Norinco AK-47 Golden State Arms Distributors

Awoman4guns

I need information on an early ak-47 imported by G.S.A.D. Manhattan Beach, CA. Marked Jing An China and Sante Fe/Golden State Arms Dist. Manhattan Beach, Ca. Serial #23xx I need info on G.S.A.D. as well I am having a hard time finding anything on them thanks for any help its appreciated

He Dog

Hi Gun Lady. Here is what the Blue Book says: "Previous importer located in Pasadena, CA. Golden State Arms imported and subcontracted various firearms constructed by European and Japanese manufacturers - achieving private label status on some guns. Most firearms previously imported by Golden State Arms (including private labels)are not that collectible. In many cases the shooting value will determine the price of a specimen. In some models or configurations which are curently desireable, however, premiums may exist." No dates of operation or other information is given. Not much help I'm afraid.

Awoman4guns

thanks I needed info for legal reasons

lrarmsx

Legal reasons, as in proving it is a pre-ban or what? If you gave us some more information, we may be able to help. I've sold a variety of Golden State Arms guns over the years, what exactly is it you needed to know?

Awoman4guns

Ca D.O.J. conficated it it is marked G.S.A.D. and the only other stamping is JING AN CHINA Serial#23xx

lrarmsx

I'm not up to speed on all of the California regs, but it is my understanding that that gun would have had to be registered back in 1989. At that time it was registration only. Then in 1999 or 2000 they added a number of ownership restrictions and taxes on what they referred to as assault weapons, anything with the pistol grip and detachable mags, etc. As of then you couldn't own or had to pay taxes on such weaponry to keep it. Most people exported them to relatives out of state or sold them out of state.That gun definitely predates the 1989 assault weapons ban if that is what you were wanting to know. The company hasn't been around for some time. As for its legal status in CA, that is beyond my expertese. In fact interpreting the laws of California is beyond the realm of most anyone who has a logical mind, knowledge of guns, and a law degree. I can't speak as to CA specific legalities, but elsewhere in the country, that gun would be treated as a legal pre-ban rifle with all original parts being Chinese in origin, a pistol grip, bayonet lug, slant flash hider, etc. Legal to own shoot, etc. Your state has a whole different set of rules and I wouldn't begin to try and explain the specifics there.

Awoman4guns

The problem is they have accused us of altering the stampings on the gun, they are saying that G.S.A.D. never imported an Ak-47 marked Jing An China on it. I have been trying to find pictures of another one or documentation on it, but it has proven to be rather difficult.

gruntled

I went to the Golden State Arms Co. in Pasadena's bankruptcy auction sometime in the 1960s so they could not have had anything to do with an AK-47.The following stores are located close toManhatten Beach & may know what happened to them.Area codes in the Los Angeles area may have changed. I am taking these from old receipts.Turner's Outdoorsman: 16325 Hawthorne Blvd.310-214-8724. Note: they have moved a short distance but are still on Hawthorne Blvd.There were two other stores at this same address over the years. One was National Gun Sales.Lawrence & Co. 2418 Artesia Blvd. Redondo Beach. 213-374-2948. Also moved since but only a short distance on Artesia.Pistol Pete's Guns: 901 S. Pacific Coast Hwy. Redondo Beach 310-540-GUNSRNJ Guns 2302 Artesia Blvd Redondo Beach310-318-2348. There was another store onlyabout a block from them they may know about.There were two gun stores on Sepulveda Blvdin Manhatten Beach & I'm guessing one of them is what you are looking for.I moved over three years ago so all of this may be obsolete. [This message has been edited by gruntled (edited 11-11-2001).]