There ' s a partial workaround for most such laws , like California ' s . They usually define assault rifles as any semiauto , center fire rifle with one or more of a list of features , like folding stocks or pistol grips . Since we often tell firearms noobs to start off with a Ruger 1022 , which has TONS of aftermarket stuff available for it , they ' re only about $ 90 away from having what would be labeled as an assault rifle , were it center fire . If they have one of the discontinued . 22 WMR model , so much the better . In California , all semiauto centerfire rifles will have to be registered as assault rifles after the first of the year , and will become nontransferable , but not rimfires . It ' s not the ideal solution , but unless some company wants to revive the old . 38 or . 41 rimfire cartridges , rimfires will probably stay off the legal radar forever .