I may be reading your post wrong, but if your lowers are all pre-2013 then you don't have to worry about barrel profile
I don't want to use more than one upper on a kosher lower, so I am buying one or more newly-made lowers.
Thanks
I may be reading your post wrong, but if your lowers are all pre-2013 then you don't have to worry about barrel profile
I was just thinking about this when I was skimming through this thread. This is yet another one of those feel-good laws where Maryland wants to advertise that they are making the state safer by enacting "common sense" gun laws and "banning" the AR-15.I had a conversation with the owner of my local firearm dealer....he said that he attended an FFL meeting with the Sheriff dept. for clarification of the HBAR rule. He was told that the only requisite for an AR-15 being legal in MD is that the manufacturer calls it an HBAR. He said it doesn't need to be stamped HBAR, and it doesn't have to meet a certain dimension or weight. He said as long as the manufacture documents it as an HBAR, he can sell it.
Can anyone else confirm this? Have any FFL dealers received more detailed information or clarification?
I had a conversation with the owner of my local firearm dealer....he said that he attended an FFL meeting with the Sheriff dept. for clarification of the HBAR rule. He was told that the only requisite for an AR-15 being legal in MD is that the manufacturer calls it an HBAR. He said it doesn't need to be stamped HBAR, and it doesn't have to meet a certain dimension or weight. He said as long as the manufacture documents it as an HBAR, he can sell it.
Can anyone else confirm this? Have any FFL dealers received more detailed information or clarification?
Don't they both fundamentally mean the same thing?In his opinion, could "Heavy Barrel" be substituted for "Hbar", for instance, in an online description of a barrel or barreled upper?
Thanks
Guys, from my search here, and in speaking with my FFL, I realize the state police hasn't described exactly what a "heavy barrel" is, and most people seem to think it's better that way.
Is there a general consensus on what "heavy barrel" means?
I'm thinking of assembling an upper incorporating a Wylde or 5.56 chamber, rifle length gas system, and an 18" overall barrel, with the last few inches, ahead of the gas block, being .720" or .730" thick (I haven't bought the parts, some manufacturers differ a bit). From the gas port backward it measures approximately .840" and over.
I just measured my old school Bushmaster 20" upper, literally stamped "Hbar", and the thinnest area of the barrel, again, in front of the gas block, measures .720." Behind the gas block, all the way back, it is either .750" or thicker (I couldn't easily remove the handguards, but will try later with the tool).
Obviously, I don't want to break the law, which is the reason I have researched the topic and am still looking for answers.
In your opinions, would the 18" barrel described above comply with the "heavy barrel" rule?
If not, then can those of you more learned in the law and/or rules and opinions, suggest alternatives for me to build an 18" upper within those laws/rules/opinions, without it being a pistol or SBR?
Thanks, and sorry if this has been covered. Since it's an important aspect of gun ownership in MD these days, perhaps a "sticky" can be posted for quick reference.
Thanks in advance!
Please let's not take the thread in that direction. Let's try to keep it informational, especially since there's not much in terms of "heavy barrel" guidelines.
If a law, rule, or opinion, is defined by the state, then it's not "self-induced". I too believe that, much like the magazine restrictions, you're not going to be busted for having a barrel that's .02" thinner than one stamped Hbar, but that they will tack on additional charges if/when you do get busted for any serious offense. For this reason, and the fact that I have much to lose, I follow the rules.
As much as most cops, like most everyone else, haven't memorized the fine text, once they confiscate, research the books, and take measurements, you're up the creek.
Cheers
In his opinion, could "Heavy Barrel" be substituted for "Hbar", for instance, in an online description of a barrel or barreled upper?
Thanks
Don't they both fundamentally mean the same thing?
I don't believe there is any formal documentation. Pretty sure what is posted below was spoken to some FFLs and others. It is not codified in law.To me they do, as a matter of fact, an unmarked barrel that follows the contour of one marked Hbar or Heavy Barrel to me is the same, but the point I'm trying to make is that in the state police's website, it states "heavy barrel", and the above-mentioned sheriff supposedly used the term "Hbar."
One very small detail can make the rifle non-compliant.
Assuming it's easily accessible, why not post the document, or text of the same, that defines the law, or opinion, in the sticky section?
Thanks
MSP has stated if it's advertised as a heavy barrel or stamped as a heavy barrel-it's an HBAR. Nothing else really exists AFAIK.
VGplayer, you lost me at "self-induced," though I clearly understand the advertised or marked as heavy barrel, to which I will add Hbar, for my own purposes.
Thanks
Please let's not take the thread in that direction. Let's try to keep it informational, especially since there's not much in terms of "heavy barrel" guidelines.
If a law, rule, or opinion, is defined by the state, then it's not "self-induced". I too believe that, much like the magazine restrictions, you're not going to be busted for having a barrel that's .02" thinner than one stamped Hbar, but that they will tack on additional charges if/when you do get busted for any serious offense. For this reason, and the fact that I have much to lose, I follow the rules.
As much as most cops, like most everyone else, haven't memorized the fine text, once they confiscate, research the books, and take measurements, you're up the creek.
Cheers
In his opinion, could "Heavy Barrel" be substituted for "Hbar", for instance, in an online description of a barrel or barreled upper?
Thanks
I had a conversation with the owner of my local firearm dealer....he said that he attended an FFL meeting with the Sheriff dept. for clarification of the HBAR rule. He was told that the only requisite for an AR-15 being legal in MD is that the manufacturer calls it an HBAR. He said it doesn't need to be stamped HBAR, and it doesn't have to meet a certain dimension or weight. He said as long as the manufacture documents it as an HBAR, he can sell it.
Can anyone else confirm this? Have any FFL dealers received more detailed information or clarification?
This is kind of what I was driving at, although without knowing who might be viewing our content, I was hesitant to come right out and say it.Not only that, they are unregulated, cash and cary. In fact many non-regulated firearms (CZ-58, AR-10, .300, etc.) have become much more popular in MD. And a lot of AR and AK pistols are being sold...I'm sure a lot more than before the ban.
He said HBAR, but not sure if he was differentiating. Now he was talking about fully assembled rifles. If you assemble the rifle yourself, then you are the manufacturer, so I would think that having HBAR stamped on the barrel could save you some headaches.
BUT....LEO aren't visiting ranges and asking for dated receipts for pre-ban rifles. The only way you would be charged for possession of a post-ban rifle is if you commit a crime with it, or your firearms are confiscated.
In the first case, you're an idiot. In the second case, as long as you have some documentation designating the firearm or barrel as an HBAR (or heavy barrel), I'd imagine you are OK. And being that barrels are not serial numbered, how can they really match any given barrel to a receipt?
I am NOT condoning assembling an illegal rifle...just pointing out how nonsensical these restrictions really are.
Advertised as heavy barrel so A-Ok according to MSP.I bought this for my new ar.. although the barrel isnt itself marked hbar. https://www.customar15.net/shop/ar-15-upper-receivers/barrels-ar-15-upper-receivers/18-wylde-stainless-twist-fluted-heavy-barrel/
Advertised as heavy barrel so A-Ok according to MSP.