CA and AR---converting the converted

T

TheGoldenState

New member
CA legalities regarding evil features. I have the original CA legal AR and want to update to the new, quick and easy, almost normal CA legal AR. The issue at hand is:

Taking a Bushmaster CA legal break top fixed internal magazine and converting to CA legal bullet button detachable magazine. (bare in mind AR knowledge and experience is lackluster at best). Would it be as simple as getting a new lower where the mag slot isn't welded over and adding in the bullet button?

Can it be done, and if so how? Considering if it is worth it, or to look into new SW AR bullet button (1200 local gs).
 
The mag is welded into the lower? Ugh.

Yeah, you'll have to get a new lower that isn't on the ban list. There are a few manufacturers, such as Wilson Combat, Spike's Tactical, etc...

The bullet button mag catch is a pretty easy install. Just slide the catch bar and spring in on the left side and thread on the button on the right. You'll have to push the button all the way into the lower and turn the bar itself clockwise until it is tight enough to hold a mag in.

The hard parts are the springs and pins for the take down pins.
 
Yes, the bottom of the mag is welded closed, and you must pull the pin and break it, then hand load the 10 into the fixed mag. The gun was bought and taken out once. As soon as I realized how fast 10 rounds go and then you have to break it open and handload 10 in again, and how old that got so fast, it never saw the light of day again. The bullet button is so simply and fast, and it really is like a normal ar. I don't think i'll be able to pawn off this break top, so short of converting it to bullet button I'd have to go out and get one and drop 1k+


Never taken it apart, but changing out for a new lower doesn't seem to difficult. Putting in the BB, from what ive gathered, isn't too bad either.

The hard parts are the springs and pins for the take down pins.
Click to expand...

How difficult are we talking. Considering all things, such ass possibly having to take to a smith to do the work depending on the difficulty and intricacy, new lower, BB, etc. how would you go about this?
 
Yes, the bottom of the mag is welded closed

Yes, buy a new lower, pay the DOJ fees, wait 10 days to the minute, pick it up and take it home. Assemble your new lower with a new lower parts kit, installing a Bullet Button and your current for the time being... :rolleyes:
 
What does installing the lower parts kit entail (Really only have handled the AR a single time)? When I spoke to a local GS about it, he estimated $300 for parts and then $$ for gusmith being as though they didn't do it there. Made it out to seem like quite an ordeal. I'm going to try to find some videos, how in depth is it, roughly?:o Can I buy a lower with the parts kit already installed, or is that not the norm?

EDIT: Youtube is a beautiful thing. Definitely more apt to getting the lower and parts kit and taking it to a smith, or if it is done, find a lower that comes with the part kit put together already.
 
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BLACKSKY,

I think I looked up videos for putting all the components into a completely stripped lower, hence my hesitation.

Thanks for the link, I know nothing of CMMG--their service, quality, reputation--but i'm doing some research now. Appreciate the link.

I guess 300 and 2 pins will save me a waste of a bushmaster and 1200 on a new one.

Appreciate any and all info. and advice.
 
CMMG is a good entry level AR manufacturer.

Aside from the roll pins for the bolt catch and the trigger guard, you can build an AR lower with just a couple basic tools like a hammer, screwdriver, a razor blade (to hold the springs and detents in while you slide in the take down pins) and optionally some brass punches.

Here is a very thorough guide on building a lower receiver, complete with photos.
 
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