Posted by INTERNAL PRESS RELEASE on 1st Jan 2026
AB1127/AB1263 Update for California Customers on Firearm Parts Shipping Restrictions
Las Vegas, NV – January 1, 2026 – Arms Unlimited, a leading provider of high-quality firearms, parts, and accessories, today places into effect critical changes to our shipping policies for customers in California.
Effective immediately, in response to the enactment of California Assembly Bills AB 1127 and AB 1263, we can no longer ship orders containing firearm-related products directly to residential addresses in California due to restrictions in these California bills. All such orders must be shipped to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) for transfer or directly to exempt law enforcement personnel in full compliance with state and federal laws.
These new laws impose stringent requirements on the sale, delivery, and distribution of certain firearm parts, components, and accessories, including mandatory age and identity verification, signature confirmation, and other "reasonable controls" that make direct-to-consumer shipping impractical and burdensome for many retailers. While we remain committed to serving our California customers, these changes are necessary to ensure full legal compliance and avoid potential liability. Customers are encouraged to contact their local FFL for assistance with transfers.
To help clarify the impact of these bills, below is a detailed list of firearm-related products affected by AB 1263 (primarily focusing on expanded definitions of "firearm-related products") and AB 1127 (which indirectly affects certain pistol-related components through restrictions on convertible designs). This list is based on the bills' definitions and is intended to be as descriptive as possible, addressing common customer confusion about whether everyday accessories are included. Note that AB 1127 primarily prohibits licensed dealers from selling or transferring whole semiautomatic pistols that can be readily converted to machineguns (e.g., via installation of an already illegal machine-gun conversion device such as a "switch" or auto-sear without machining), but it does not directly ban parts; however, components that enable such conversions may fall under broader restrictions. AB 1263 targets "firearm-related products" requiring enhanced controls for sales and shipping, effectively ending direct shipments.
Restricted Products (Cannot Ship Directly to California Homes; Must Go to FFL or Exempt LE):
These items are classified under AB 1263 as firearm precursor parts, firearm components, firearm accessories meeting specific criteria, unattached barrels, or firearm manufacturing machines. The criteria for components and accessories include: (A) items designed or marketed primarily for converting a firearm precursor part (e.g., an unfinished frame) into a functional firearm, or for attaching to/integrating with a firearm during operation; or (B) items that cannot be sold without complying with state or federal regulations governing firearms or accessories (e.g., those subject to serialization, background checks, or feature bans). Digital files are also prohibited from distribution but are not relevant to physical shipping.
- Firearm Precursor Parts: Unfinished or partially completed frames, receivers, or lowers (e.g., 80% lowers for AR-15s, Glock-compatible polymer frames, or AK receivers) that require additional machining, drilling, or assembly to become functional. These are often sold as kits and are targeted to prevent homemade firearm assembly without serialization.
- Unattached Firearm Barrels: Standalone barrels not pre-installed on a firearm, including rifle, pistol, or shotgun barrels in any caliber (e.g., AR-15 upper barrels, Glock replacement barrels, or threaded barrels). This includes partially finished or blank barrels. Note: Threaded barrels are specifically highlighted if they enable attachment of restricted devices like flash suppressors or suppressors, but even non-threaded barrels are covered if unattached.
- Firearm Components for Conversion or Assembly: Internal parts primarily designed to complete or convert precursor parts into operable firearms, such as:
- Slides, bolts, bolt carriers, or hammers for semiautomatic pistols or rifles.
- Triggers, trigger assemblies, or sears (including drop-in triggers that could border on regulated features).
- Upper receivers or parts kits
- Conversion kits (e.g., kits to convert a pistol to a carbine or add select-fire, though full-auto conversions are already federally illegal).
- Auto-sears, switches, or "Glock switches" (explicitly tied to AB 1127's focus on machinegun-convertible designs, making components that enable easy installation restricted).
- Firearm Accessories Defined Under Penal Code § 30515 (Assault Weapon Features): Accessories that are banned or restricted on "assault weapons" but can be sold separately, now requiring controls if they meet the above criteria. These include:
- Pistol grips that protrude conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon (e.g., detachable AR-style pistol grips).
- Thumbhole stocks (stocks with a hole for the thumb, often used on rifles for better control).
- Folding, telescoping, or detachable stocks (e.g., collapsible AR-15 stocks that adjust length).
- Flash suppressors or hiders (devices that reduce muzzle flash, often threaded onto barrels).
- Forward pistol grips (vertical or angled grips attached forward of the trigger for secondary hand support).
- Grenade or flare launchers (attachable devices for launching projectiles, rare but explicitly listed).
- Note: These are descriptive of features that make a firearm an "assault weapon" under CA law; standalone sales now fall under AB 1263 if marketed for integration with a firearm.
- Firearm Manufacturing Machines and Tools: Equipment capable of producing firearms or precursor parts, including:
- 3D printers (any model that can print firearm components, even general-purpose ones if usable for that).
- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling machines (desktop or industrial mills for cutting metal/polymer into frames or receivers).
- Other specialized tools or jigs specifically for completing precursor parts (e.g., 80% lower jigs with drill bits or routers).
- Other Components and Accessories Meeting Criteria: Any part or accessory that attaches to or integrates with a firearm and meets the conversion or regulation conditions, such as:
- Speedloaders or magazine loaders if designed for use with regulated high-capacity magazines.
- Multiburst trigger activators or bump stocks
- Large-capacity magazine conversion kits (parts to modify magazines to hold more than 10 rounds).
- Silencer/suppressor components (baffles or tubes, suppressors are already heavily regulated).
- Tools or kits that can be used for assembling unregulated items into regulated ones
To address customer questions, the following items do not appear to meet the definitions in AB 1127 or AB 1263 and can still be shipped directly. These are general accessories not primarily for converting precursors or subject to firearm-like regulations:
- Iron sights (fixed or flip-up metal sights for aiming, as they are basic sighting devices without conversion features).
- Red dot sights or optics (reflex sights, holographic sights, scopes, or magnifiers that mount on rails but do not alter firearm functionality or require special regs).
- Weapon lights or lasers (flashlights, illuminators, or laser aiming modules that attach via Picatinny rails for illumination/targeting, not tied to precursor conversion).
- Slings (shoulder straps for carrying firearms, single-point or two-point designs).
- Bipods or monopods (stabilizing supports that attach to the forend for prone shooting).
- Holsters, cases, or cleaning kits
- Rail covers, handguards (non-feature-adding), or basic grips that do not protrude or qualify as forward grips.
Finally, we hope this obvious tyrannical attempt to hinder interstate commerce for items that are supposed to be protected by the 2nd Amendment for California residents is challenged. We would gladly be a plaintiff in the future if a lawsuit were to be initiated and consumers in California could continue to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights like citizens in the rest of the country.