as some of you know, tomorrow, the California state legislature is to vote on SB249. :mad:
if passed, could outlaw the use of a bullet button on an AR platformed semi-auto rifle; it would declare it to be an “Assault weapon” under California law. :mad:
that brings up my question:
if i wanted to convert my AR to a MANUALLY OPERATED rifle, that will comply with California law*, is it practical to have the gas port in the barrel welded closed? that would PERMANENTLY end it as being a “Gas operated, semi-automatic” firearm; i would have to cycle it manually each round.
along with that, i plan to remove gas tube and permanently block the gas tube port in the front sight base. (i have the standard A2 sight system for the M4) and, if necessary, will remove the part on the bolt that the gas impinges on to drive the bolt back.
so…once in place…(the modifications) would allow me to fire a round, pull back on the charging handle, eject spent cartridge hull, release it to feed another round from the magazine…repeat.
i like the AR platform VERY much and want to retain the ergonomics of it. it is my belief that the AR platform is the best to come along since the invention of the lever action…if i have to utilize it as a manual operation…so be it.
*NOTE: i’m NOT asking legal advice…i’m asking about the mechanical modifications and if they will work.
Couple things, first, this was already covered on the thread you started on Calguns. Second, you are speculating about law compliance with a proposed bill which isn’t a law yet.
yes…i did post on calguns…so? is there a problem with that?
did you read my post? do you understand what i am asking?
i , simply want to know if the mechanical changes i’ve asked about can be made and keep the firearm operational…
i am “Chilled”…i’m looking for an answer…do you have it?
if you don’t, can you refer me to somewhere where i might find the answer? this is “M4carbine”, a very logical place to ask questions about an M4 isn’t it?
I read some years ago about how plugging the gas port essentially makes a straight pull, bolt action rifle/pistol. I’ve never tried it though. I would wonder if the pressure would ‘break’ the action like on some 870 shotguns.
I know you have stated you like the AR platform and like the ergonomics; BUT it seems the modifications you will make and the manual of arms for this rifle will make it very slow. Likely slower than a lever gun or turn bolt rifle. I believe the charging handle and its length of travel are longer than most turn bolt guns. You would have to raise your cheek off the extension tube/stock pull the c.h. then regain cheek weld.
I think, and I know you don’t want to hear this, you would be better served with a different platform. I am not a hundred % on Cali laws but aren’t M1 Carbines allowed un-nuetered? Or maybe Ruger GSR? And can’t you guys get the weird looking stocks to kind of go around the bullet button and low round count mag laws?
or, if it would be a “Blow back”…and…if the spring and buffer were left in place…still be semi-auto?
sorry if i sound like a novice…i am…i’m familar with the M1 Garand, M1 carbine operating systems, but not so much the M4/M16…they came into issue after i got out of the service.
Before making even more silly modifications to the AR to make politicians happy, sell it and get an M1A. At least you can still retain the standard magazine release.
I’ve heard of people doing that before. I don’t mean to be taking the conversation on a different track, but, if this bill were to become law, I would seriously consider selling the rifle prior to destroying the gas system. Besides, depending on the final form of the law, you might be grandfathered in, considering your rifle was purchased prior to the passage of the law. Ex Post Facto has to stand for something. If you couldn’t be grandfathered in, I would invest the money made when I sold the AR in a good bolt-action scout rifle. It just seems to me that having a manually operated AR defeats the purpose of having an AR in the first place, IMHO.
Do not weld the gas port of the barrel. Welding on a barrel rarely ends well.
The simplest mod would be to remove the gas tube and install a gas cut off type gas block. get the type that’s regulated by a set screw. Close it off and stake the screw in place.
If that’s not good enough, order a new barrel without the gas port.
The action will only function as a manual with the gas tube removed.
Another option is to get a bolt action upper. Dave Tubb designed one and uses it in competition. I know no other details about it
In UK they have lever action AR15. Yes, lever action.
I do not know how internal design looks but pistol grip is used to cycle rifle in lever action manner. I’ve seen video of guy shooting in on IPSC course almost as fast as semi-auto. I can not find link right now, I think I see it somewhere on IPSC Global Village forum.
or, if it would be a “Blow back”…and…if the spring and buffer were left in place…still be semi-auto?
The AR-15 works by the pressure of the expanding gas in the sealed chamber of the bolt carrier. No gas impinges on the bolt face at all, therefore the bolt will not move. Even if it did, the bolt has to rotate to unlock and cycle, and gas pushing on the bolt face will not unlock the bolt.
There is no “constructive possession” of AW’s in CA so if you modify an upper to not run semi auto, and you leave that upper on that lower, that complete rifle is not an AW.
Now, as soon as you swap to a normal upper, then it’s an AW again…
