I got it for @ $1,285.00 There are cheaper versions of ARs, but this one is the Colt Law Enforcement model, and had all the features I wanted, like adjustable, stock, flash suppressor, 16 inch m4, 1/7 barrell, etc.
All of these were banned for @ 10 years, not long ago, but that ban was lifted except for Ca., N.Y. and a couple of others, who have their own version. This is why they are selling like hot cakes right, as everyone fears a 'permanant ban' as BO has stated he will pass. However, a few gun brokers ARE allowed to ship to Ca., so there is some kind of loophole in there somwhere. Go to gunbroker.com and do some searching.
Federal Assault Weapons Ban
From Wikipedia,
The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) was a subtitle of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, a federal law of the United States that included a prohibition on the sale to civilians of certain semi-automatic "assault weapons" manufactured after the date of the ban's enactment. There was no prior legal definition of "assault weapons" prior to its enactment. The ten-year ban was passed by Congress on September 13, 1994 and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton the same day. The ban expired on September 13, 2004, as part of the law's sunset provision.
to see it all, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_Weapons_Ban