AR-15 threaded barrels OK?

55_grain

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What is the ban law regarding AR barrels with threads on the end for muzzle breaks/flash hiders?

I understand that I can't have an upper with a flash hider/bayonet lug on a post-ban lower. If the lug was milled off and the FH was replaced with a muzzle break, is that compliant? Assuming a 20" barrel w/o the FH, does the replacement muzzle break need to be soldered/welded on or can it simply be torqued on with peel washers?

Thanks,

55_grain
 
Follow up Q: Many of the muzzle breaks area marketed as muzzle break/flash hider, such as this one
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=644692

I wouldn't use anything that is marketed as having any type of "flashy hidey" capability. YMMV.

How can we determine whether it is ban-compliant?

There is no official guidance, but the general consensus seems to be that if it is marketed as a brake or compensator ONLY, then it is probably legal. As discussed here...

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php/94978-Ma-Compliant-muzzle-breaks?
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vb...-Meet-the-Mass-quot-AW-quot-Ban-Requirements?
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/showthread.php/82199-Compensator-vs.-flash-suppressor?
 
Thanks for the quick responses!

Follow up Q: Many of the muzzle breaks area marketed as muzzle break/flash hider, such as this one
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=644692
How can we determine whether it is ban-compliant?

If you look at YHM's muzzle brake page, they list the brakes they consider not to be flash hiders. Some brake manufacturers will have copies of BATF test letters stating their brakes aren't flash hiders, with others we only have their advertising to go on. To my knowledge MA is not legally bound by either of these, and I haven't heard of either being tested in court here. I feel comfortable using permanently attached brakes that were either BATF tested or advertised only as brakes, but you should be aware that MA's opinion may differ. [thinking]
 
You also have the option to leave the barrel threaded and/or use a flash hider if you replace the pistol grip with something that's not a pistol grip...
 
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