Keep your California AR15 legal with Franklin Armory's DFM Magazine

Published on January 15, 2017
Duration: 13:43

This video details the installation of the Franklin Armory DFM magazine, a solution for keeping AR-15s legal in California by converting them to a fixed magazine configuration. Lead Firearms Instructor Joel Persinger explains the modification process, including changing the bolt catch to allow top-loading of the magazine. He highlights the legal implications in California, the functionality of the DFM magazine, and its pros and cons, such as the loss of the automatic bolt hold-open feature and the proprietary nature of the magazine.

Quick Summary

The Franklin Armory DFM magazine makes an AR-15 legal in California by converting it to a fixed magazine. This requires modifying the bolt catch to allow top-loading. While it allows retention of traditional features, it sacrifices the automatic bolt hold-open and uses proprietary magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to California AR-15 Legality
  2. 00:41Introducing the Franklin Armory DFM Magazine
  3. 01:06How the DFM Magazine Works: Fixed Magazine Functionality
  4. 01:32Removing the DFM Magazine: Partial Disassembly Required
  5. 02:04California Legal Warning: Unlawful Assault Weapon Risk
  6. 02:41Loading the DFM Magazine: Options and Nuisances
  7. 03:06Range Performance: Functionality and Reliability
  8. 03:31DFM Magazine: Accepting Standard Mags Outside California
  9. 04:12Returning to California: Magazine Compliance
  10. 05:12The Trade-off: Loss of Bolt Hold-Open Feature
  11. 05:32Bolt Catch Modification Explained
  12. 06:39Step-by-Step: Replacing the Bolt Catch
  13. 07:33Installing the Modified Bolt Catch
  14. 07:53Consequences of Bolt Catch Modification
  15. 08:21DFM Magazine Physical Design Features
  16. 08:49DFM Magazine Removal Process Recap
  17. 09:00California DOJ Regulations and Compliance
  18. 09:25Negative Aspects: Proprietary Magazine and Cost
  19. 09:53Clearing Double Feeds with Fixed Magazines
  20. 11:07Instructor's Decision to Use the DFM Magazine
  21. 11:20Muzzle Device Misidentification and Legal Risk
  22. 12:14DFM Magazine as a Legal Defense Against Misidentification
  23. 13:04Is the DFM Magazine a Viable Option?
  24. 13:13Where to Find More Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Franklin Armory DFM magazine make an AR-15 legal in California?

The DFM magazine converts an AR-15 into a fixed magazine rifle. This means the magazine cannot be removed from the bottom of the magwell without partially disassembling the firearm, which is a key requirement under California law to avoid registration as an assault weapon.

What modification is needed to install the Franklin Armory DFM magazine?

To allow the DFM magazine to be loaded from the top, the rifle's bolt catch needs to be modified. Specifically, a tab on the original bolt catch that engages with the magazine follower must be removed or filed down on the replacement bolt catch.

What is the main drawback of using the Franklin Armory DFM magazine?

The primary drawback is the loss of the automatic bolt hold-open feature after the last round is fired. Additionally, the magazine is proprietary, meaning it can only be purchased from Franklin Armory, and clearing double feeds can be more complex due to the fixed nature of the magazine.

Can I use standard AR-15 magazines with the DFM system?

Yes, once the DFM magazine is removed (which requires partial disassembly), the AR-15 will accept standard magazines. However, when returning to California, you must ensure you only bring magazines compliant with California's 10-round limit.

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