Franklin Armory 00-30022-BLK CA12 *CA Compliant 350 Legend 12″ 10+1 Black Rec Black Magpul SL Buffer Tube
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About this product
The Franklin Armory CA12 is a California-compliant, semi-automatic AR-pattern pistol chambered in 350 Legend with a 12-inch barrel and a Magpul SL buffer tube system, legally classified as a pistol with an authorized forward vertical grip. This specific configuration exists because California's assault weapons laws necessitate unique engineering solutions to create a functional, legally-possessable firearm for hunters and sport shooters. It represents a direct, mechanical response to the regulatory environment, not simply a standard rifle with cosmetic changes.
What is the Franklin Armory CA12 used for?
The CA12 is engineered for medium-game hunting and target shooting within California's restrictive regulatory framework. It provides a semi-automatic, hard-hitting platform for hunters pursuing boar or deer in the state's diverse terrain where bolt-actions may be a limiting factor. The 350 Legend cartridge offers flatter trajectory and more energy than 300 Blackout at typical hunting distances, making it a pragmatic choice for hunters needing capability within compliance.
How does the Franklin Armory CA12 compare to a standard AR-15 rifle?
The CA12 is fundamentally a single-state compliance platform, mechanically distinct from a standard off-the-shelf AR-15 rifle. Its pistol classification, fixed magazine system, and 12-inch barrel length create a firearm optimized for California law, whereas a standard AR-15 like our Stevens 334 .308 offers simpler, traditional rifle ergonomics without state-specific restrictions. The CA12 is better for Californians needing a semi-automatic hunting tool; the Stevens 334 is better for anyone outside restrictive jurisdictions or who prefers a conventional bolt-action operation.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The CA12 has an overall length of 28.5 inches from the end of the buffer tube to the muzzle and weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded. The 12-inch M4-profile barrel contributes to this manageable weight and compact profile, which is 8 inches shorter than a typical 20-inch hunting rifle barrel. This makes it significantly more maneuverable in dense brush or a blind compared to a longer platform.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not for shooters residing outside of California or other states with similar 'assault weapon' bans. The compliance features, particularly the fixed magazine system requiring a tool like a KingPin for separation, add administrative steps that a shooter in a free state would find unnecessary and cumbersome. It's also not for the first-time buyer looking for a simple, traditional rifle; the operational idiosyncrasies demand a basic understanding of AR-platform mechanics and state laws.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete CA12 pistol, one 10-round compliant magazine, the required tool for separating the upper and lower receivers to clear malfunctions or unload the firearm, and all necessary paperwork. Unlike a standard rifle, you will not find a traditional stock or a detachable magazine; the buffer tube is bare per ATF pistol guidelines, and the magazine is permanently fixed in place until the action is opened with the provided tool.
Is the Franklin Armory CA12 worth it at $953.99?
At just under $1,000, the CA12's value is entirely contingent on your location and need for its specific legal compliance. For a California hunter who requires a semi-automatic, straight-walled cartridge rifle for specific hunting zones, the price is justified by the unique engineering and legal certification process. However, for a shooter in an unrestricted state, that same budget buys a more capable and ergonomic standard AR-15 rifle or a premium bolt-action like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win, with money left over for optics.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- California DOJ Certified - legally approved pistol configuration with forward grip.
- 350 Legend chambering - provides approximately 1,800 ft-lbs muzzle energy from the 12-inch barrel.
- Magpul SL buffer tube - offers a improved grip surface over a standard mil-spec tube.
- Fixed overall length of 28.5 inches - highly maneuverable for brush hunting or vehicle use.
Trade-offs
- Fixed magazine system - requires tool use to separate receivers for unloading, adding administrative steps.
- Pistol buffer tube only - cannot legally attach a stock without creating an SBR and incurring a $200 tax stamp.
- Proprietary lower receiver - limits aftermarket compatibility and upper receiver swaps compared to a standard AR.
Key attributes
| upc | 818725012181 |
| manufacturer | Franklin Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 0030022BLK |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 12" |
| caliber/gauge | .350 Legend |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| sights | Optic Ready |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this compatible with standard AR-15 upper receivers?
- No, it is not directly compatible. The CA12 uses a proprietary lower receiver assembly to comply with California's fixed magazine requirement. You cannot simply swap a standard AR-15 upper onto this lower without potentially creating an illegally configured firearm under state law.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 28.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most compact rifle cases designed for firearms up to 32 inches. I transport mine in a Savior Equipment 32-inch double rifle case, which provides ample room for the firearm and a small range kit.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification. Delivery time to your selected Federal Firearms License holder then depends on the carrier, usually adding another 2-7 business days for a total lead time of approximately one to two weeks.
- Does this work with a standard AR-15 bipod?
- Yes, the handguard has a standard Picatinny rail section at the 6 o'clock position, accepting any M-LOK or Picatinny-mounted bipod like a Magpul M-LOK Bipod or a Harris S-BRM. The forward vertical grip is mounted separately and does not interfere with bipod attachment.