What makes an AR-15 shoot full auto?

[Neo-Luddite]

These kind of discussions are not encouraged here much on THR as they often stray into 'how to break the law' and that's not allowed.

That said--this *IS* America and you certainly can discuss just about anything you please without fear provided it remains academic discussion.

However, as one gets older maybe--one appreciates that it is unwise to openly teach things in a public forum that might get someone hurt or jailed.

Not saying at all that this question had any ill-intent behind it.

If you ever REALLY wanted to make a semi gun go full-auto---just contact the ATF Technology Branch; they seem to be able to do it all the time.

 

[AR-15 Rep]

There are multiple parts that make a AR-15 into a functional full auto rifle. They are restricted and there are heavy penalties if you do not have the proper paperwork and licensing for such. They have looked at it so much that designs of lower receivers on some have been modified to not allow full auto parts to be installed.
Questions about full auto parts will not get you in trouble, having them in your possesion, without the paperwork will...
Keep in mind... you can not purchase full auto parts without paperwork filed accordingly.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Keep in mind... you can not purchase full auto parts without paperwork filed accordingly.

That's not correct.

I can buy all the auto sears, 3 round burst kits, and full auto bolt carriers that I want.

It's the possession of those items and what I do with them that can become a crime.

There are many many people shooting semi AR's with full auto bolt carriers in them. In fact, Colt ships many AR's with just such a full auto carrier installed from the factory.

You can mail order the sears, hammers, etc from various sources without any problems either. The parts themselves don't DO anything.

It's when you are in possession of these items along with a receiver that you can get into trouble with the "constructive intent" and all that stuff, but buying the parts is not by itself a crime and does not require any kind of tax stamps etc.

Same with short lowers. You can buy all the 11" AR barrels you want. That in and of itself is not a crime.

If I don't own an AR, don't know anyone that does, and I have a ziploc bag full of M16 sears there is no crime. Might get me investigated a little but it's not in and of itself illegal.

Now, having an AR lower with that "extra" hole drilled in it can be a crime in and of itself. That "constructive intent" mess again, which I don't pretend to understand completely but there are people on THR that can explain it very well.

The EASY way to avoid any problems is to not have any of the auto parts at all, but there isn't an automatic crime committed by having some.

 

[AR-15 Rep]

I guess I should have said "from Me". I like to be a responsible vendor and not encourage things that could get others in trouble. Plus when ATF wants to look at records of FFL parts that went out, I like to have the paperwork so they don't have to knock on doors and investigate the possibility of someone having an illegal firearm. If I have the paperwork and it is all legit they won't have to bother someone who is a law abiding citizen.

 

[TexasRifleman]

You keep a record of parts that you sell and let ATF look at those?

Why?

AR lower parts are not regulated items and you don't need an FFL to sell them.

Other than the lower receiver itself, no AR parts are regulated, as far as sale, in any way.

There is much confusion around this point in the gun world.

If a dealer asked me to show a copy of my Form 1 or 3 before he would sell me AR lower full auto parts I would find another vendor.

I don't guess I understand the reasoning behind your thinking, I'm not trying to be rude.

That Form 1 or 3 is a TAX FORM, not a gun license and my tax forms are no one's business but my own.

 

[jhco]

after posting i thought about it an deleted my post sorry

 

[El Tejon]

peck, Fulton Armory sells a training film (on DVD) from 1950s that explains how small arms (including fully automatic weapons) function via different systems. I purchased it for my nephews and I can highly recommend it.

U.S. Army Training Film: http://www.fulton-armory.com/

From Fulton Armory webpage: "40 min/b&w - "The Fundamentals of Small Arms Weapons" filmed in the 1950’s, is an instructional video on the basic working operation of a M1 Garand rifle. The video covers many other types of small arms including the B.A.R., M3, .45 pistol, and .50 caliber machine gun. This is a fascinating instructional video on how a gun really works. Using a giant-sized replica, an Army instructor shows the inner workings."

 

[xjchief]

It's certainly interesting to see how and why the auto versions differ from the semis so thank you to those that posted.

Interesting to see how many of us are scared to death to even discuss this issue considering we supposedly live in a free society.

 

[AR-15 Rep]

AR parts no problem and ATF is not interested in those, however M-16 parts thats another story.
My reasoning is this...If there is a way to avoid problems and confusion for customers then lets do it that way. I realize that you can purchase items seperately and technically not have legal issues for having machined parts only, but most will have a grey area situation and by the time it gets sorted out, my tax dollars, your tax dollars, and that persons legal fees would not have to be spent if things were done the right way.

 

[TexasRifleman]

AR parts no problem and ATF is not interested in those, however M-16 parts thats another story.

No, they are not a different story. Only receivers are regulated in any way, sales wise.

 

[AR-15 Rep]

I did not say they are regulated, but they are of interest

 

[AR-15 Rep]

Besides what would you do with just M-16 fire control parts? I am sure no one wants to have them just as a conversation piece.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Besides what would you do with just M-16 fire control parts?

Well personally I have a legal use for them, but that doesn't mean I am willing to send a copy of my Form 3 to someone who is just selling me machine parts.

Since there is no legal problem with selling and buying them I just can't figure out why a vendor would want to track them simply because the ATF might find them "interesting".

There are enough regulatory and record keeping issues already without self-inducing more.