Rifles

In most states, an AR‑15 can have a detachable magazine AND any combination of "features" - pistol grip, adjustable stock, flash hider, forward grip, etc. California's assault weapon law prohibits that combination. To be legal in CA, an AR‑15 must follow one of two compliance paths:
Path 1 - Fixed Magazine (Most Popular)
The magazine is physically locked into the rifle and cannot be removed without disassembling the upper and lower receivers. Because the magazine is "fixed," the rifle is no longer classified as an assault weapon and can retain:
Standard pistol grip
Adjustable/collapsible stock
Flash hider or muzzle device
Forward grip or vertical foregrip
Trade-off: Reloading requires opening the action (like a bolt gun), which is slower. Common compliance devices include the CompMag and AR Maglock.
Path 2 - Featureless
All "evil features" are removed from the rifle, which then allows a standard detachable magazine. A featureless AR must have:
No pistol grip (replaced with a fin grip, shark fin, or MonsterMan grip)
No adjustable/folding stock (must be fixed length)
No flash hider (muzzle brake or compensator is OK)
No forward grip or thumbhole stock
Trade-off: Ergonomics are significantly compromised, especially for new shooters. You can reload quickly with standard mag changes, which makes it preferred by competition shooters.

No. Bolt‑action rifles are exempt from California's assault weapon restrictions. You can legally own a bolt‑action rifle in any caliber (except .50 BMG in some cases) with detachable magazines, adjustable stocks, and threaded barrels without any compliance modifications. This makes bolt‑action rifles like the Ruger American or Savage 110 very popular among hunters throughout Northern California.

A featureless AR‑15 removes all prohibited features (pistol grip, adjustable stock, flash hider, forward grip) and uses a "fin grip" or "featureless grip" that prevents your thumb from wrapping around. Pros: You can use detachable magazines and reload quickly. Cons: Ergonomics are compromised, and the rifle doesn't feel like a traditional AR.

A fixed‑magazine AR‑15 uses a device (like a CompMag or AR Maglock) that prevents the magazine from being removed without disassembling the upper and lower receivers. Pros: You can keep a standard pistol grip, adjustable stock, and normal AR controls. Cons: Reloading is slower because you must break open the action.

California limits rifle magazines to 10 rounds. This applies to both detachable and fixed magazines.

Popular calibers for deer hunting include .308 Winchester, .30‑06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and .243 Winchester. These calibers offer excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and enough power for California blacktail and mule deer at typical ranges.

You can make many modifications, but you must avoid creating an illegal assault weapon configuration. Legal mods: Optics, slings, bipods, triggers (as long as they don't defeat safety features), stocks (if they remain fixed on a featureless build), and muzzle brakes/compensators (not flash hiders). Illegal mods: Adding a pistol grip to a featureless rifle with a detachable magazine, installing a flash hider, or converting a fixed‑magazine rifle to accept detachable mags without removing other features.

You must pass a background check through the DROS (Dealer Record of Sale) system. You must complete a FSC or possess a valid hunting license.