THE DAILY FUDD: E233: "Fudd workaround: AR side-loader for fixed magazines, so you can keep all your features."

Detachability of magazines is a key component in most "assault weapon" definitions. With them, the "evil features" are verboten. But with fixed magazines, those features are permitted. As a result, this writer as far back as Heller promoted the idea of stripper-clip-fed fixed magazine rifle in military caliber as a "Militia Rifle" to split the difference and secure some baseline militia firepower, though in most recent years my writing has focused on detachables.

Below is an option for AR systems: A device that side-loads a magazine through the ejection port. It is larger than a stripper clip, and nearly as expensive as a full-blown magazine, and so obviously not (as) disposable. Yet, it does work. And given American ingenuity, clever thinkers and designers will no doubt improve on the concept if the current (August 2022) bill passes into law.

It may eventually be necessary for some, especially those seeking to acquire AR-pattern arms, to make a choice between detachable magazines and the "evil features." It should be noted that the current bill includes "Thordsen-type" grips and stocks in its evil features. Given the AR's design, the supreme utility of the pistol grip makes going fixed-mag worthy of special consideration. It's a judgment call.

The one below is currently offered only in 10-round versions. Most likely 15-round versions will develop if current gun bill passes into law. (Along with more minimum-length metal 15-round magazines for permanent attachment. 15/30 mags--30-round mag bodies altered to accept only 15--are almost as pathetic as gelding pistol mags, and of course Thermold 15-round mags are Zytel.)

Its Come to This... Side Feed Stripper Clip AR-15 Loaders -The Firearm Blog

In inexorable march of unneeded innovation continues to push on due to various “gun control” laws. While I disagree with them fully, there is a sizeable population of our dear TFB readers that live within their jurisdictions, so we still cover these technologies to help those get the most out of their laws.

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LINK TO PRODUCT HERE (the one provided in the article was messing up at time of writing).

And a clever spin for a fudd flipside to the situation from the item description (it is revised and clarified from version in the article above):

An unintended consequence of the new intrusive California laws is safety. Now with absolutely no ability to load an unloaded AR-15 for home defense within a reasonable amount of time, gun owners will inevitably choose to keep them loaded at all times. This could potentially put the people we are committed to defend at risk. The use of a MA Loader prevents this problem and is the safest solution for all AR-15 owners anywhere. Once the MA Loader is mounted in the firearm's ejector port, it serves in a similar function as a Chamber Safety Plug.  While properly attached, it visually provides an immediate, reliable confirmation of an unloaded chamber for safe handling.  Or simply keep your AR-15 unloaded with an MA Loader close by. One push and you are loaded & ready!

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html

THE DAILY FUDD: E232: "A fudd fail: New 'AW' ban bill actually includes 'Thordsen-type' grips -- No more PC-ing a feature-laden, mag-detachable AR?"

These alterations. especially the first one, would probably fail:

This is downright vengeful and deliberately targeting both the AR operating system and the Thordsen company for developing a once-NY-compliant workaround.

TEXT:

“(49) The term ‘pistol grip’ means a grip, a thumbhole stock or Thordsen-type grip or stock, or any other characteristic that can function as a grip.

For those devoted to the AR, your choices for new manufactures would be a choice between featureless or top-feed into a fixed magazine. As for various tricks and workarounds on the issue of detachability, be careful and keep in mind the many failed efforts by California 2A hobbyists, and my one simple adage: "If you think you've gotten around a gun law, you're probably in violation of it." In a lot of restrictive States, all it takes is a word from the attorney general for some such thing to hit the ban list. I remember one system that was legal for a few months: A tripped-out AR with no stock whatsoever. It slipped through the CA definition of rifle--till the legislature changed the law.

And there's this truncated action (information only--not an endorsement--and included just because it looks cool):

See also TDF 57 for videos by California law enforcement officers (so take it as you judge) on ban-beating arms. The first video discusses a bullpup design, and I have to wonder how long till those are targeted. The second focuses on the above weapon. Again, take it as you judge.

(Just a reminder: *I* called for Federalist 46 action to stop the Election Steal, while the rest of you just yelled.)

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html

THE DAILY FUDD: E231: "Counter-fudd follow-on to E227 for the underprepared: Buy and store your 'AWs' now, before you gotta go through a dealer."

In TDF 227, I pointed out that the 2022 gun bill would not allow for transfer of "high-capacity" magazines at all, and so now was the time for judicious acquisitions of them. However, the "semiautomatic assault weapons" affected by the bill will require going through dealers to transfer. I explained in TDF 230 about the dangers in how this is to done. In addition, some storage requirements in the bill may require acquisition of safes, and affect where these items are kept, or even handled. Open storage and "storing at a friend's place" may not be an option anymore.

And so, for those of you who are TOTALLY fudd, it's advisable that you determine what if any affected arms would be suitable for your situation, with an eye toward possible future outcomes of society. This in no way counteracts this series' repeated discussion of featureless military-grade arms as (still) viable on the modern Militia battlefield. Yet, some of those higher-end things can be useful.

TEXTs of bill on point:

“(t) (1) Beginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, it shall be unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this chapter to transfer a grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon to any other person who is not licensed under this chapter, unless a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer has first taken custody of the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon for the purpose of complying with subsection (s). Upon taking custody of the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon, the licensee shall comply with all requirements of this chapter as if the licensee were transferring the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon from the licensee’s inventory to the unlicensed transferee.

“(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a temporary transfer of possession for the purpose of participating in target shooting in a licensed target facility or established range if—

“(A) the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon is, at all times, kept within the premises of the target facility or range; and

“(B) the transferee is not known to be prohibited from possessing or receiving a grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon.

“(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term ‘transfer’—

“(A) shall include a sale, gift, or loan; and

“(B) does not include temporary custody of the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon for purposes of examination or evaluation by a prospective transferee.

“(aa) Secure Storage Or Safety Device Requirement For Grandfathered Semiautomatic Assault Weapons.—It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, to store or keep under the dominion or control of that person any grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon that the person knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, will be accessible to an individual prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm under subsection (g), (n), or (x), or any provision of State law, unless the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon is—

“(1) carried on the person, or within such close proximity that the person can readily retrieve and use the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon as if the grandfathered semiautomatic assault weapon were carried on the person; or

“(2) locked by a secure gun storage or safety device that the prohibited individual has no ability to access.”.

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html

THE DAILY FUDD: E230: "The REAL approach of the 2022 gun bill: Playing conservative individualism and moving multi-generationally."

In the past few editions, TDF has discussed the scope, impact, and even one mitigated element of the bill currently (August 2022) going through Congress. It is notably far less draconian than the post-Sandy Hook proposals of Feinstein and others: No taxes, direct registrations, or confiscations, and even as pointed out in TDF 229 the higher-than-usual maximum capacity limit (no geldings for most of us!). These are good, obviously, as they help buy time and hold the current level of firepower for the hope of reversing the bans and regulations in the future. 

The flipside of this, though, is that it is also a smarter move on the part of gun-banners than in the past. The sociopolitical Left has two big psychological advantages over conservative in terms of tactical activism: They find it easier to think beyond themselves, and they don't have the same aversion to step-by-step, two-steps-forward/one-step-back strategies.

In this current bill, we see the first advantage in the form of playing on conservative/Right (and libertarian) individualism. The comparatively moderate substance of the current bill points to this. Since no one suddenly loses anything or has to pay anything or register anything ("If you like your 'AWs,' you can keep your 'AWs'"), the standard conservative self-focus stimies the typical 2A practitioner. It is harder for them to make "conservative" arguments against the bill that don't sound like corny appeals to patriotism or borderline-seditious plans for insurrection. The libertarian might yell about "freedom," but he will not address the public's underlying concerns.

And of course, there's the psychological impact that after years of fighting actual loss, the current bill is obviously a step down in threat levels. For example, noting the extra five rounds over the usual proposed limit is good, as it has political and tactical import. The fear is that the usual conservative aversion to devotion to activism will allow that to create complacency, both blunting any willingness to work for more mitigation now and nullifying any advantage from the time bought.

The grander approach is that this is much more multi-generational. In truth, all "freezes" and such are long term in approach, the idea being that existent stocks will dry up and existent arms will wear out or become so obsolete as to not be the threat gun-banners perceive them to be. In this bill's case, though, the non-transferability of high-capacity magazines points to the real thinking here. In truth, capacity is far more important tactically than grips and muzzle devices. The approach is that as current owners pass away, and their magazines have to be sold to "proper authorities," the capability of owners of any arms to carry out "mass shootings" will fade out within a few generations. The flipside, of course, is that the Militia efficacy of the People is also hampered.

A related aspect of the bill is the transfer requirements. Going through a licensed dealer produces a paper trail, which can be used to create over time a low-grade registry. This has long been the legitimate concern over background checks on private sales. (TDF 41 discusses this matter, with the solution laid out.) This also plays on individualism, as the seller is not impacted, only the buyer who failed to prepare. To some libertarians and individualists, it's almost a case of, "Well, they get what they deserve." And as with the bill itself, it's difficult for such people to come up with a substantive counterpoint that doesn't go against their own individualism.

All of this goes to the whole lesson of this TDF series, and is hardly a complete explanation behind the current bill. Indeed, as I did my usual embedding links to past issues into this text, I was overwhelmed by how much I had indeed covered this same ground. I can't begin to link to everything. And as a result, I have been reminded of why I started this series: "To aid gunners both practically and psychologically in the face what is quite possible and likely with the current Harris/Biden insurrection" (from TDF 25). 

Reality is the answer.

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html

THE DAILY FUDD: E229: "Some better news in July 2022 gun bill: Mag limit is FIFTEEN rounds; most 'standard-cap' pistol mags protected.'"

From the Definitions section of the bill:

Two definitions of "semiautomatic assault weapon":

A semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed ammunition feeding device with the capacity to accept more than 15 rounds, except for an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed ammunition feeding device that has the capacity to accept more than 15 rounds.

Definition of "large capacity ammunition feeding device":

The term ‘large capacity ammunition feeding device’—

“(A) means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device, including any such device joined or coupled with another in any manner, that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily restored, changed, or converted to accept, more than 15 rounds of ammunition; and

“(B) does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.”.

It's a small positive, but it shows the value of mitigation (I am convinced SOMETHING was going to pass eventually) in that it does go far to preserving most "standard-capacity" pistol-caliber magazines, as I discussed in TDF 49. And those extra five rounds over the usual limit might mean the difference between more dead BLM thugs and an impregnated-by-rape wife, sister, or daughter. 

And now, contact your pro-gun Senators to urge further expansion of this gain, at least for pistol magazines.

See TDF 228 for more on the issue of rifles and the magazine limits.

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html

Time for a cat post: Not exactly available at most 31 Flavors, but maybe it'll start a trend.

 

THE DAILY FUDD: E228: "Perhaps the mag limit bill will get people to reexamine .308 'battle rifles' -- At least, our children probably will."

In the 1990s, many "prepper" and "militia"-types turned to .308 due to the 1994 magazine freeze. If you have fewer rounds, then you need to make the most of each round. That in part is the rationale behind my suggested "Homeland Defense Rifle." The end of that freeze has, though, spoiled many 2A practitioners, and between that and having watched too many "A-Team" reruns, they think lighter 5.56/.223 is the way to go. My hope is that recent legal turns will make them think more in the 1990s way in this regard

But even barring that, the generations coming behind us very likely will do so. If the gun bill recently (July 2022) passed by the U.S. House of Representatives becames law, not only will it freeze the number of civilian-legal "high-capacity" magazines in private possession, it will also apparently bar their transfer to other private parties. In other words, YOU can have what's yours, but your children and children's children will be stuck with 15 rounds. No inheriting, and no "grandfathered" ones buyable. A larger caliber makes all the more sense.

See link below for the concept.

Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD: E19: "My original fudd: The rather PC 'Homeland Defense/Militia Rifle' concept." (catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com)

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html  

THE DAILY FUDD: E227: "Time for counter-fudd advice: Buy hi-caps NOW -- Summary of AW bill that passed House."

TDF has long made a point of preparing for seizure or taxing of "high-capacity" magazines. The bill which recently (July 2022) passed the House of Representatives includes no seizure or taxing of weapons or magazines, and grandfathers in possession of current ones, but it does not allow for transferring a hi-cap (though the weapons themselves can be).

So, now's the time for some judicious acquisition of magazines over 15 rounds. Keep in mind the taxing and seizure remains a possibility until President Trump or another pro-gun leader obtains power, so count your dollars and cents as to how much you might invest.

For rifles, 10-round mags remain tactically viable, so focusing evaluation on pistol magazine inventories is especially advisable. TDF has in the past taken the position that pistols hold a special symbolic and tactical priority in RKBA preservation. Furthermore, yours truly has suggested to his pro-gun Senator that an attempt be made to exempt pistol-caliber magazines from the restrictions for the same reason.

H.R.1808 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Shown Here:
Introduced in House (03/11/2021)

Assault Weapons Ban of 2021

This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD).

The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; or (4) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model.

The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD:

• importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments;
• importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and
• possession by a retired law enforcement officer.

The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties.

The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD.

Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture.

The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.

TEXT OF BILL HERE.

TDF INDEX: Cats, Guns, and National Security: THE DAILY FUDD index.  https://catsgunsandnationalsecurity.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-daily-fudd-index.html