# Legatlity of the SKS rifle in California...

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 9, 2004, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245 "2004-04-09T23:12:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245/1 "2004-04-09T23:12:29Z")

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I keep getting mixed results when I try to research it on my own, so I figured I would ask here. I know there are some fans of the rifle on the Dope, and I’m running out of ideas.

My former father in law has in his posession a “California legal” SKS. No removable magazine, no bayonet, no bracketing for RPG’s.

I am interested in buying the aforementioned rifle from him. Or purchasing one online.

But I’m getting mixed signals from gun store guys on registering same. They usually mention that removable magazine… which these rifles don’t have.

HELP?!?!?!?

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**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245/2 "2004-04-09T23:19:46Z")

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The SKS magazine is removable **Tris** , if that’s what you’re asking. However, larger capacity mags for this rifle are a PITA. I’m not sure what you’re asking here. You should be able to purchase this with no prob, your FIL will have to ship it from his FFL to your FFL.

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**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245/3 "2004-04-09T23:36:52Z")

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Oh, I forgot to link. [NRA-ILA, CA’s firearms laws.](http://www.nra-ila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=CA)

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**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\
**Post date:** [April 9, 2004, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legatlity-of-the-sks-rifle-in-california/239245/4 "2004-04-09T23:50:32Z")

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> [@BF](#):
>
> The SKS magazine is removable **Tris** , if that’s what you’re asking. However, larger capacity mags for this rifle are a PITA. I’m not sure what you’re asking here. You should be able to purchase this with no prob, your FIL will have to ship it from his FFL to your FFL.

No, I knew that… back in the day in Montana, I had one with the 30rnd conversion (and indeed, it was a PITA). I think the law here in CA references removable magazine, such as those that are sold with the AK series, or similar “Military style” weapons.

I’ll be reading your resource though… thank you!