Receiver Group From Destroyed USGI M14

M

Max McCord

Inactive
I have an acquaintance who found (I don't know when) the largely intact receiver group from a destroyed military-issue M14. The rifle had obviously been sawn into at least three pieces. The barrel, stock, gas operating connections and everything else just in front of the receiver group were cut and the stock was cut through just behind the receiver. The overall condition seems quite good, and the mechanism operates smoothly manually. He has offered it to me. Obviously the action, without gas-operation capability is capable of neither full- nor semi-automatic operation. The selector seems to also be non-functional. I would like, assuming it is feasible, to use the receiver group as the basis for a "bolt-action" sporter. I have the impression that a complete restoration would not be an option. I would like to find replacement parts to built a semi-auto version, but it seems likely I couldn't do that either. Assuming that to be the case, is there any legal or practical reason why I could not build a magazine-fed, manually operated "bolt-action" sporter using the receiver group as the basis? Assuming it to be possible, what hurdles would need to be overcome? Also, is there any way to investigate the history of the original rifle?

Note: Second submission accidental.
 
I think you would end up with the first bolt action machine gun in history if you did that (according to the feds, anyway).
 
No Hope?

Hey, Thallub,

Thanks for your input. I Take it you think there isn't anyway to use it. I have no interest in breaking any laws, but it would be a shame to have to destroy something like this. My friend can't use it at all, regardless of its history. He is German and their laws are extremely hard.

I don't know if I made it clear, but there is no way to make this equipment fire automatically. It will not even fire semi-automatically. There are none of the necessary parts present for any kind of gas operation. Each round would have to be manually chambered. That is why I called it a "bolt Action".

If the device is not being used in any illegal way and is not capable of being used in any specifically legally-proscribed manner, it makes no sense that I couldn't make use of it. This is particularly true when it is considered that the government rejected ownership by destroying the rifle and discarding the residue. I would be willling to meet, or try to meet, any legal requirements for legal ownership and use. I'm a law-abiding person, but sometimes it seems that the people who make the laws are most notable for their lack of intelligence. Assuming that you are correct, would the only use I could make of the receiver be to salvage the parts legally usable in another rifle such as the trigger assembly?

Max
 
In the USA, the receiver itself is the prohibited item, along with certain firearm parts. I don't know the specifics of the M14, but the receiver alone, even completely stripped down, is considered a machinegun by the BATFE.
 
The feds only care what the parts were designed to do, not what they can and cannot do. Spirit of the law is not in the BATFE vocabulary. You could be using an unregistered full auto reciever as a door stop, paperweight or trailer hitch cover and they will still bust you if they can. Because they can.
 
There are specific rules about how that receiver should have been destroyed (made not a machinegun), including torch cut and complete removal of the center section. If those rules were not followed, the gun is still a machinegun under federal law, and illegal because it is not registered. His only legal option is to surrender it to the police or BATFE and hope they don't decide to make brownie points by arresting him. Some folks might say to dump it in a deep lake or "unfind" it wherever he found it. Some folks might also suggest you have nothing to do with it and wipe off your fingerprints.

BTW, Bushido, BATFE is not violating the "spirit" of the law; that "designed to" phrase IS the exact wording of the law.

Jim
 
Ooops! Sorry, I usually look at the location on those questions, but failed to do so this time. I have no idea what German law is.

Jim
 
He already told us what the German law is:

My friend can't use it at all, regardless of its history. He is German and their laws are extremely hard.
Click to expand...

As I understand it he is looking for the American law on the subject for his eventual return to the US.
 
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Thanks Guys.

Well, I think I have a good understanding of the situation. I'll let my friend know what is what. I will get the salvageable and legally-usable parts (trigger group, rear sight, etc.) from him and he'll cut the remainder apart with his cutting torch. It is a shame.

I appreciate your assistance.
 
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