922(r) question regarding Romanian SAR-1

[benEzra]

OK, quick question regarding my SAR-1.

I know SAR's are classified as domestic rifles because they meet the parts count rule under 18 USC 922(r). I see a lot of AK's with folding stocks, and was thinking about putting a Romanian sidefolder on it. However, I notice that "trunnions" are one of the 922(r) listed parts. My questions:

Is the mounting block of a Romanian sidefolder considered a "trunnion"? (i.e., would it count as an extra imported part?)

If it is, how many imported parts does a SAR-1 with the stock trigger group have, and would I have to replace any additional parts to stay 18 USC 922(r) compliant if I were to add a Romanian folder? (Obviously it can be done, if Century is building WASR's with folders.)

If I do have to replace any imported parts, which ones would you recommend?

If it's too much hassle, I'll just leave it stock (or go with an American-made adjustable stock instead). I don't want to risk running afoul of arcane regs.

 

[LeibstandarteAdH]

The SAR-1's arent in spec to import anymore. The fact that they came from Cugir with mag dimples and mag wells for 30 round magazines made the BATF decide that they were not legal to import anymore. Thats why all the WASR's come in with 10 round mag wells and the longer spring spacers for single stack mags and are opened up once in the states. Otherwise SAR's would be pouring in insted. Im not really sure how the SAR's ever got in in the first place. They are a special little grey area in the 922(r) and importing laws that me, nor the atf is really too certain on. Sience they are the ones that let them in in the first place, then pulled their complaiance with otherwise no changes in any laws or in the guns themselves.

 

[Navy87Guy]

The mounting block is not a trunnion -- that is connected to the barrel. So it won't change your parts count.

Is the current stock US or foreign made? If it is foreign made, then swapping it will not impact your legality. If the current stock is US-made, then you need to do a parts count. Your rifle has 15 countable parts -- 16 if you have a muzzle device. You can have no more than 10 imported parts. I don't know where you got your SAR-1, so it's impossible to know how you're achieving compliance.

The easiest parts to replace are the 3 pieces of the firecontrol group. The gas piston is also relatively simple. Of course, a US-made pistol grip is a no brainer. Handguards are a little harder, because good wood sets aren't that common (although places like Ironwood make great ones).

I have to throw the BS flag on mag dimples and mag wells making a rifle unimportable. Lots of guns are imported with those features - they aren't an automatic disqualification (my Saiga is an example). I'd have to see some documentation from BATFE to back up that assertion.

Jim

 

[MRIman]

If the SAR your looking at is "all stock",it comes with 5 US
made parts. The FCG,counts as 3 parts,the PG,one part, and the
gas piston,for a total of 5.
You can add that side folder without any worry about parts.
The stock is already "non US",so changing it with another is no big deal.
I've owned many SAR's,great guns for the $$$.

MRI

 

[benEzra]

Right now, it's totally stock except for a Kobra optic on the siderail.

I believe the handgrip is U.S. made but the buttstock is imported.

 

[akolleth]

It's simple, if the buttstock is the original Romanian wood (NOT a US made version), then swapping it out with another imported buttstock will not alter the 922r count at all.

 

[DMK]

Is the current stock US or foreign made? If it is foreign made, then swapping it will not impact your legality. If the current stock is US-made, then you need to do a parts count.

That makes no sense. You can add as many US made parts as you want without affecting legality. It's only when you swap US made parts for foreign parts that could be a problem.

Of course, 9.22(r) makes no sense to begin with...

The SAR-1's arent in spec to import anymore.

That's irrelevant. Yes, SAR1s are no longer imported. However, that has no effect on the rifles that are already here.

 

[DMK]

If the SAR your looking at is "all stock",it comes with 5 US
made parts. The FCG,counts as 3 parts,the PG,one part, and the
gas piston,for a total of 5.
You can add that side folder without any worry about parts.

Bingo!

SAR1 w/ Ironwood pistol grip and Romanian Sidefolder

 

[Navy87Guy]

Quote:
Is the current stock US or foreign made? If it is foreign made, then swapping it will not impact your legality. If the current stock is US-made, then you need to do a parts count.

That makes no sense. You can add as many US made parts as you want without affecting legality. It's only when you swap US made parts for foreign parts that could be a problem.

It makes perfect sense.

If the current stock is foreign then it makes no difference.

If the current stock is US and he is replacing it with a foreign part, then he has just decreased his US parts count by one -- so he needs to do a count and make sure he's still legal. You even said it yourself - if he's swapping a US part for a foreign part....which is exactly what I said. (I'm pretty sure that Romanian sidefolders are not made in the US!)

Jim

 

[AZTOY]

If the current stock is foreign then it makes no difference.

Correct!!!

If the stock is US made part you need a US 9.22(r) made folder!

 

[DMK]

I misunderstood Jim. Sorry 'bout that. Somehow, I read that as adding a US part would require a recount of US parts. Probably shouldn't post before I've had my coffee.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I misunderstood Jim. Sorry 'bout that. Somehow, I read that as adding a US part would require a recount of US parts. Probably shouldn't post before I've had my coffee.

For me, it's two cups!

Jim

 

[nalioth]

I misunderstood Jim. Sorry 'bout that. Somehow, I read that as adding a US part would require a recount of US parts. Probably shouldn't post before I've had my coffee.

For me, it's two cups!

and where the 922r is concerned, don't forget your healthy dollop of whiskey...