The Mass definition of "Assault Weapon" incorporates the old federal definition. As many of us know from the old federal ban days, if a new semi-auto rifle can accept a detachable magazine and has more than one "evil" feature, it is an "assault weapon." Since the basic AR-15 design can accept such a magazine and usually has a pistol grip, then is is often the flash suppressor that has to go (along with the threaded bbl, the grenade launcher, the collapsible stock, the bayonet lug).
Once, the ATF used to classify muzzle devices as flash suppressors or muzzle brakes. Today, I do not know of any agency, federal or Mass, that performs the same function. How does one know if a particular muzzle device is considered by the Commonwealth of Mass to be a flash suppressor or a muzzle brake? Many designers have been busy and there are a variety of devices that, to my knowledge, have never been officially classified as one or the other. Any ideas as to what is legal or not? Any government or other authorities that do so?
I'd hate to permanently install the wrong device.
Once, the ATF used to classify muzzle devices as flash suppressors or muzzle brakes. Today, I do not know of any agency, federal or Mass, that performs the same function. How does one know if a particular muzzle device is considered by the Commonwealth of Mass to be a flash suppressor or a muzzle brake? Many designers have been busy and there are a variety of devices that, to my knowledge, have never been officially classified as one or the other. Any ideas as to what is legal or not? Any government or other authorities that do so?
I'd hate to permanently install the wrong device.
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