Single-shot AR-15?

C

ctdonath

New member
How might one properly, safely, efficiently and (optionally) reverseably modify an AR-15 to be single-shot only?

Primary line of consideration is to plug the gas tube assembly. Can someone expertly comment on this option, esp. in regards to doing so safely?

Why do this? I've long wanted to assemble an AR-15 pistol from parts as an educational exercise, but unfortunately the AW ban blocked virtually all legal avenues. This thread on AR15.com raised the gas-tube-block theory and rekindled my hopes. A tiny change - say, to the barrel/gas-tube assembly - could make the gun bolt-action (unconventional but still NOT semi-auto) and quite possibly pass BATF approval.

Thoughts?

(While my personal goal in this question is a pistol, most mechanical/safety/legal issues herein are for most practical purposes rifle issues, hence posting the thread on the rifle forum.)

[This message has been edited by ctdonath (edited September 14, 2000).]
 
Well, if you disable the gas system then how will you rotate the bolt out of the barrel lugs? You'd have to come up with some kind of mechanical system to do that first.

You must be in PRK...

CMOS

------------------
NRA? Good. Now join the GOA!

The NRA is our shield, the GOA will be our sword.
 
While not really what you're looking for, DPMS makes a pump action AR15 firearm. It's basically an AR except that it is cycled manually instead of via a gas system. Also I don't know if it comes in a kit form. Go to www.dpmsinc.com for more information.
 
Since the big gun grab in the UK, not many people over there own an AR15 - semiauto rifles are now illegal. So how do they own an AR15? Well, I met a Brit at Gunsmoke Enterprise (local AR15 builders). He said that Olympic Arms made an AR15 without the gas system. They didn't drill the gas hole and they named it something different on the lower reciever. This supposedly made it a single shot rifle (and legal).

So call up Olympic Arms and I'm sure they can help you out. :)
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by CMOS:
Well, if you disable the gas system then how will you rotate the bolt out of the barrel lugs? You'd have to come up with some kind of mechanical system to do that first.
[/quote]

It so happens that every AR has such a mechanical system, it's called the charging handle! If that were not the case, how do you suppose you'd open the bolt when you ready the rifle, then decide to unload without firing?
 
Here's how it's done. Remove the roll pin that holds the gas tube in place. Remove the gas tube and cut it off an inch or so behind where it exits from the front sight base. Now reinstall the front portion of the gas tube BUT install it so the gas tube is turned over 180 degrees from it's normal position. This will block gas being delivered from the gas port of the barrel through the gas hole of the gas tube. Be sure to reinstall the roll pin!

You now have a repeater! Like a straight pull bolt action.

I don't know why you'd want that, because it will not permit you to jump through any legal loopholes in laws that pertain to the semi-auto AR.

This operation can be reversed by installing a normal gas tube in it's normal position.

Regards! DaMan

[This message has been edited by DaMan (edited September 15, 2000).]
 
Alternatively, you can buy an adjustable gas tube which works like the one for the FN-FAL and allows you to shut off the gas entirely and render the AR into a manually operated straight pull bolt rifle. It fits in place of the regular gas tube and is adjusted with an allen wrench. The port is positioned to take advantage of a hole in the upper handguard (does that sound right?).

Check it out at http://www.fultonarmory.com or at Brownells http://www.brownells.com
 
The cheapest method would be to simply clamp some vice-grips to the tube about two inches behind the front sight base. Clamp it, adjust, and clamp until it is as far as it will go. some gas might get through, but not enough to move the bolt carrier. To reverse, simply replace the gas tube.

I think the BEST option is to replace the gas block with an adjustable one.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ctdonath:
You must be in PRK...

No, I live in the USA. (AW ban & all.)[/quote]

Actually, the PRK is California, which I think is still in the USA. I'll admit that some of us wish they'd leave, and take their politicians with them, but I doubt that will happen. :-)
 
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