It is easy for those of us who live in states without “assault weapon” ban (or worse) restrictions to thumb our nose at shooters in California, New York and New Jersey. Some of the compliant builds I have seen would make any respectable shooter want to cry. But how does the saying go: “walk a mile in a man’s shoes”? Having lived in enemy territory for a decade, I can sympathize with our range-loving brothers and sisters being held captive by ridiculous regulations.

Sure, I can see the comments section filling up now: “shall not be infringed”, “will not comply” or better yet  “F*** California”. It may seem simple to just brush off whole sections of the country as lost when you don’t know anyone who lives there. But, if you have family or shooting buddies in California or New York, you may actually start to sympathize with their plight and understand why they buy, build and use the guns and gear they do.

As a writer here at TFB, I probably haven’t done a great job at highlighting the important work being done by manufacturers catering to restricted-style products. So in an attempt to turn things around, I asked for help from the social media powerhouse #hashtagtical who works alongside organizations like The Calguns Foundation to promote responsible gun ownership in California. Of course, we steer clear from politics here, but any organization that promotes the safe and legal use of firearms obviously gets my support.

Now, “top 5” lists can be annoying and seem like click bait – you know, like the rags in the grocery line with headlines that read ‘41 ways to please your… Boss’. And we’ve reported on a few of these products before. However, I’d like to start with this story, take input from our readers, and move forward with additional products in the future. Have a suggestion? Leave a comment, send me an email or follow us on social media.

Behind Enemy Lines? Check These Out:

Mean Arms Mag Loader

Our new MA-Loader is a California compliant, 10-round bullet loading device that will allow you to safely and efficiently reload your fixed magazine without the need to break down the firearm. Simply place the MA-Loader into your AR-15’s ejector port and press the thumb-ring slider to quickly load or reload. It is that simple!**

The AR Mag Lock

AR MAGLOCK allows California AR-15 owners to comply with existing fixed magazine laws, thus avoiding Department of Justice registration. The AR MAGLOCK engages the magazine so it stays “fixed” in the firearm until the action is disassembled, complying with California SB 880 & AB 1135, and Department of Justice regulations. It is our reasonable belief the AR MAGLOCK complies with New York NY SAFE , Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and other states (and other local municipalities such as Cook County Illinois) detachable magazine laws based on our in depth analysis of these laws and regulations.

Strike Industries:

The Strike Industries Simple Featureless grip matches the contour of our popular Enhanced Pistol Grip, but allows for usage in feature restricted jurisdictions. The SFG requires no permanent modification to the receiver of your host system, and is constructed of durable reinforced polymer. As suggested by the name, the SFG a simple and affordable component for your featureless AR build.

Cross Armory Quick Pins

By removing your rear takedown pin and installing Cross Armory’s QUICK PINS you will enjoy improved convenience when breaking down your weapon. QUICK PINS allow for easy opening and servicing of your weapon with a simple pinch of your fingers. Closing and locking your receivers together is as easy a closing the two receivers together, QUICK PINS will automatically lock your receivers into place. QUICK PINS allow for the easiest access to your firing mechanism.

LWRCI CA Compliant Modifications

FROM MILES V.’s SHOT 2017 COVERAGE: LWRC’s answer to the new California compliance laws is a sort of spring operated plunger that deactivates the magazine release once the upper receiver is assembled onto the lower receiver. Field stripping the rifle and ‘popping the top’ allows the plunger to be released, and the magazine to be released naturally by pressing the magazine button. To facilitate the field strip, LWRC has extended the rear take down pin to include a sort of port that makes gripping it easier, but also allows for a piece of 550 cord or likewise material to be threaded through the port and creating a loop to pop the rear take down pin out. Unlike other companies that have a specific Cali-Legal rifle variant, LWRC has this as an option, wherein most of the companies models can be retrofitted with the plunging device and rear take down pin. Currently it is patent-pending, but it has been approved by the California DOJ.

Bonus: Franklin Armory DFM Magazines and Bolt Catch

• Magazine for use in restrictive jurisdictions such as California, Connecticut,
  and even New York State!
• Easily Converts Any AR into a 10 Round, Fixed Magazine Design.
• Requires Disassembly of the Action to Remove the Magazine.
• No Permanent Alterations Required
• Suitable for use with Rifles Featuring Banned Features.
• California Compliant!
  
• Connecticut Compliant!
  
• New York Safe Act Compliant!
  
• Limiting Tabs Prevent Release Through the Bottom of Magazine Well.
  
• Can only be Removed from the Top when the Upper is Tilted out of the way!
  
• Available as an Accessory or Installed in Brand New Franklin ArmoryTM Firearms.