California has always been one of our favorite states. Since we launched BlackRainOrdnance.com California has consistently been our #2 state for online sales exceeded only by Texas (But who didn’t see that coming?) Beyond that some of us here at Black Rain have had the opportunity to call California home for some period of our lives. Our General Manager was born and raised in Santa Cruz before moving to Missouri. And I have had the opportunity of living in the Sacramento and Los Angeles areas working in film and television before applying my experience in the firearms industry. We’ve got love for California. Which is why it’s painful to see the people discouraged from exercising their second amendment rights by stacks of needless and confusing legislation.

Earlier this year California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1135 and Senate Bill 880. 

Senate Bill 880 and Assembly Bill 1135 are identical. Both bills dramatically change what constitutes an “assault weapon” in California. The bill does not require individuals to surrender the firearms they currently owned, but will require those firearms to be modified or registered as “assault weapons” under the provisions of these bills.

The definition of an “assault rifle” now includes any semiautomatic centerfire rifle that does not have a fixed magazine, but has any one of the following:

• A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon
• A thumbhole stock
• A folding or telescoping stock
• A grenade launcher or flare launcher
• A flash suppressor
• A forward pistol grip.

Much like New York’s 2013 SAFE Act the new California laws attempt to regulate semi-automatic rifles by attacking specific features. Daily, in internet forums and Facebook groups individuals are asking to see examples of “featureless rifles” i.e. rifles that are not required to be registered as “assault weapons” under the new California Law. 

Black Rain Ordnance’s New York Compliant Models will also be California compliant and not required to be registered as “assault rifles” under the new law.  

The Thordsen Non-Adjustable Stock eliminates the pistol grip and a muzzle thread protector or compensator can be added in lieu of a flash suppressor. Additionally the rifles ship with 10 round magazines as is required under California law. Black Rain Ordnance factory rifles have never included forward pistol grips or grenade/flare launchers. 

As the interpretation of the law becomes more clear Black Rain Ordnance may change or alter the configuration to enhance the function and/or cosmetics of the rifles. 

Functionally, the New York and California compliant models are exactly the same as any standard configuration. Magazines are loaded and inserted the same way and quick magazine changes are still possible. The rifles are even able to accept standard (30 round) magazines without alterations in the event that the owners take their rifles to a “free state” to enjoy sport shooting and personal security while traveling.

While we recognize that this options is not the most attractive to many California gun owners the fact is we at Black Rain Ordnance do not have a vote. And if we want to keep doing business in the Golden State we must provide an option to people who have to put up with the current situation. Hopefully challenges to the laws and citizens demanding their freedoms back can prove successful. In the mean time, however, those unwilling to register their firearms must seek alternative solutions. And the same way we supported gun owners in New York, we’ll provide an option for those in California. 

This article has been corrected to address the muzzle device issue. A pinned and welded thread protector is not required. Flash Suppressors are prohibited without registration. 

FOR ADDITIONAL STATE COMPLIANCY INFORMATION CLICK HERE.

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