Law re: AR complete uppers?

Reptile · Dec 5, 2014

I'm asking the following question because I've done some research and haven't been able to find a definitive answer:

I've had an AR-15 for a couple of years and have been considering swapping out the A2 upper for a flattop. Before I take the leap, are there any land mines with respect to Maryland law that I need to be aware of?

Thanks.

fabsroman · Dec 5, 2014

The only thing you would have to worry about is barrel length, and that is if you are not just getting a stripper flattop upper, but a complete flattop upper. As long as the barrel length is 16"+, you should be fine. Otherwise, I don't see anything to worry about.

erwos · Dec 5, 2014

Is the current pre-10/1/13 upper a heavy barrel upper?

If no: do whatever you want.

If yes: you may only replace it with another HBAR upper.

rob · Dec 5, 2014

Reptile said:
I'm asking the following question because I've done some research and haven't been able to find a definitive answer:

I've had an AR-15 for a couple of years and have been considering swapping out the A2 upper for a flattop. Before I take the leap, are there any land mines with respect to Maryland law that I need to be aware of?

Thanks.

What kind of AR-15? Was it purchased as an HBAR originally? Was it ever registered?

Rob.

Reptile · Dec 5, 2014

rob said:
What kind of AR-15? Was it purchased as an HBAR originally? Was it ever registered?

Rob.

Details: It was not an HBAR. It was a "compliant" Bushmaster XM-15 E2S with a non-removable carry handle. The complete upper I'm looking at is the Bushmaster Varminter which has a 24" extra heavy barrel.

Boom Boom · Dec 5, 2014

If it was a MD-regulated purchase prior to 10/1/13, you can buy whatever upper you want (NFA aside).

Reptile · Dec 5, 2014

Boom Boom said:
If it was a MD-regulated purchase prior to 10/1/13, you can buy whatever upper you want (NFA aside).

It was regulated when I bought it and it was not an HBAR, so it sounds like I'm good as long as the barrel is 16" or longer. If there are issues I'm sure the supplier I choose will be quick to let me know.

Boom Boom · Dec 5, 2014

You're fine then. Buy what you want.

You can also get a 14.5" barrel with pinned/welded flash hider or brake. The lightweight ones from BCM are so damned nice.

rob · Dec 5, 2014

What they said. :lol:

Reptile · Dec 5, 2014

Boom Boom said:
You're fine then. Buy what you want.

You can also get a 14.5" barrel with pinned/welded flash hider or brake. The lightweight ones from BCM are so damned nice.

Don't tempt me. I'm trying to avoid the "kid in a candy store" syndrome. I'm looking to step up the accuracy, but still be able to fall back to the old configuration. The Varminter has a neat, clean look to it and has gotten good reviews for the purpose I plan to use it. Down the road a better trigger will probably tempt me.

Boom Boom · Dec 5, 2014

Understood. You can improve the trigger for $ with the ALG ACT if you don't want to make the big price jump to two-stage.

Reptile · Dec 5, 2014

Boom Boom said:
Understood. You can improve the trigger for $ with the ALG ACT if you don't want to make the big price jump to two-stage.

Thanks. I'll file that away for future reference (when the desire and the money come together).

fabsroman · Dec 6, 2014

Yeah, if you are going with a heavy barrel upper, you might as well get a cheap lower and just build yourself a HBAR. Might as well have two guns while the getting is good. Thought about this yesterday while driving, but it took me this long to remember to post it. lol

Reptile · Dec 7, 2014

fabsroman said:
Yeah, if you are going with a heavy barrel upper, you might as well get a cheap lower and just build yourself a HBAR. Might as well have two guns while the getting is good. Thought about this yesterday while driving, but it took me this long to remember to post it. lol

Great idea. Thanks.

Click to expand...

Drmsparks · Dec 7, 2014

you can put anything on a bushmaster. I have to admit I never thought about the bonus's of them being banned. If you own it it has to be pre 10/1 no arguements there.

fabsroman · Dec 7, 2014

Drmsparks said:
you can put anything on a bushmaster. I have to admit I never thought about the bonus's of them being banned. If you own it it has to be pre 10/1 no arguements there.

Is this the silver lining in the dark, dark cloud?

Alphabrew · Dec 7, 2014

Drmsparks said:
you can put anything on a bushmaster. I have to admit I never thought about the bonus's of them being banned. If you own it it has to be pre 10/1 no arguements there.

That's one thing I'd like to see Hogan fix. He could have the MSP look into the interpretation of that one.

Law re: AR complete uppers?

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