Question about "Bushmaster Semi Auto Rifle" on ban list.

JakeD · Jun 11, 2017

Is this interpreted by MSP as ALL Bushmaster semi auto rifles?
I have my eye on a K&M M17S308 bullpup http://www.kmarms.com/M17S308.html. With a 20" barrel it doesn't meet the criteria for a "copycat" weapon, but I'm worried that if the Bushmaster M17S falls under the Bushmaster ban umbrella, this K&M Arms rifle could be construed as a "copy" (distinct from "copycat").
I noticed on the MSP website it mentions that a "copy" needs to both look like AND be 100% functionally swappable with a banned weapon...obviously a the guts of a .308 will not functionally swap with a .223...be that as it may, I'd really like to get something in writing. What's your guys' take on this? Suggestions? Thanks.

PS I should add that the manufacturer, two MD FFLs, and MSP all informed me via phone call that, given their understanding, they did not see a problem. Am I being paranoid wanting more concrete assurances?

dontpanic · Jun 11, 2017

If an FFL will transfer it, It should be GTG. It does not have the fearsome "Bushmaster" name on it.
I really don't think it's being paranoid to mistrust MDSP interpretations. Merely self preservation.

dblas · Jun 11, 2017

JakeD said:
Is this interpreted by MSP as ALL Bushmaster semi auto rifles?
I have my eye on a K&M M17S308 bullpup http://www.kmarms.com/M17S308.html. With a 20" barrel it doesn't meet the criteria for a "copycat" weapon, but I'm worried that if the Bushmaster M17S falls under the Bushmaster ban umbrella, this K&M Arms rifle could be construed as a "copy" (distinct from "copycat").
I noticed on the MSP website it mentions that a "copy" needs to both look like AND be 100% functionally swappable with a banned weapon...obviously a the guts of a .308 will not functionally swap with a .223...be that as it may, I'd really like to get something in writing. What's your guys' take on this? Suggestions? Thanks.

PS I should add that the manufacturer, two MD FFLs, and MSP all informed me via phone call that, given their understanding, they did not see a problem. Am I being paranoid wanting more concrete assurances?

Yes, yes you are.

It is a perfectly legal firearm to purchase and own in MD.

And MSP will NOT provide any guidance in writing to allay your doubts.

JakeD · Jun 12, 2017

Fair enough. My thought, too, is that it's legal, but this will be my first rifle purchase within MD and I'm finding the wording around some terms/phrases ("copy", for one) to be quite ambiguous.

dblas · Jun 12, 2017

JakeD said:
Fair enough. My thought, too, is that it's legal, but this will be my first rifle purchase within MD and I'm finding the wording around some terms/phrases ("copy", for one) to be quite ambiguous.

Do a little searching on the site and you will find a link to the AG letter that defines "copy".

The legislature makes all of the laws ambiguous on purpose.

JakeD · Jun 12, 2017

http://mdsp.maryland.gov/Document Downloads/FIREARMS BULLETIN.pdf

A-ha...Looks like this is the place where they define a "copy" as both cosmetically similar AND functionally interchangeable.

Again, I believe I'm in the clear, I just wish MD legislature would have thought this through!

Thanks for the point in the right direction.

dblas · Jun 12, 2017

JakeD said:
http://mdsp.maryland.gov/Document Downloads/FIREARMS BULLETIN.pdf

A-ha...Looks like this is the place where they define a "copy" as both cosmetically similar AND functionally interchangeable.

Again, I believe I'm in the clear, I just wish MD legislature would have thought this through!

Thanks for the point in the right direction.

What you have to know, about the (Now banned) list, is that it was a direct copy of the CA list back in 1989 when the first 39 items were made regulated. The legislature did absolutely no thought on the subject other than a knee jerk reaction.

And no problem at all, enjoy your purchase and you might want to tell us how it shoots down in the rifle forum below.

JakeD · Jun 12, 2017

Ahh I see now. Hurried, "feel good" legislation at its finest!

...And yes, I'll make sure to post a review once it comes in!

lazarus · Jun 15, 2017

dblas said:
Do a little searching on the site and you will find a link to the AG letter that defines "copy".

The legislature makes all of the laws ambiguous on purpose.

You are giving them credit. They are ambiguous because this is a bunch of folks who know little or nothing about guns making laws about them.

Vile Shadow · Jun 22, 2017

lazarus said:
You are giving them credit. They are ambiguous because this is a bunch of folks who know little or nothing about guns making laws about them.

Negatory, sir.

I'll give ya that a good bit of stateys might not know nuffin' 'bout guns, but they didn't make the law. Martin O'Stupidley owns that one.

dblas · Jun 23, 2017

Sling Blade said:
Negatory, sir.

I'll give ya that a good bit of stateys might not know nuffin' 'bout guns, but they didn't make the law. Martin O'Stupidley owns that one.

Read what he was replying to, it was my statement about the legislature, not MSP.

Vile Shadow · Jun 23, 2017

dblas said:
Read what he was replying to, it was my statement about the legislature, not MSP.

Sorry. Yesterday was a long day.

dblas · Jun 23, 2017

Sling Blade said:
Sorry. Yesterday was a long day.

No issues, we all have them.

Question about "Bushmaster Semi Auto Rifle" on ban list.

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