Yes, certain firearms produced by the Bushmaster brand, specifically the Bushmaster Assault Rifle, are illegal in California due to state assault weapons laws. The legality of other items also referred to as "bushmaster" varies independently.
The Legality of Bushmaster Firearms
The term "Bushmaster" often refers to firearms manufactured by Bushmaster Firearms International. In the United States, various regulations exist concerning specific types of firearms, particularly those categorized as "assault weapons." These laws vary significantly between federal and state jurisdictions.
California's Ban on the Bushmaster Assault Rifle
California has established specific legislation that bans certain firearms by name, type, series, and model. Under this comprehensive legal framework, the Bushmaster Assault Rifle is explicitly listed as an illegal assault weapon within the state. This prohibition is part of California's efforts to regulate firearms deemed to be assault weapons, as outlined in state law, including provisions found in Penal Code section 32310.
California's law categorizes and bans assault weapons by specific names, in addition to other criteria. For example, some of the firearms banned by name in California include:
- Beretta AR-70
- Springfield Armory BM59
- Springfield Armory SAR-48
- Steyer AUG
- Sterling MK-6
- Bushmaster Assault Rifle
These bans target specific characteristics that define what California considers an assault weapon, aiming to restrict their availability to the public.
For clarity, here's a summary of specific firearm types mentioned as banned:
| Type of Firearm | Legality in California |
|---|---|
| Bushmaster Assault Rifle | Banned (Illegal) |
| Beretta AR-70 | Banned (Illegal) |
| Springfield Armory BM59 | Banned (Illegal) |
| Steyer AUG | Banned (Illegal) |
| Sterling MK-6 | Banned (Illegal) |
For more detailed information on California's assault weapons laws, including lists of banned firearms and definitions, you can consult resources provided by the state's Department of Justice. For instance, the official California Attorney General's website provides comprehensive details on these regulations: Assault Weapons Laws (California Department of Justice).
Other Interpretations of "Bushmaster"
While the primary context for "Bushmaster" in legal discussions, especially when referencing assault weapon laws, pertains to firearms, it is important to note that "Bushmaster" can also refer to a genus of highly venomous snakes (Lachesis) native to Central and South America. The legality of keeping such animals is governed by exotic pet laws, which vary significantly by state and local municipality and are distinct from firearm regulations. This answer focuses on the firearm interpretation, aligning with the provided legal context.
