Is the FAL G1 barrel lug legal?

[No4Mk1*]

Is the barrel lug on a G1 (FAL) considered an evil feature? It is not a bayonet lug, grenade launcher, or flash suppressor. The barrel is not threaded, but the intent of the lug is for the attachment of a flash suppressor. Is it legal to buy a G1 with a lug on the barrel and only attach a flash suppressor on Sept 15 if the ban expires?

 

[DMK]

I'd say no as the laws IIRC specifically state threaded barrel or bayonette mount.

However, the ATF is known to make things up as they go along. I'd write their tech dept. and get a letter. If they give you an A-OK, make a copy and tuck it in the pistol grip as a "get out of jail for free" card(for that one issue, of course).

 

[Kharn]

Only threads or a mounted flashhider are illegal.
Lugs and other non-threaded methods of attachment are legal as long as you do not have a flashhider that uses that method of attachment.

Interestingly enough, I have heard that some thread pitch and diameter combinations are legal to use, as no flash hiders have been produced with matching threads.

Kharn

 

[Big Daddy]

Aren't bayonet lugs illegal too on a post-ban?

 

[Nightcrawler]

Not necessarily. A semiauto with a detachable box magazine can have one of several evil features. These features include a flash hider, a threaded barrel, a bayonet lug, a pistol grip, a folding or collapsing stock, or a "grenade launcher".

That's why an M1 carbine with a bayonet lug is legal, but an AK clone with one is not.

It's also why you can legally mount a flashider on an M1A or Mini-14.

 

[Big Daddy]

I guess my point or item to query was that the FAL has a detachable box and a pistol grip so does that fact that it has a lug on the G1 barrel send it past the maximum of two features?

I realize the G1 barrel lug is not specifically a bayonet lug, but there are bayonets available for the G1 FALs.

 

[JShirley]

Ask at Fn FAL Files.

My understanding, it's a grey area.

 

[G1FAL]

Its a muzzle accessory lug, not a bayonet lug. Yes, there are bayonets available for the G1 FALs (same as any other FAL), but they wont fit on the muzzle accessory lug. Try it sometime, you'll see. I tried sticking a bayonet on the lug on the barrel of a G1 kit, and it doesnt work. That lug is ONLY for flash suppressor/brake/ grenade launcher/suppressor.

Its not threaded, and a bayonet wont fit on it. So no problem.

 

[Onslaught]

The G1 flash supressor has it's own lug for the bayonet. Without the FS installed, as mentioned, the bayonet will not work.

When I bought a really sweet G1 from Redlg155, I took the unattached flash supressor out of the wrapper and cut it in half.

However, if it bothers you, there are gunsmiths that advertise on FALFiles that can remove the lug, and shorten the bbl too while you're at it

 

[No4Mk1*]

I was hoping to find a G1 with the lug and only obtain a flash suppressor after the ban sunsets. I was going to go with Ohio Rapid fire, but they grind the lug off.

 

[G1FAL]

So offer them an extra monetary incentive not to, since its not illegal. Or, just buy the rifle in kit form from them. Or heck, just get the G1 barrel, and slap it on the kit of your choice.

 

[Atticus]

G1FAL: Was that bayonet Turkish? It is my understanding that the Turks bastardized one to fit on the lug itself - thereby clouding the legality issue a little more.

 

[G1FAL]

Was that bayonet Turkish? It is my understanding that the Turks bastardized one to fit on the lug itself - thereby clouding the legality issue a little more.

Yes, it was. And it doesnt fit. I can try again right now, just to make sure.....

Nope, still doesnt fit.

The lug is too wide to fit in the groove on the bayonet, thus there is absolutely no way to lock it to the barrel. Its also not deep enough. What I mean is, it doesnt project from the barrel far enough. You gotta have the flash suppressor.

Even if that werent the case, and you COULD find a way to make it lock up, the ring closest to the blade of the bayonet is still almost 2" from the muzzle. IF you could find a way to lock the bayonet on there, one shot with it locked could spell the end of YOU, and sticking something or someone with it could, if you exerted enough force, break your bayonet or bend the barrel. Although, to be fair, I dont want to meet the guy that can do that, unless of course he's on my side.

 

[Atticus]

Interesting...thanks. I've never been a fan of FH's or MB's , and I'm a carbine fan, so I had the barrel on my G1 cut to 18". I do have a spare stock G1 barrel though...just in case my tastes change.

 

[G1FAL]

Atticus, you have a PM.