airsoft m4 ar15 receivers BATF banned
i have been reading alot about the recent classification of airsoft metal receivers being considerd real by the BATF. But my question is can anybody with gunsmithing knowledge actualy make a METAL toy receiver function with real ar15 m16 parts? I have looked at a couple of those airsoft m4s and the alluminum receiver certainly looks strong enough. So does anybody know if its possible or know of anybody who actual tried (non-atf).
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well if you can put a 50bmg upper on a AR15 lower it could be possible that it would work no much stress 0 -
quote:Originally posted by mauser98
i have been reading alot about the recent classification of airsoft metal receivers being considerd real by the BATF. But my question is can anybody with gunsmithing knowledge actualy make a METAL toy receiver function with real ar15 m16 parts? I have looked at a couple of those airsoft m4s and the alluminum receiver certainly looks strong enough. So does anybody know if its possible or know of anybody who actual tried (non-atf).
Story is here for interested parties:
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Government-Documents-Declare-Popular-Toy-a-firearm-115198119.html
I have little doubt that its possible to turn one of these into a functional gun receiver. As comparison, its actually possible to make a functional AR-15 receiver out of plastic cutting boards. . .assuming you have access to good tools and plenty of skill and knowledge. See here:
http://230grain.com/showthread.php?31611-Homebuilt-HPDE-AR15-Lower
I wouldn't expect something like this to hold up to tough use, but if you can get a gun made out of kitchenware to shoot, I can't see why a low-end aluminum receiver cast from an actual receiver couldn't work, assuming you modified it correctly.
Also, there is one outfit selling entirely plastic AR-15 receivers.
Practical to do this conversion?. . .I doubt it. Remember, you can buy a REAL AR-15 receiver for as little as $90. Why are you going to spend $400 to buy a realistic looking airsoft gun that is going to take quite a bit of work to turn into a lousy AR-15 receiver?
It doesn't make sense.
If you're a criminal and want an untraceable gun, you'd probably have a much easier time building your own AK from scratch, let alone just obliterating the serial numbers on a legitimately built gun.
Again, I have no doubt that in their shop with their gunsmiths the BATFE could build a functioning gun on one of these receivers. But so what?
They could also probably build a functional sten submachine gun from plumbing supplies and a trashed bicycle. Maybe all bicycle frames need to be registered as gun receivers too?
I don't know all the details, but it looks like the BATFE overreacted here. Perhaps they were worried that the fire control components from these airsofts could easily be used to convert a true AR-15 into full auto. If so, that's a different (and maybe more legitimate) concern.0 -
How about plastic ....?
http://230grain.com/showthread.php?31611-Homebuilt-HPDE-AR15-Lower0 -
I read the news story and the "how to" instructional from the links.
Sounds like the ATF is looking for stuff to do to in order to remain relevant and to advance careers by arresting dumbasses. The work involved in making a reliable conversion from the toy airsoft guns is so intense that only the competent need apply. In that case, the competent would be looking elsewhere to produce a reliable receiver...not to $400 toys. The ATF's attempts to hide info about this reminds me of the old fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes."
As for the guy making plastic receivers, he sounds like a kid playing with alternative materials to put one over on the man. I suspect any good machinist with accurate templates could produce a good machined receiver from milspec alloy. Even our plastic cutting board receiver guy could purchase a better-than-HDPE rigid plastic material and produce a workable, less flexible receiver (if he ever decided to become competent). Aside from the legality aspect, how big a deal is it? Preparing wax models and using pot metal, casting cheapo receivers via the lost wax process is a distinct possibility, I'd think. They wouldn't be worth a $#!+, but they would probably work for a while, anyway. A small percentage of competent people might do that, but how many others? Not many, is my guess.
On a scale of 1-10, I'd say the worry factor here is about a 1.50 -
Remember: ATF has to justify its existence, too!
"Look, Ma! See how important I've become"0 -
Wow, thanks for the replies. I know there will be talk about this at my next show and i just wanted to know the truths for discussion instead of rumors and fantasy. And yes great point batf has to justify thier worth.I actualy met 1 at a show 15 years back that was a little concerned about my table full of japanese arisaka trainer rifles with cast iron receivers, i had to deeply explain that they are not shootable. After out talk he admited he was about to arrest me for selling rifles without an ffl until i explained all about them. Never did get arrested but i never did that show again./ 0
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