through proper channels. This is one of the most important things you can do, and you need to make sure you do this carefully.
• Compliance Kits: Some manufacturers offer state-specific compliance kits that include modified components to meet local laws.
• “80% Lowers”: Be extremely cautious with these. Many restricted states have specific laws regarding unserialized receivers. You’re going to be a lot better off doing research and getting yourself a proper registered lower reciever.
• Upper Assemblies: Pre-built upper assemblies can simplify the build process but ensure all components are compliant.
• Individual Components: Sourcing individual parts gives maximum control but requires more knowledge to ensure compliance.

Tools and Equipment

Building an AR-15 style rifle requires some specialized tools. This doesn’t change regardless if where you are building. While the exact needs may vary based on your build, common tools include:

• Armorer’s wrench
• Torque wrench
• Vise and vise blocks
• Punch set
• Hammer
• Allen wrench set
• Specialized tools for compliance modifications

Investing in Quality Tools: Investing in quality tools is essential, with an initial investment of approximately $500 for necessary equipment. These tools ensure proper assembly and reduce the risk of damage. While the initial cost may seem significant, high-quality tools improve the assembly process and contribute to the longevity and reliability of your firearm.

Technical Knowledge: Building your AR-15 also demands a fundamental understanding of various technical aspects. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as gas system lengths, barrel specifications, gas block sizing, and how they influence the overall function of the firearm. Additionally, ensure you know how to identify and address common assembly issues, which will enhance your ability to maintain, modify, and troubleshoot your firearm.

The Building Process: While we won’t provide a step-by-step guide, the general process of assembling an AR-15 style rifle involves:

• Assembling the lower receiver (including installing the trigger group, magazine release, and buffer tube)
• Attaching the stock or brace
• Installing the barrel and gas system
• Attaching the handguard
• Installing the bolt carrier group and charging handle
• Joining the upper and lower receivers

Throughout this process, pay close attention to how each component affects the rifle’s legal status in your state.

California Compliance: Featureless vs. Mag-Lock

Deciding between a featureless AR or one with a mag-lock is a personal choice and largely depends on your intended use, comfort preferences, and willingness to adapt to either system. Both configurations allow an AR-style rifle to be compliant with California’s strict firearms regulations. For a gun that will see serious use and our life might depend on, we lean towards featureless. That said, below are the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make an informed decision:

Featureless AR Advantages:

• Standard Magazine Release: Since the rifle does not have any of the prohibited features, you can use a standard magazine release mechanism. This means faster and more familiar magazine changes.
• Larger Magazine Capacity: With a featureless setup, you’re allowed to use pre-existing legally owned standard capacity magazines (if you possessed them before California’s magazine capacity restrictions went into effect).

Featureless AR Disadvantages:

• Lack of Tactical Features: The term “featureless” refers to the removal or modification of specific tactical features like pistol grips, adjustable stocks, flash suppressors, etc. This can make the rifle less ergonomic or comfortable for some shooters.
• Appearance: Some users don’t like the aesthetics of featureless rifles.

Mag-Lock AR (or Fixed Magazine) Advantages:

• Retains Tactical Features: You can have tactical features like pistol grips, adjustable stocks, and flash suppressors as long as the rifle has a fixed magazine.
• Appearance: It retains the traditional look of an AR-15, which many users prefer.

Mag-Lock AR Disadvantages:

• Slower Magazine Changes: Changing magazines with a mag-lock system is slower and can be cumbersome. Typically, the action must be opened to release the magazine.
• Limited Magazine Capacity: You’re limited to a 10-round magazine due to the fixed magazine requirement in California.

Considerations:

• Training: If you choose a mag-lock, training is essential to become proficient in changing magazines, as the process is different from a standard AR.
• Intended Use: If your AR is mainly for range shooting, the slower mag changes of a mag-lock might not be a major concern. However, for home defense or other applications where rapid mag changes could be crucial, a featureless AR might be more appropriate.
• Ergonomics: Some shooters find the featureless grip options uncomfortable or non-intuitive. Handle both types to see which feels better in your hands.

Conclusion

Building a compliant AR-15 style rifle in a restricted state is a complex but rewarding process. It requires a thorough understanding of firearm mechanics, a detailed knowledge of relevant laws, and a commitment to responsible gun ownership. By carefully researching regulations, choosing appropriate components, and following proper building procedures, enthusiasts can create rifles that are both personally satisfying and legally compliant.