Good Greif, CA laws are a bit confusing

[Nitey]

I'm in the market for a tatical shotgun (like Gman26, just not in danger), but I can't quite seem to find a clear list of what type of shotgun I can/can't have. One place said I can't have more than a five shot capacity, others say nothing about it. Then there is the pistol handle "conspicuously" under the action deal. What the heck is conspicuously in legal terms? Does this prevent me from getting a pistol grip tactical shotgun? Anyone who can help me out understanding what is going on, please do so.

[zander_zye]

I do not beleive that you can possess a pistol grip shotgun - I have to do some research but they are all listed under the 12500 PC laws.

[GMan26]

My lord, CA is a mess! Where I am as long as its an 18" barrel you're good to go. I applied for a Class III last year because I wanted to buy a 14" Benelli Super 90 "entry gun" but guess what... hmmmm - no one got back to me and I had a check for $225 for the tax stamp ready to go. The city I use to live in never approved it and "they" claim they are backlogged and it might take 12 months to finalize. Why don't they just say, "If you bother us for about 2 years the cheif of police might write a letter of approval" I gave up. Although it would have been nice to get a Class III lic.

I found an 18" barrel is the way to go for home defense. Its still a bit long for me but hey, the law is the law. An ideal home defense shotgun should have a 14" - then you'd be able to manuver around the house easy.

Let us know what happens!

[Dan]

check out www.nra.com and look under the "politics and legistation", then "Research", then "state Gun laws" and look for that place they call a state

[Nitey]

Well, today I just purchased a Mossberg 590DA. It's a double action, 12 gauge, 20in with 8+1 capacity. In CA, the court system will ream you if you make even one questionable move in self defense that may make you look like the assailant. Upon the advice of the gunshop owner, I went for a shotgun that would make me look like less of a "rambo" type as he put it and still be a great HD shotgun. I guess we young folk are at odds against the "sierra clubers" here in CA.

I purchased a ghost sight kit and will have it gunsmithed as soon as I get it on the 5th of May (oy!!). I'm also still on the lookout for an 18in replacement barrel, sidesaddle, sensor light, tatical sling and an aluminum replacement safety button (orginal is plastic).

[GMan26]

Wow, good for you getting that Mossberg! I tried them out a few weeks ago (before I bought my 870 Marine) and found the trigger hard to pull (for me). But it is a "mean" looking shotgun. I think we're talking about the same one...

Ever since that state police detective handled my "tactical" 870 Marine I kind of thought about this whole "rambo" deal. But then again why would a Surefire forearm, Tac-Star 6rd. sidesaddle attached to my shotgun make me look like a rambo? Who cares. I want these mods on there for personal reasons, etc... I am no rambo at all. I like guns. I'm not a nut. But I do like being prepared for anything. A light and sidesaddle are good things to have.

Anyway.... what loads will you be using? I have the front beat sight but thought about buying a Wilson Combat rifle sights. But when you really think about it - for HD the sights probably won't be used. It will be all CQB/ less than 20ft distances......

[txinvestigator1]

Ever since that state police detective handled my "tactical" 870 Marine I kind of thought about this whole "rambo" deal. But then again why would a Surefire forearm, Tac-Star 6rd. sidesaddle attached to my shotgun make me look like a rambo? Who cares.

You better care if you ever use that against a person. District Attorneys and plaintiff lawyers will use that against you. I am not saying not to modify your gun, but you better think about it and care.

[GMan26]

I hear ya but... i don't know. I really see that having a Surefire forearm and the sidesaddle really should be essential for a HD shotgun. But I do see where a DA will turn it around and say something like, "This guy is a SWAT Team member wanna-be!!!" But I know I am not but .... sometimes I just give up ;)

[Nitey]

Well here is the CA legislature of illegal shotgun characteristics.

"(6) A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following: (A) A folding or telescoping stock. (B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip. (7) A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine. (8) Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder."

This is great news because the mossberg that I purchased is a pump. Therefore, I do not have any restrictions as to what I can do with it except for barrel length restrictions.

I will purchase modifications later on as I see fit and get comfortable with the shotgun. A tactical light is a must in my opinion because target identification is extremely important in my eyes.