Would this compensator be legal in MA?

[BeerGuy]

I'm thinking about building a target AR with an upper from MSTN. The barrel included would be the 20" stainless Lilja fluted barrel by Compass Lake Engineering. It comes with the Compass Lake VAIS type compensator as it's configured in the picture. Because the compensator is as permanent as they get, basically drilled into the barrel itself, would it comply with Massachusetts law?

 

[Mike-Mike]

Thats sweet

 

[M1911]

As long as it is a compensator and not a flash suppressor.

 

[jdubois]

You'll have to call Compass Lake and ask them if the compensator acts as a flash suppressor or not.

 

[BeerGuy]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I sent Compass Lake an email, I'll let you know what they say.

 

[vicpinto]

That's a sweet looking barrel.

 

[Pilgrim]

It would seem that it's not a true comp as it has holes all around. It wouldn't compensate much that way.

 

[BeerGuy]

Well, Compass Lake said to check with someone locally. I'm not sure how they expect me to get that done. I guess they want me to buy one, have it shipped in and then ask a local expert.

 

[BeerGuy]

It's no longer an issue anyway. I'm going to buy a rifle similar to this from Rock River Arms (Predator Pursuit A4 w/20" barrel). You can substitute the adjustable Magpul PRS stock for the standard one right from the factory. The Predator Pursuit comes with a NM 2 stage trigger also.

 

[vellnueve]

Generally, you will find that muzzle brakes have a narrow muzzle opening that is close to the bullet diameter, while flash suppressors will have a wide open muzzle. That's usually the hint.

 

[FunYun]

I'm pretty sure they only people who can legally determine whether it is a flash suppressor or a brake is the ATF. And if Compass lake can't say, its because they haven't submitted it for testing. To me, it does not seem good that they do not know what they're product is classified as.

It also means if MA wants to prosecute you for it, they have to test and prove its a flash suppressor first.

Personally, I would go for the PWS FSC556, it is ATF approved as a muzzle brake only, but it does about as much flash suppression that possible and is a great compensator.

 

[vellnueve]

Does ATF still do that? Since the federal ban has died off, it's not really their business.

 

[jdubois]

Does ATF still do that? Since the federal ban has died off, it's not really their business.

+1. I'd be surprised if they'd bother with such questions anymore.

 

[tcat]

The gun is OK for Mass, the fact that the barrel is not threaded to accept a flash hidder is the pertinent info not being compensated.

 

[jdubois]

The gun is OK for Mass, the fact that the barrel is not threaded to accept a flash hidder is the pertinent info not being compensated.

The question is not simply whether the barrel is threaded, but if that compensator also acts as a flash suppressor.