"Assault Pistol" vs. Semi-Auto Pistol?

[Hkmp5sd]

In another thread, Tamara commented on how this US clone of the HK SP89 looks without the foregrip which brought up some questions. (I know, the one in the pic is full auto - but assume it's the semi version)

To avoid the classification of "Assault Pistol", it must weigh less than 50 ounces. According to the company, the semi version weighs exactly 50 ounces.

My question is what constitutes a part of the pistol and what constitutes an accessory? If you installed the plastic foregrip from the original SP89, would it cause it to be considered an assault pistol? How about installing a Hogue HandAll grip or a red dot scope? How about a mini-maglite attached with duct tape? Even a thick coat of paint could put the weight over 50 ounces.

 

[Tamara]

Actually, the Special Weapons SP-89 clone in the pic above is semiauto. Even their HK94 clones have S-E-F safeties, it's just that both "E" and "F" are semiauto positions.

(The second "evil feature" that would cause it to be an "assault pistol" would be

"(iii) a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely
encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the
firearm with the nontrigger hand without being burned;

. This is why AB-10s and the new Carbon-15 pistols have those goofy-looking exposed barrels and/or gas tubes.)

 

[Destructo6]

Tamara's right about that pistol. Note that it doesn't have a pushpin at the front of the gripframe, having, rather, the semi ledge. Also, it has no flapper mag release.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

An S-E-F semi-auto....isn't that sneaky. Almost as good as good as this company that removes the HK 94 markings on their "upgrades" and replaces them with "HK MP5" or "HK MP5SD".


Your right about that one Tamara, forgot that. How about adding anything else though?

 

[dustind]

I was the one planning on buying it, i dont suppose i could just call it a rifle? im guessing they are registrered when built as a pistol though? can i register it as a rifle or short barrelled rifle? (even though minnesota doesn't require registration of rifles)

haveing a front grip would be nice. the law said manufactured wieght of 50 so i guess i can add parts like crazy without fear.

 

[Destructo6]

Rifles have to have a buttstock, SBR or not.

There's a possibility such a thing could be registered as an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW).

 

[Hkmp5sd]

dustind,

It is classified a pistol at the present time. To be a rifle it would need to have a minimum barrel of 16" and minimum overall length of 26" which basically turns it back into the HK94. You can register it as a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) and do away with the minimum length requirement, but it still must not violate the '94 AW ban provisions.

If you register it as a AOW, you can install the vertical foregrip. As an AOW, you can add anything you want to it with the exception of a shoulder stock (which would turn it into a rifle).

 

[dustind]

how hard hard is it, and how do i register a gun as a SBR or an AOW, do i have to pay a tax, get a license to own, or just fill out a form and sent it in? if i dont have to register long guns in my stae would i have to regster this creation. I couldn't find anythin gon the net for how to register.

im thinking of getting a H&K USC (semi auto, long barrelled ump) since the quality of the clone isn't what H&K is. Then putting American parts in it to avoid import laws, and takeing the stock off until the ban ends, and getting a shorter barrel. The problem is it's 45acp and id like a 9mm and conversions don't exist yet. Who knows, i don't have the money yet to buy it so i have some time to think, thanks everyone for your help.

So so-many guns, so little money

 

[Destructo6]

SBR and AOW are Federal designations, so you would have to register them whether the state requires it or not.

The USC is designed and imported as a rifle, so converting it to AOW is not possible.