How can I tell if a 16" SKS is pre-ban?

[Kestrel]

I picked up a Chinese SKS "paratrooper" model, with the 16" barrel. It has a bayonet lug and a groove in the stock for a bayonet. I would like to put a bayonet on it, but how in the world would I know if it's "pre-ban"?

Will a spike bayonet even fit on these?

What a stupid law... such a shell game...

Steve

 

[natedog]

I could be wrong, but I believe that since the SKS has a fixed magazine, then it is not covered by the '94 AW ban.

 

[eatatjoes]

the sks of any type has it's own set of regs, i recommend the www.sksboards.com for more info.

 

[Kodiak AK]

And you would be wrong .
A high cap detachable is just one feature on the list .


I am sorry I can't help you more than that .

 

[Hkmp5sd]

The good, the bad and the completely absurd...

The Chinese SKS was deemed by ATF to be a non-sporting firearm back in 1989, if it had bayonet attached. All Chinese SKSs imported after that time had the bayonet removed. Any Chinese SKS that was already in the US and had a bayonet attached was grandfathered.

There is a little law designated 922(r) which says you cannot assemble from imported parts a firearm that is not legal for importation.

ATF has ruled that regardless of when the rifle was imported, if it does not have a bayonet attached now, installing the bayonet now would be in violation of 922(r).

Now pay close attention. The act of attaching the bayonet is illegal. It is not illegal to be in possession of a SKS with bayonet in violation of 922(r). At most, the rifle would be classified as contriband and seized.

Remember however, that I am not a lawyer and do not play one on TV. To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever been charged with putting/having a bayonet on a Chinese SKS what should not have one.

 

[femoralis]

The sks is covered by other regs and import laws, not the AW ban, as long as the sks has a fixed mag. Here's the evil features list of the AW ban:

"Specifically, a rifle is considered an "assault weapon" if it can accept a detachable magazine, and possesses two or more of the following features:

Folding or telescopic stock
Pistol grip protruding conspicuously beneath the stock
Bayonet mount
Flash suppressor or threaded barrel
Grenade launcher"

 

[Kestrel]

Remember however, that I am not a lawyer and do not play one on TV.

But, you stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

What retarded gun laws we have in this country...

Thanks for all the help.

Steve

 

[c_yeager]

The rules with the SKS have nothing to do with the '94 AWB unfortunatly. So "evil feature" counting isnt going to help to much. HK's assesment is the same as i have understood it. The basic idea as he states it is that no you really cant put a bayonet on it. But, if you DID it would be nary impossible to prove that you did anything illegal. This is one of the best example from ANY piece of legislation to show just where our congresscritters are keeping their heads. (on second thought this may have been an executive order in which case it was only one man behind it. You can guess which one too, it MIGHT suprise you. HK can tell us for sure).