What is different about a Calif. compliant revolver? I have been looking at classified ads and one said Calif. compliant. I know about semi autos and stuff. I don't see much you can change on a revolver. Please help with my ignorance.
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California Compliant Revolvers
- Thread starter OLJEEP
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If my foggy memory is right, that means they survived being dropped on the muzzle from a height of 15 feet without discharge...Somebody correct me if I'm wrong...
...Ben
...BenSimson-Suhl
US Veteran
I am not certain, however, I believe the Colt Single Action Army, USFA, and other clones may not be on California's approved list. Due to the drop test?
It has to wear a mask inside or outside the holster and have both shots?
Sorry.
Sorry.
RGNewell
SWCA Member
I sold a model 29-2 going to CA and I had to convert it to single action only.
Benchrest1
Member
Single action revolvers are exempt and are not on the list in California. You can buy any single action revolver in California. I actually have 2 Lipsey Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley 44 mags on order. These revolvers aren't even available yet, but when they are they will be sent to my FFL.
https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/certified-handguns/search
https://www.calguns.net/caawid/hgflowchart.pdf
How To Import Off Roster S&W to California!! Instructions - Calguns.net
Here are a few references if folks are more interested in S&W revolvers/handguns/other brands and California.
It can be complex without rationale, other than the main purpose might be to limit/ban firearms in California as the ultimate goal. Trying to impart logic into the reasons is futile. One of the main issues is whether the transferring Calif. FFL will receive and do the transfer. Right or wrong, if that FFL won't do it, then it'd be a no-go.
https://www.calguns.net/caawid/hgflowchart.pdf
How To Import Off Roster S&W to California!! Instructions - Calguns.net
Here are a few references if folks are more interested in S&W revolvers/handguns/other brands and California.
It can be complex without rationale, other than the main purpose might be to limit/ban firearms in California as the ultimate goal. Trying to impart logic into the reasons is futile. One of the main issues is whether the transferring Calif. FFL will receive and do the transfer. Right or wrong, if that FFL won't do it, then it'd be a no-go.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Any revolver going to California must be modified so they cannot accept any magazines over 10 rounds
I really feel for the normal folks that live in communist occupied territory. I hiked the PCT this past year and most of the folks I met along the way through the California, Oregon and Washington mountains are indistinguishable from midwestern rednecks like myself. Move and let their workers paradise collapse as those in control and supporting it are parasites on your back.
ostlund
Member
I admire your PCT trek. Very impressive and a forever memory.
scooter123
Member
My understanding is that the manufacturers have to PAY for the testing of each model and SKU variation that the manufacturer wishes to sell in California. Naturally California places a very high value on their testing services, so these tests are NOT cheap. So what gets tested is just those firearms that are selling at high volumes.
With a Revolver that means whatever is in high demand that particular year. End result is there is a real mishmash of California Compliant revolvers on the used handgun market because one year a 686 was hot and another year it may have been a 625. In addition there were periods when manufacturers like S&W wanted to have multiple models available so they simply disregarded the demand and just payed to have an array of revolvers certified.
As for Mechanical Differences, that was ZERO, NADA, ZIP. However someone did discover a loophole that allows a Single Action Only revolver to cross the line into California. So you will at times see SAO modified double action revolvers being shipped into California. I supect that installing a functioning DA sear into one of these "SAO" variants is illegal but I have not seen any hints of prosecution of someone adding a DA sear to a revolver lacking that part.
With a Revolver that means whatever is in high demand that particular year. End result is there is a real mishmash of California Compliant revolvers on the used handgun market because one year a 686 was hot and another year it may have been a 625. In addition there were periods when manufacturers like S&W wanted to have multiple models available so they simply disregarded the demand and just payed to have an array of revolvers certified.
As for Mechanical Differences, that was ZERO, NADA, ZIP. However someone did discover a loophole that allows a Single Action Only revolver to cross the line into California. So you will at times see SAO modified double action revolvers being shipped into California. I supect that installing a functioning DA sear into one of these "SAO" variants is illegal but I have not seen any hints of prosecution of someone adding a DA sear to a revolver lacking that part.
joe44va
Member
Isn't that an oxymoron?
dsf
Member
I'd not call it a "loophole" as there is always a presumption legislatures know what they're doing when writing bills. And the anti-gun folks love to use that term when trying to relieve us of our guns. A minor point, but worthwhile.
Yes, "Single Action Exemption" is allowed by law but no, reinstalling the DA sear is not against the law. Several stores in my area sell SAE modified revolvers, generally a shake of the box will show the DA sear in there somewhere.
C&R and Olympic pistols are also roster exempt, as are "western style" SA revolvers such as Colt SAA, Ruger Blackhawk and the Ubertis.
Re testing, every variant must be tested even if the only difference is stainless vs blued steel. Different barrel lengths require separate testing.
UncleEd
Member
Also my understanding that
each model variation needs
testing. Just a quick check
of the Ruger GP100 site
indicates 31 variations.
While the GP100 mechanics
cover all those models, the
variations include barrels,
sights, finish, specialty cosmetics
calibers.
each model variation needs
testing. Just a quick check
of the Ruger GP100 site
indicates 31 variations.
While the GP100 mechanics
cover all those models, the
variations include barrels,
sights, finish, specialty cosmetics
calibers.
maxfam
Member
California is just Blackmailing the manufacturers. All the double action revolvers and semiautomatic pistols are safe in 49 states, but not California. You’ll also get Cancer from the firearms if you live in California. We escaped to Tennessee nine months ago, SO HAPPY.
Benchrest1
Member
I wanted a Korth revolver when Nighthawk Custom first got them in. The gun shop I was working with tried to get one modified to single action so they could get it in to California. No dice, it didn't fly, and I gave up.
Bill Lear
Member
All handguns sold in California must be on a Roster of Approved Handguns. The notion presented is that such guns have passed suitable safety checks to make them "safer" than all those crappy guns being dumped on the rest of the country!
DA revolvers generally come down to a specific SKU identifier attached to the model at the time it is tested. When the manufacturer changes something sufficiently so as to require a different SKU, then the new model is not approved to be on the roster.
All that is required to add a revolver to the roster is submit samples for testing and pay the fee - has nothing to do with having internal locks or other gimmicks.
The BIG issue with the Roster are semiautomatic handguns. All new submissions to the Roster must have microstamping built in, while all semiautos previously approved do not require microstamping to stay on the Roster - such as Glock gen 3 models, or the plethora of semi autos from Kimber, Springfield Armory, RIA, CZ, etc, but any models newer than the microstamping law require it.
Unfortunately the gun industry views microstamping as a "line in the sand" over which they shall not cross and so many manufacturers such as Colt, even S&W, Ruger, and others have REMOVED (not recertified) much or all of their semiauto line up as a way of forcing the issue.
The PROBLEM with this is that the dood who INVENTED microstamping has repeatedly demonstrated it IS viable and reliable to a State specified standard, and no major manufacturers (if any) have enjoined the suit against microstamping, leaving it to be argued by the citizens versus the inventor, with no gun maker showing any proper argument as to why they CAN'T do it, while the inventor has shown they can. Of course this is the "real truth" you don't hear about up and down the internet of experts who have never read the actual court filings and read just how ridiculous is the "people's" argument against something the inventor has PROVED works.
Manufacturers claim it will add cost to the guns but they're already jacking up the prices on California specific guns so what's new? Just smoke and mirrors.
If every gun buyer in California refused to by ANY products from the big name manufacturers who are profiting greatly from the sales of everything other than semiauto handguns, I suspect we would soon see the first one, then another manufacturer move to have new model semiautos with microstamping, certified for sale.
Once certified on the Roster, all that is required to remain on the Roster is payment of a yearly fee...so once on, never off as long as they pay the vig. Also remember, every one of the big name manufacturers had many semiautos already certified on the Roster when they chose to refuse to recertify. Even now, should they wish to RE-add such models to the Roster, because they were certified prior to the microstamping law, they are only required to meet the standards in place at the time of their original certification! Anybody starting to feel the scam going on here?
Yes microstamping is ridiculous, but it IS possible, and any manufacture CAN do it, and the parts only have to pass a specified endurance standard already, and repeatedly demonstrated.
Laser etching of a firing pin tip, and the breech face is by now "old tech" easily done and not costly at all. Like getting vaccinated for Covid, the opposition has come down to "I won't because you can't tell me what to do!"
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