The Stalin 12.

For more information, or for details on how to order, visit Jesse James Firearms Unlimited.

Overview

The Califas Nomad is an AR-style rifle that was specifically designed to flout all the asinine laws in anti-gun states like CA, NY, CT, NY, etc.

Motorcycle enthusiast and reality TV star Jesse James makes firearms. Turns out, they’re pretty rad. While he’s only been doing it for four years or so, he’s already established his own unmistakable panache. I’m having trouble articulating his flair exactly, but it’s somewhere on the spectrum between Mad Max and Bladerunner. Maybe, I’d call it “retro-futuristic.”

James brought two new firearms to SHOT, a Stalin 12 shotgun and a Califas Nomad AR-style rifle. Information on both was limited because they were built just prior to the show, but from what I could garner the Stalin 12 is a AK-pattern, 12-gauge shotgun with a folding and collapsible stock. Its receiver was milled in the USA, not stamped like other AK-pattern shotguns.

The Califas Nomad is an AR-style rifle that was specifically designed to flout all the asinine laws in anti-gun states like CA, NY, CT, NY, etc. With a standard grip instead of a pistol grip, a wood Remington 870 stock that is not collapsible the gun, presumably, wouldn’t violate a run-of-the-mill ban on so-called “assault weapons.” However, as pictured with the 10-plus round magazine one might run into trouble possessing one in one of those aforementioned states. As always, check your local and state laws before you make a purchase.

A look at the barrel.

Specs

Stalin 12

• AK-Pattern
• 12 Guage
• Collapsible Stock
• Milled Receiver
• Made in USA
• MSRP: $7,000

Califas Nomad

• 5.56 NATO
• California legal?
• Remington 870 Stock
• Made in USA
• MSRP: $3,500

Impression

As a machinist and artist, James is no slouch. That much is apparent in the guns he brings to SHOT each year.  They are well-designed and solidly constructed.

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Don’t touch!

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The more CA-friendly model.

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My only reservation is with respect to reliability. How well do these high-end guns function? Are they simply safe queens? Modern-day wall art for the rich? Or would they actually have a place in the rotation for home defense? Would one of his guns be the one you would count when a couple of street toughs try to steal your property?

What are your thoughts?

There’s only one way to find out. That’s to get one in and put it through its paces. Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity in the near future. We’ll keep you posted.

Price and Availability

Pricing for the Stalin 12 was in the neighborhood of $7,000, although that may be subject to change.

Pricing for the Califas Nomad is said to be around $3,500.

Another AR-patter rifle with suppressor.

Wall art or reliable firearm?

I like the skeletonized handle on this one.

For more information, or for details on how to order, visit Jesse James Firearms Unlimited.