When does it become illegal

[109Hammer]

So here is my question. I'm looking to buy a new upper for my AR 15 (300 BLK) so i can try the new platform. The model i'm interested in comes with a threaded muzzle which is illegal in ct.

To be legal in CT, an AR-15 type rifle (or any semiautomatic rifle for that matter) can only have two of the following features:

1. Detachable Magazine
2. Pistol Grip
3. Folding or Collapsible Stock
4. Bayonet Mount
5. Flash suppressor or threaded barrel to mount a flash suppressor
6. Grenade launcher

Now, since by definition an AR-15 type rifle has Items 1 and 2, AR-15s can not have Items 3-6 in CT.

So my question is if i purchase the upper and fix (permanently) a muzzle break at the end before attaching it to the lower, is this legal? Or does this need to happen before i take possession?

 

[Tom488]

Similar to our laws here in NJ, CT law chapter 943, section 53-202a(2) defines an assault weapon as:

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;

Therefore, technically, if you possess an upper receiver with a flash suppressor, and also have in your possession a complete lower, then you have the parts to "rapidly assemble" an assault firearm.

Upon further consideration...

53-202a(2) talks about being in possession of parts that could be rapidly assembled to make an assault weapon as defined in subdivision(1), which is a list of specific firearms. The more generic definition of an assault firearm (the "evil features" list) is in subdivision 3. So, if you want to look at it strictly by the letter of the law, having a 300blk upper, with a flash suppressor, and a separate lower receiver, you do NOT have the parts to rapidly assemble any of the firearms listed in subdivision (1).

However, if you WERE to assemble said parts, you would then have an assault firearm as defined in subdivision(3). Without putting the two together, though, I think you would be in the clear.

 

[Sam1911]

I believe I recall some CT guys making arrangements with gunsmiths out of state to do procure the upper and do the required work to it before sending it along to the owner, so there could be no accusations of technical violations while constructing their weapon.

 

[dprice3844444]

find out who makes what upper you are looking for and request a plain unthreaded barrel.
you can install a short entry stock with stock extender,or look up the california versions where the stock/grip are 1 piece,not thumbhole setup

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0/k=entry+stock/t=P/ksubmit=y/Products/All/search=entry_stock
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=5559/Product/AR-15-BUTTSTOCK-EXTENDER
http://californiarifles.com/

 

[SpringfieldArmoryXD]

Wow... those are some crazy rules you have up there. I guess I'm just lucky I don't have to worry about that kind of stuff. Best of luck in you venture I hope you get what you want!

 

[Sam1911]

find out who makes what upper you are looking for and request a plain unthreaded barrel.

He could do that, but it would make it even harder to (permanently) mount the muzzle brake he wants.

The problem here is that he needs to have the brake pinned and welded on before he takes posession of it in CT.

Now it appears the law would be satisfied if he transferred (gave/sold) his AR-15 to a friend, ordered the upper, got the muzzle device installed and then transferred (gave/sold) his AR back from his friend. It isn't illegal to own an upper in whatever configuration by itself, so long as you don't have a lower to assemble it onto.

 

[highlander 5]

I purchased a 300 BLK upper from Noveske and had them put a brake on my upper and pin it in place. I think it added maybe $100.00 to the cost. Who ever you order it from can or should be able to configure your upper to your state laws. If they can't have them send it to a local gunsmith and have him do the work the cost should be about the same

 

[109Hammer]

My thing is i want to add brake on it for a few months until I get my tax stamp for a suppressor, then swap them out. I could just have one of my local shops order the pieces and put it together, but you end up paying more in the long run by not being able to source the pieces yourself. I have the tools and knowhow to pin it, but the law makes it illegal for me to do my own gun smithing.

These really are unconstitutional laws. What happened to "......shall not be infringed".

 

[scythefwd]

There are stocks that aren't considered pistol grips (at least in CA), would that allow you the threaded barrel in CT (assuming they are using similar difinitions)?

 

[Jeff H]

He could do that, but it would make it even harder to (permanently) mount the muzzle brake he wants.

You are right, of course, but it is only a 223. You don't really need a muzzle brake. They barely kick enough to let you know that you shot them.

 

[F-111 John]

You are right, of course, but it is only a 223. You don't really need a muzzle brake.

But the OP is looking to get a 300 Blackout upper, not a .223 upper.

 

[N003k]

First, just to clarify so you don't regulate yourself more than necessary...you can NOT have any two of the things on those list. You can have ONE of 2-6 IF it has a detachable magazine. If the gun doesn't have a detachable magazine, you can have as many features as you want.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/Chap943.htm#Sec53-202a.htm

As far as your problem, if you contact a local FFL with in house smith, they can probably order the upper for you, and permanently attach a muzzle-break. Alternatively, you could always look into getting a pre-ban, if its in the budget.