AR barrel legality?

[Quadkid]

Hey guys. I bought my first upper from a friend last week. He wanted barely any money for it as he jut got back from Iraq with money to spend and wants to build a SBR. The upper he sold me is off a preban rifle and has a shorter than 16" barrel with an extended flash suppressor to make it "legal".

Since I will be building my lower will I run into issues with the barrel length? How can I be absolutely sure it'll be legal? I know in CT we have to permanently attach any flash hiders.

It also has a bayonet lug. Can I just machine that off since CT lists that as an evil feature.

BTW it's an older Oly A2 upper, no bells and whistles. I can get a picture if that'll help.

Thanks
Sean

 

[mp510]

If you are going to uise it on a post-ban lower, you are going to need to permenantly attach a compensator to it, not a flash hider (which is already perma-attached).

Yes, grinding off the lug is necessary if you will be attaching it to a post-ban.

 

[Quadkid]

I just got home from my parents and looked at the upper again. The barrel itself is 11.5" and the flash hider makes it to about 16.5". Looking at the assembly closer I can see some solder/brazing in the barrel/FH connection. I know the barrel needs to be 16" to not need the SBR tax stamp, but is it the barrel only or does this hider make it the necessary 16 inches.

Please pardon me, all this AR stuff is new to me. I currently have pistols, a shotgun, and a newly acquired .17hmr.

the upper closely resembles this Oly model.
http://www.olyarms.com/index.php?pa...facturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

 

[ThePunisher'sArmory]

These laws are just silly. Pre-ban, Post-ban, It all still does the same thing. When will these late' sippin lefties learn. Sorry just had to say that. I know here in the Peoples Republic of Illinois as long as the overall length of barrel with flash hider/ comp is 16"+ its fine. As mentioned above 14.5" and 11.5" barrels need to be welded. Silly rules, silly rules.

 

[Quadkid]

If you are going to uise it on a post-ban lower, you are going to need to permenantly attach a compensator to it, not a flash hider (which is already perma-attached).

could you point me to a compensator long enough to make up the difference. All that Ive seen on the usual parts sites are too short.

TPA, I couldnt agree more.

 

[DougW]

As long as the flash hider is perminate and the overall length is over 16" there is no issue. I just built a LW truck rifle with the 11.5"/5.5" setup with a brand new barrel from DPMS. Pre or post matter not. OAL and perminate FH are the only issues, unless you live in a gun hating state.

 

[PR-NJ]

In NJ, a muzzle brake or compensator on an AR-15-type rifle is OK if it is permanently attached to the barrel. A flash supressor or flash hider is NOT OK.

It wouldn't surprise me if CT's gun laws are similar to NJ's. You may want to familiarize yourself with the applicable rules before you spend money on parts or take your rifle to the local range. Your local gunshop may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[PR-NJ]

Caveat: The guys who work in gun shops generally aren't lawyers (although some are ex-cops). Double and triple check any advice you get.

If you want to get serious, CT's NRA affiliate organization probably has attorneys on retainer who are knowledgeable about the state's gun laws. They should be able to provide accurate advice (although they'll probably tell you they're not giving you legal advice). Join the organization...and the NRA while you're at it.

 

[stanger04]

Sounds like the old Bushmaster upper or type with the long hider/compensator it's an x177 or xm177. Something like that, if it is welded or pinned it is legal. Go to Brownell's website and look under flash hider and type in 177 see if it looks the same. If it does and using a wrench you can't remove, it's pinned and legal, I have about 5 of them.

A lot of manufacturers also made 14.5 inch barrels and welded/pinned flash hiders that were 2 inches long and they are legal. Post ban and pre ban makes no difference for feds only states like CA and well I won't even guess there, they are nuts of another tree.

As far as I can recall Olympics are post ban and are cheap uppers, non-lined barrels plus if it's an A2 it is most likely a post ban.

 

[stanger04]

Sorry for back to back posts but you can have a lug legally on post ban, my DPMS has one with an A1 upper with 16 inch barrel.

 

[Quadkid]

I just read through the CT state laws on assault weapons and cannot find anything about barrel length. They do make mention of flash hiders as one of the naughty items, however.

(2) A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault weapon, as defined in subdivision (1) of this subsection, or any combination of parts from which an assault weapon, as defined in subdivision (1) of this subsection, may be rapidly assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person;

(3) Any semiautomatic firearm not listed in subdivision (1) of this subsection that meets the following criteria:

(A) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two of the following:

(i) A folding or telescoping stock;

(ii) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon;

(iii) A bayonet mount;

(iv) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and

(v) A grenade launcher; or

If I have time tomorrow I will check with a couple reliable shops in the area who gunsmith for several police departments.

 

[Quadkid]

finally got a chance today to go out and ask some shops. The response from several was that what I have would be illegal since CT owners cannot use flash suppressors at all. If it were a muzzle break it would be okay.

So now I'm on the prowl for a new barrel.