# The California Attorney General wants to fuck up your Walther! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 11, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433 "2005-05-11T18:32:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/1 "2005-05-11T18:32:25Z")
This is a thread about the Walther P22 pistol. Unfortunately for the gun owners who purchased this target firearm legally, some moron gun-control advocate in California has discovered that it was sold with a (gasp) threaded barrel. So, California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is sending out letters to every citizen of California who purchased the Walther P22 stating that they have 45 days to get their firearm’s bushing glued onto the barrel by Smith and Wesson. This prevents the threads from being exposed and the barrel from being removed. No one is taking into account that one of the great benefits of owning a P22 is the ability to swap 3.5" barrels with a 5" one and back again. Obviously, this diminishes the resale value of the firearm and the value of the firearm to a shooter who enjoys the ability to change barrels on his pistol. Here is the demand letter: > [@](#): > > Bill Lockyer > Attorney General > > April 2005 > > Dear California Walther P-22 pistol owner: > > The California Department of Justice records indicate a Walther P-22 pistol was sold to you. Through no fault of your own, the P-22 pistol was sold to you in violation of California Statute 2003 Dangerous Weapons Controls Law, Chapter 2.3, Article 1 section 12276.1 (a)(4)(A), an assault weapon statute, because it has a threaded barrel capable of accepting a suppressor. > > Carl Walther GmbH, through its distributor, Smith & Wesson, is offering to retrofit this pistol so it no longer is in violation of California criminal law. This will be done at no cost to you! Enclosed is a prepaid shipping label and box for overnight shipment to Smith & Wesson. The pistol will be modified with a non-removable barrel, to comply with the law, and will be returned to you within three (3) weeks. To return your model P-22 for retrofit: > > 1. Ensure the pistol is unloaded and secured with the blue plastic chamber plug [safety flag simulator] originally provided to you with your firearm; > 2. Remove the magazines; > 3. Place unloaded pistol and the barrel wrench in the shipping box with cushioning (or use the black plastic case supplied with your pistol and the corrugated box); > 4. Attach the enclosed prepaid FedEx overnight slipping(sic) label onto the corrugated shilling box; and, > 5. Telephone FedEx [1-800-463-3339] to arrange for pick-up of your packaged firearm. If it is more convenient for you, you may bring the box to a FedEx pick up station or a FedEx shipping office and inform them that you are shipping a firearm. You cannot drop the package in a drop box. > > Smith & Wesson will return your P-22 pistol along with a certificate that your Walther P-22 pistol is now compliant with California statute. The same information will be sent to the California Department of Justice. This retrofit and its certificate will protect you from any enforcement action relating to the assault weapon statute for the pistol that has been retrofitted. > > YOU MUST RESPOND TO THIS NOTIFICATION WITHIN 45 DAYS (insert actual date). IF YOU FAIL TO RETURN YOUR P22 PISTOL AS OUTLINED ABOVE, YOU WILL BE SUBJECT TO CALIFORNIA ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS. If you no longer own or possess this handgun please complete the “Notice of No Longer in Possession” form on the reverse of this letter and return to the address indicated on this letter. > > If you have questions regarding the Shipping Instructions or status of the retrofit of your P-22 pistol please contact Smith & Wesson at 1-800-331-0852 ext. 2905. If you have questions regarding California firearms laws please contact the Department of Justice at (916) 263-4887. > > Sincerely, > > Randy Rossi, Director > Firearms Division > > For Bill Lockyer > Attorney General Clearly, this is an example of reasonable firearm legislation. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/2 "2005-05-11T18:37:03Z")
Meh. I don’t have much use for most gun control legislation. But on the other hand, if it’s in violation, it’s in violation. Buyer beware and all that. At least S&W is doing it for free. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/3 "2005-05-11T18:44:10Z")
> [@Mr. Krebbs](#): > > Here is the demand letter: I cannot find anything about this on the California Attorney General’s web site. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/4 "2005-05-11T18:47:08Z")
The point is, these things are retroactively in violation, and weren’t considered illegal until April. Persons who purchased the P22 in 2002 (before the “Dangerous” Weapons Act of 2003) are still required to have this done. This is an example of lawful citizens being persecuted because the State of California fucked up. If you want to try and explain to me how this helps stop crime, go ahead and try. We’re taking one more step down the road to confiscation, here. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/5 "2005-05-11T18:48:37Z")
**This Year’s Model** , I will try and find it for you. I retrieved the letter from another message board. If you google a bit, you will find multiple links about this whole fiasco. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/6 "2005-05-11T18:53:53Z")
> [@Mr. Krebbs](#): > > The point is, these things are retroactively in violation, and weren’t considered illegal until April. Persons who purchased the P22 in 2002 (before the “Dangerous” Weapons Act of 2003) are still required to have this done. This is an example of lawful citizens being persecuted because the State of California fucked up. If you want to try and explain to me how this helps stop crime, go ahead and try. > > We’re taking one more step down the road to confiscation, here. I thought _ex post facto_ laws were unconstitutional. If someone were to challenge this in court, what would be the likely outcome? ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/7 "2005-05-11T18:59:16Z")
And in **this** , folks, we see the actual application of a firearms registry. It ain’t doin’ nothin’ to: a) stop criminals from using guns in the commission of violent crimes; b) assist authorities in apprehening criminals after they’ve committed their crimes; or c) prevent criminals from obtaining guns in the first place. No way, no how. A firearm registry is effective **only** for indentifying for prosecution previously law-abiding citizens whose guns have been criminalized. And this ain’t the first time California has misused its firearm registry in such a manner. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/8 "2005-05-11T18:59:58Z")
> [@Mr. Krebbs](#): > > **This Year’s Model** , I will try and find it for you. I retrieved the letter from another message board. If you google a bit, you will find multiple links about this whole fiasco. Well, I did, and all I got was blogs and message boards. Also, I cannot find anything about this at the Smith & Wesson web sites, or the Walther web site. And just for luck - neither could I find anything at snopes. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/9 "2005-05-11T19:01:14Z")
> [@Mr. Krebbs](#): > > The point is, these things are retroactively in violation, and weren’t considered illegal until April. Persons who purchased the P22 in 2002 (before the “Dangerous” Weapons Act of 2003) are still required to have this done. This is an example of lawful citizens being persecuted because the State of California fucked up. If you want to try and explain to me how this helps stop crime, go ahead and try. > > We’re taking one more step down the road to confiscation, here. And this surprises you?? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/10 "2005-05-11T19:01:28Z")
**Lord Ashtar** , I doubt taking legal action against California would accomplish much. California successfully managed to do [this](http://www.nramemberscouncils.com/contracosta/FaxAlerts/sksalert.shtml) to SKS owners. Honestly, I don’t think CA has much regard for the Constitution. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/11 "2005-05-11T19:02:30Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I thought _ex post facto_ laws were unconstitutional. If someone were to challenge this in court, what would be the likely outcome? It’s California. What is right or constitutional, or even makes any sense, doesn’t seem to mean much here. ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/12 "2005-05-11T19:02:37Z")
> [@](#): > > I thought ex post facto laws were unconstitutional. If someone were to challenge this in court, what would be the likely outcome? Nothing. California previously used its firearms registry to confiscate _legally owned and duly registered guns_ after the state legislature passed a law more broadly defining the term “assault weapon.” ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/13 "2005-05-11T19:05:27Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I thought _ex post facto_ laws were unconstitutional. If someone were to challenge this in court, what would be the likely outcome? It’s not an ex post facto law. An es post facto law would be if they said it was a crime for anyone to buy a handgun, retroactive to 1990, then rounded up and prosecuted people in violation of a law that didn’t exist at the time. This is simply stating that a new regulation is required for certain guns and current gun owners must now come into compliance with this new regulation or face penalties. Two different things. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/14 "2005-05-11T19:05:41Z")
Any predictons on how many of those “No longer in posession” forms will be sent in? A P22’s considered as an assault weapon because the barrel is threaded? What other little “plinker” could aspire to such a description? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Krebbs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5fc32e/32.png) [@Mr.Krebbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Krebbs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/15 "2005-05-11T19:11:04Z")
**This Year’s Model** , you do understand that this sort of thing isn’t good PR for anybody, don’t you? Go ahead and give Smith and Wesson a call, if you don’t believe me. I just got off the phone with Smith and Wesson myself. This is in fact occurring. The number for S&W is 1-800-331-0852, press 7 to speak to their information desk. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/16 "2005-05-11T19:33:37Z")
> [@gotpasswords](#): > > A P22’s considered as an assault weapon because the barrel is threaded? What other little “plinker” could aspire to such a description? It’s because a threaded barrel allows a silencer to be attached. The law treats with other things as well, including “assault weapons”. **Mr. Krebbs** , I’d like to be sure of what this is all about. Personally, I’ve yet to see any reason to get outraged about it. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/17 "2005-05-11T19:52:50Z")
Why are you taking this? Send them a letter and tell them to take shove their tyrannical patootie so far up their nose they’ll think they were hit by a… a… Well, I don’t have a good way to end that one. The point is, why tolerate? Get on the horn, get the NRA, and get it stopped! ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/18 "2005-05-11T19:58:59Z")
Maybe I’m missing something here, but don’t all guns (excepting shotguns and muskets) have threaded barrels? ---
**Author:** ![UncleBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UncleBeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleBeer)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/19 "2005-05-11T20:02:09Z")
No. Threaded barrels are a rarity. Especially ones threaded at the “business” end. This is the Walther model in question: [http://www.waltheramerica.com/p22.htm](http://www.waltheramerica.com/p22.htm) ---
**Author:** ![catsix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@catsix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catsix)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2005, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433/20 "2005-05-11T20:14:48Z")
> [@](#): > > **This Year’s Model** said: > It’s because a threaded barrel allows a silencer to be attached. It’s my understanding that the barrel on the Walther is threaded at the other end, the end that attaches the barrel to the rest of the pistol, so that the barrels can be changed out. I don’t think it has a damn thing to do with a silencer. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-california-attorney-general-wants-to-fuck-up-your-walther/303433.md?page=2)