Question

[crotalus01]

Discussion on another forum lead me to post this question here hoping one of you not only knows the answer but can also tell me where to find a definitive answer.
Can a semi-auto Mac have the front strap legally, or is that considered to be a forward grip by the BATFE thus making it an AOW???
I recall a thread about this on some forum and it was stated the forward grip must be rigid in order to qualify the weapon as AOW status - anyone know the answer??

 

[Jim C]

dont know where to get the definitive answer but my M11 Cobray semi came with one from the factory. It was bought in the early 90's.

 

[jestertoo]

strap is ok.

 

[medphys]

Interesting question. There is/was some talk on that in the Mac pictures forum. In a perfect firearms world, one would be using the strap the correct way by having the shooting hand's fingers though it while gripping the magwell. When the slack is taken up in the strap, the gun becomes much more stable than w/out the strap. In a perfect world, this would be legal.

However, if you dip the strap in water and take it outside in sub-zero weather, it will freeze and become a rigid fore-grip. The issue is whether or not you can use two hands to shoot it. One of the definitions of a pistol is that it is designed to be fired with one hand. Again, a properly used front strap would be legal. An improperly used front strap would be illegal.

Clear as mud.

 

[piratesover40]

I'm not sure but I think it would be illegal to have the strap. It could be considered as a front grip by thr ATF and we all know they are completely honest and faif in their quest to always help the law abiding gun owners. ''In a perfect world''.:nocomment :rolleyes

 

[crotalus01]

Well, at least we can all agree the folding stock is a no-no...
Has anyone ever heard of a person being busted for an unregistered AOW? I have heard of people getting busted for everything BUT unregistered AOWs...

 

[crotalus01]

For those who care, a guy on another forum has a letter from FTB saying the straps are 100% legal. It must be rigid for ATF to consider it a forward grip. Thanks for all the replys.

 

[medphys]

For those who care, a guy on another forum has a letter from FTB saying the straps are 100% legal. It must be rigid for ATF to consider it a forward grip. Thanks for all the replys.

What's FTB?

 

[MrM4]

 

[BlackBelt]

My semi M11/9 came with the strap from the factory.

 

[crotalus01]

FTB is the Tech Branch of BATFE, they determine what is "legal"...

 

[Vegas SMG]

For those who care, a guy on another forum has a letter from FTB saying the straps are 100% legal.

Can we see the letter? I'm not saying someone doesn't have one from BATF's FTB, it's just that seeing is believing.
I'm from Missouri... the show me state.
__________________
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! -P.J. O'Rourke

 

[piratesover40]

I think you may be confusing a strap with a sling. And for any ATF branch to say 100% anything would be a stretch.

 

[Spectre]

If you are looking for a "rational" answer, just remember, the BATFE is the same bunch that decided shoestrings could become machine guns. :jester

 

[piratesover40]

If Mr. Brian Blakely wasn't on the ATF's ''A'' list before he wrote that letter. I'll bet he is now. What a dumbass. Why didn't he just put a tatoo on his forhead that says "Watch me 24/7 cause I build illegal firearms.'' How stupid can some people be and still be breathing? People like that should not be allowed tobreed.

 

[piratesover40]

Double post sorry guys.

 

[linx310]

Brian is an S.O.T (he is allowed to build machine guns), and the shoe string in question has a serial tag on it.....so basically he was already on the shit list with a legal shoe string...lol...

 

[crotalus01]

My fault guys, I misunderstood his post. He doesnt have a letter but said he called FTB and asked, they told him the strap was legal. I have no reason to doubt him as several people here and elsewhere have stated they bought semi Macs with the strap installed from the factory.
Surely if Cobray was selling semis with the strap installed from the factory then they are legal (or were, not saying BATFE cant change their minds - Atkins Accellerator anyone)???