Franklin Armory CA11 .300 AAC Blackout 11.5in 10rd Pistol
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About this product
The Franklin Armory CA11 is a compact AR-style pistol chambered in .300 AAC Blackout with an 11.5-inch barrel and 10-round capacity, configured as a straight-pull bolt-action repeater and designed for shooters seeking a compact, dedicated suppressor host or a compliant platform in restrictive jurisdictions. This model leverages the established CA11 platform's aluminum receiver set and M-LOK handguard interface in a purpose-built short-barrel package. Unlike a standard Stevens 334 Rifle, this firearm is regulated as a pistol under federal law, which dictates its specific configuration and handling requirements.
What is the Franklin Armory CA11 .300 AAC Blackout used for?
The CA11 .300 Blackout pistol is primarily used as an ultra-compact, suppressed hunting or tactical tool, ideally paired with a sound suppressor for discreet medium-range engagements. Its 11.5-inch barrel and straight-pull bolt action maximize ballistic efficiency from .300 BLK subsonic ammunition while ensuring utter mechanical reliability in a package with an overall length of approximately 27 inches. This makes it exceptionally suitable for hunting in enclosed blinds, vehicle-based operations, or as a regulated-state-compliant home defense option where semi-automatic AR pistols are restricted, requiring dedicated training for its manual cycling.
How does the Franklin Armory CA11 compare to a standard AR pistol?
The Franklin Armory CA11 is fundamentally different from a standard AR-15 pistol; it's a manually-cycled, straight-pull bolt action, not a gas-operated semi-automatic. Where a typical .300 BLK AR pistol uses a gas system and buffer tube to cycle, the CA11 requires the shooter to manually work the bolt after every shot, which reduces the theoretical rate of fire but eliminates all gas system tuning issues and carbon blowback—a significant advantage when running suppressed. For pure suppression and reliability with heavy subsonics, the CA11 is superior, but for rapid follow-up shots, any standard AR pistol like a Palmetto State Armory model is the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The CA11 pistol weighs approximately 6.8 lbs unloaded, and the assembled firearm has an overall length of 27 inches from the end of the buffer tube to the muzzle. The barrel itself is 11.5 inches with a 1-in-8 twist rate, and it's mated to an 11.5-inch FSR M-LOK handguard, leaving zero gap for a clean aesthetic and accessory mounting. This makes it roughly 9 inches shorter in overall length than a typical 16-inch carbine rifle and about 1.2 lbs heavier than some polymer-handguard AR pistols due to its full aluminum construction and medium-contour barrel profile.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for shooters seeking a traditional semi-automatic AR-15 experience or those on a tight budget for a plinking firearm, as its manual operation demands a specific skillset and its price point of $1,337.99 reflects its niche construction. It's a poor choice for anyone wanting fast, high-volume shooting or who dislikes the physical motion of working a bolt handle after each trigger pull. If your primary use is unsuppressed range shooting with supersonic ammo, a conventional semi-auto like the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 offers more versatile performance for less money.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete CA11 pistol with its nitride-finished bolt carrier group installed, one 10-round Magpul PMAG, and an Ergo ambidextrous grip already mounted. Franklin Armory does not include iron sights, an optic, or a sling—the top rail is optic-ready, so plan for an additional $150-$500 for a quality red dot. The packaging also contains a standard pistol lock and the manufacturer's warranty paperwork, but notably lacks any specialized tools for disassembly, which requires standard AR armorer's pins and wrenches.
Is the Franklin Armory CA11 worth it at $1,337.99?
The CA11 is worth its $1,337.99 price tag only for a specific buyer who requires its unique legal configuration as a manually-operated pistol or explicitly values its flawless suppressed performance over speed. You are paying for a precision-machined, niche-compliance tool with a high-end salt bath nitride BCG and hardcoat anodized receivers, not a general-purpose firearm. Compared to a $800 semi-auto .300 BLK pistol, the CA11's value is in its guaranteed reliability with any ammunition and its legal status in certain jurisdictions; for all other shooters, the investment is hard to justify against more versatile platforms.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Guaranteed reliability with all .300 BLK ammunition suppressed—zero gas tuning required.
- Salt bath nitride BCG finish provides 72+ Rockwell C surface hardness for extreme wear resistance.
- Full 7075-T6 aluminum receiver set adds rigidity over polymer alternatives like an ATI Omni Hybrid.
- 11.5-inch M-LOK handguard offers full-length accessory mounting on a compact platform.
Trade-offs
- Manual bolt action only—requires 2-3 seconds per shot for a trained operator to cycle, eliminating rapid fire.
- No sights or optics included—adds minimum $150 to the real cost for a usable setup.
- 6.8 lb weight is noticeable for a pistol—heavier than most 11.5" AR pistols by nearly a pound.
- Niche design limits aftermarket support compared to the vast standard AR-15 ecosystem.
Key attributes
| upc | 818725012075 |
| manufacturer | Franklin Armory |
| manufacturer part number | 00-30021-BLK |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 11.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .300 AAC Blackout |
| capacity | 10 + 1 |
| shipping weight | 12.08 |
| sights | Optic Ready |
| atf type | Pistol |
| length | 48 |
| magazine included | 1 x 10-Round |
| model | CA11 |
| number of magazines | 1 10 rd. |
| package height | 11.0 |
| package width | 7.0 |
| product type | Specialty Handgun |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard AR-15 parts?
- Partially. The lower and upper receivers, handguard, grip, and trigger group accept standard mil-spec AR-15 components. However, the bolt carrier group and barrel extension are proprietary to the CA11's straight-pull bolt action system and are not interchangeable with standard semi-automatic AR-15 parts.
- Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
- Yes, its 27-inch overall length allows it to fit in most compact rifle cases designed for SBRs or takedown firearms. A case with internal dimensions of at least 30 inches in length, like a Savior Equipment Specialist 30" double rifle case, will provide a snug, protected fit for the pistol and a couple of magazines.
- What is the shipping timeframe to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock items like the CA11 within 2 business days after FFL verification is completed. Transit time depends on the carrier and destination, but most continental US deliveries occur within 3-7 business days from the shipment date. You will receive tracking information once the order ships.
- Is this legal to own in California?
- The CA11's status is complex. As a manually-operated bolt action pistol, it is not subject to the same roster and feature laws as semi-automatic pistols. However, because it is a centerfire pistol with a detachable magazine, it cannot have any 'assault weapon' features. In its shipped configuration, it is likely compliant, but buyers must consult California DOJ regulations and potentially a local firearms attorney for a definitive determination before purchasing.