Just a few days ago a friend asked about a magnetic device that sticks on top of the Bullet Button and allows the user to press the magnet to easily drop the magazine. I have reservations about such a device since it is a very grey area between where does the bullet button magazine release end and the magnetic “tool” begin. I also pondered how long it would be before gun control advocates cry foul and make a push to change California firearms laws even more to prohibit even the bullet button itself. Almost as soon as I finished pondering these things, a San Francisco affiliate of CBS News did the report shown above. Regardless of whether innovative individuals create obscure grey area devices such as the magnet shown in the video, the gun control political machine will charge on.

As a gentleman mentioned at the end of the report, why is the bullet button seen as circumventing or going around the California law and not as a tool to bring a firearm into compliance with it?

Californians continue to rejoice. 2011 has been a great year for the sporting rifle enthusiast and the selection continues to grow. Just a few years ago, most importers and distributors of Russian made Saiga rifles and shotguns were worried about product sales in California. It took a long of time for the first of those rifles to ship to California through normal distribution channels. Even so, the Saiga rifles and shotguns would have to be “converted” back into their original AK like state by a competent gunsmith or armorer. Not only did this more than double the price of the rifle, it was also a hassle to wait for the project to be completed.

Arsenal Inc has made the waiting game obsolete by releasing three of their “finished” AK models to the California market. The three AK models come chambered in your choice of 7.62×39, 5.45×39, and .410. The stamped receiver AK’s come with hammer forged barrels, US made polymer stock sets, US made triggers and 10 round magazines with a bullet button style device. Each rifle comes with a magazine tool with Arsenal Inc printed lanyard loop. RSR Group, a large, well known firearms and tactical products distributor will be stocking these California compliant AK’s so odds are you can pick one up from a dealer near you.

The modifications made to the California compliant models are completely reversible by a competent gunsmith or you can return your rifle to Arsenal Inc for a free modification. Remember that while in California, your AK must retain the magazine lock device and you must not install a folding stock that would reduce the overall length of the rifle below 30″ while the stock is fully collapsed.



Learn more about these rifles at Arsenal Inc.

ISSC has just announced that it has met the requirements for their popular M22B “Glock-like” .22lr pistol to be sold in California and Massachusetts. Although the firearm has some design details of Glock firearms, the M22 is quite different. The M22 is blow-back operated and has an external hammer, manual safety, magazine safety, and hammer drop safety. The pistol does require a high velocity .22LR round to function correctly, so you may want to try a couple different brands to see how they work with the pistol. CCI Mini Mag is one of the most reliable GTG rounds for semi-automatic pistols and rifles, so if all else fails they will work.

The M22 has a fixed Walther made barrel creating an accurate target shooting or tactical training pistol. The trigger pull is similar in weight and feel to a Glock trigger, making it a great gun to train with and reduce the money spent compared to its centerfire cousins. The magazines are metal and very reliable, and the slide is made from aluminum making it 22ozs with an empty mag. The manufacturer states to be cautious with the type of solvents used to clean your M22. Harsher solvents can remove the black finish from your aluminum slide, so check your owners manual for approved cleaning products.

Yet another fun and inexpensive pistol for those living in the heavily regulated states of California and Massachusetts.

Here are the stats:

Caliber:		.22LR
Capacity:		10 rds.
Action:		SA (single action)
Trigger weight:		2 kg
Trigger travel:		3,8 mm
Overall length:		179 mm
Overall height:		121 mm
Overall width:		27,5 mm
Barrel length:		104 mm
Sight length:		140 mm
Weight (w/o magazine):		605 g
Weight empty magazine:		75 g

MSRP: $299.95

New for 2011, the California Compliant Kriss .45ACP Carbine is a west coast crowd pleaser. This 16″ barreled carbine features a pinned (fixed) “folding” stock, magazine locking device and captive 10 round Glock 21 magazines which all combine to accommodate California requirements. The modifications are not permanent and the purchaser is free to restore all factory features if moving out of the state or if taking a class outside of California. Of course, the mag-lock device and pinned folding stock must remain installed while the weapon is in California. Removal of these compliance parts while within the state could land you in prison with a felony on your conscience. (our attorneys can relax now)

The Kriss Super V recoil system reduces felt recoil by up to 60% and muzzle elevation by 95%. This allows for quick and accurate follow up shots.

In most firearms, the action moves inline with the weapon which pushes the recoil directly along the gun and into your body. The Kriss Super V system absorbs and redirects the recoil downward reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. The California version is 34 inches overall and weighs under 6 pounds. A polymer housing and alloy parts help reduce the weight but the carbine remains manageable during use. The weight is distributed toward the front of the carbine but is not unpleasantly front heavy. Unfortunately, the SMG version is not available to the general public. Who wouldn’t enjoy shooting a .45ACP sub-gun at a rate of 1000 rounds per minute and with less recoil than a 9mm?

Kriss-TDI has been leery of California restrictions and, until now, has avoided the California market. Luckily, our great state is jam packed with firearms enthusiasts who are willing to part with their hard earned dollars. Kriss-TDI simply couldn’t stay away.

If you’re in the market for a lightweight, low-recoil carbine for home defense or fun on the range, the Kriss Super V Carbine is a cool creation. $1995.00 MSRP (California Edition)

Click the photo below to see the stats:

Ever since FNH rolled out its FNAR rifles a few years ago, the California market has been pressing to see a model that would meet California restrictions. Unfortunately, in order to be compliant, the rifle must be devoid of a pistol grip.

FNH took their time researching the market to see if a non-pistol grip model would be economically viable. It turns out, we Californians like pistol grips on our rifles, but what we like more is a detachable magazine. Luckily for Californians, FNH created the FNAR Match Rifle.

The Match model is, for the most part, identical to its predecessor aside from the specifically designed McMillan stock it wears. The 20″ fluted barrel is hammer forged and has a chrome lined bore and target crown. The selling point of the rifle is the BAR styled semi-automatic receiver paired with a finely crafted and accurate barrel; from which FNH guarantees 1 MOA or better accuracy. The rifle uses a detachable magazine (apparently a modified FAL mag) with ambidextrous controls. FNH has a selection of magazines for the FNAR that range from 5 to 20 round capacities. A 1913 picatinny rail is integrated into the top of the receiver offering the user a myriad of optic choices. Not that looks matter (okay, a little) but it seems to be the consensus that the new non-pistol grip McMillan stock actually makes the rifle appear more “tactical”. The fiberglass stock features a fully-adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable length of pull. The overall weight of the rifle is 9.8lbs, making it practical for target or tactical use but may be a little heavy, for some, if carried for hours on a hunt.

The FNAR’s primary competitor in its class is the M1A rifle. In our opinion, the FNAR wins hands down based on price and accuracy. With an estimated cost in the sub $2000 range, this model is a great choice for those looking for a semi-automatic precision rifle with the accuracy and reliability of a bolt action gun.

FNH welcomes this new variant to its tactical fold. The Team @ T.A.G. welcomes it into our rifle safes. For more information on the FNAR Match visit FNH’s website.

In mid December 2010, Smith & Wesson made a momentous decision to begin packaging their M&P15 rifles with mag lock devices and captive 10 round magazines so that they may be sold in compliance with California regulations. S&W is not the first manufacturer to make this decision, but they are by far the largest manufacturer to do so. This decision has been debated for some time and there have long been rumors of middle men modifying, packaging and distributing such rifles in our state. So, we are excited to see a company like S&W support California and supply their ever popular rifles to its citizens.

Also, new from Smith & Wesson is the M&P15 Sport line of rifles. This rifle was built for the price conscious user who is looking for a good quality and inexpensive AR15 style rifle for range practice and/or home defense. S&W has priced the models at $709 MSRP (even for their California model). They were able to do so by changing some features that should NOT upset the majority of target shooting users out there. The barrel used is made in house – 16″ without m203 cuts, melanite coated inside and out, 1:8 twist rate, and 5R rifled. The 5R rifled barrel designs have been in use by Thompson Center, a S&W owned company, for a long time in order to produce an inexpensive and very accurate product. Those looking for a milspec rifle, this isn’t the one for you, but melanite has proven itself a durable, corrosion resistant, uniform coating that can be considered more accurate than chrome lining. Other differences on the Sport models include: an upper receiver lacking a dusk cover and forward assist, a lower receiver with integral enhanced trigger guard, LMT style removable rear sight and A2 style front sight, chromed gas key and bolt carrier and other standard A2 styled parts.
For those budget conscious shooters out there looking for a rifle that offers good quality with a low sticker price, the M&P15 Sport rifle may be just what you’re looking for!

Here are the stats:
Model M&P15 Sport™

• Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO
• Capacity: 30 round Magpul Pmag or 10-Round Fixed Magazine for California compliance
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Barrel Length: 16″ / 40.6 cm
• Barrel Twist: 1 in 8″ 5R Rifling
• Front Sight: Adjustable A2 Post
• Rear Sight: Adjustable Dual Aperture
• Overall Length: 35″ Extended / 32″ Collapsed
• Stock: 6 Position Telescopic
• Weight: 6.5 lbs. / 2,948.4 g
• Barrel Material: 4140 Steel
• Barrel Finish: Melonite®
• Receiver Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
• Receiver Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
• Chromed Components: Gas Key, Bolt Carrier
• Other Features: Bullet Button
• MSRP $709