Sleeved flash suppressor-how does it impact count?

[prosecond]

Is a sleeved flash suppressor a US remanufactured part or would I still need 7 US made parts in addition to the sleeved flash suppressor?

[ August 19, 2001: Message edited by: prosecond ]

[BUFF]

"U.S. remanufactured part" is a legal wishful thinking invention, not anything ATF goes by.

A sleeved flash hider is no longer a flash hider but it is still a foreign part, and if you use a "muzzle device" of any kind, it is a part under 922 and needs to be accounted for.

The only reason people do this is to keep looks as original a possible.

[sledgehammer]

Six

[Ross]

Seven, it's considered a "muzzle device" which is a countable part. If you had a plain muzzle, you would need six US parts. If you add the foregin "muzzle device" you'll need seven parts.

The sleeved FS is no longer an evil feature since it's not a FS anymore, but it's still of foregin manufacture, and the law says "muzzle device" for counting. Any device going on the muzzle, like a sleeved FS, is a "muzzle device".

You need seven.

Ross

[Dan at VOW]

Here is my take on it. If you sleeve a foreign flash hider, GL, BL, and render it inoperable, then permanently attach it, it becomes part of the muzzle. This eliminates the item from the count. ATF states that a permanently attached device becomes part of the muzzle and as such counts as part of the length of the muzzle. If it becomes part of the muzzle or barrel, the barrel only counts as one item.
Let the flames begin! I'm wearing Nomex! Anyway, my .02 worth.

[mp]

Bet I know what Richard thinks... :D :D :D

[Ross]

Dan at VOW-
I like your theory. I like it alot. The only question I have is does the ATF consider those muzzle brakes welded on the end of various rifles (M444 for example) to be muzzle devices? Or does a muzzle device have to actually do something to be considered such?

The ATF considers a permanently attatched device in figuring the overall length of the barrel, but isn't a permanently attatched device, still a device?

Ross
(who'd really like to know, which would make his current L1A1 project a tad easier)

[Dan at VOW]

Well I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV. :p However, ATF uses the terms muzzle extension to describe a non-functional device (like a sleeved demilled F/H) that is permanently attached to the barrel. As for the "devices" like the Hesse recoil enhancer, or the "brake" that CAI attaches by welding, your guess is as good as mine. ;) It's my interpretation of some very stupid, contradictive regulations that are asinine at best. Dan.

[FWRA]

This from RPB's web site: http://www.rpbusa.com/FNFAL/FNFALs.html

RPB has received numerous calls from customers concerning the legality of US manufactured FN/FAL rifles. Since there is so many misinterpretations and so much misinformation circulating, we hope that the following will be helpful.

ATF 178.39 states that no semi-automatic rifle can be assembled using more than 10 imported parts. The ATF has a list of 20 imported parts, 17 parts apply to the FN/FAL. Therefore, 7 imported parts on the FN/FAL must be eliminated or replaced using US manufactured parts.
The most confusing issue of ATF compliance is in regards to the barrel. Since the FN/FAL cannot have a threaded barrel, there are two options. The first option is to have a non-threaded barrel. The second option is to permanently attach (weld) an US manufactured muzzle brake. Note that because the FN/FAL will function with or without the muzzle brake, the muzzle brake does not count as a required part to be legal.
Legal compliance requires the use of six (6) US manufactured parts. If you are using a US manufactured receiver, you only need 5 additional US manufactured parts. You can choose any combination of parts (6 for foreign receivers, 5 for US manufactured receivers) to assemble your FN/FAL rifle under ATF compliance.

HTH

Mark Powell