M14 Forum

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 07:01 AM

Big first thread (other than the intro thread I posted!)
I am wondering what the forum consensus is on a TRW M14 that has been welded up and will never shoot again....I have seen it and it is a beautiful rifle....but of course I am not a lawyer or expert so I am not sure of the legality of it. The thing can not be made to shoot....has some pieces/parts missing, but the receiver has been rewelded.
What do you guys think?
(I did use the search function but found nothing like this question in the archives)
thanks for any imput!
Andy

NoExpert · March 4th, 2011, 07:20 AM

How has it been made to never shoot again? If the bolt is welded in place with a bead of weld (not a tack weld) on both sides and on the barrel and the firing pin removed I'd think you'd be okay. However it's always best to seek the advice of the ATF or DOJ since they're the one's who would be coming after you if it's not okay.

BLACKTAIL 8541 · March 4th, 2011, 07:28 AM

I am sure you will get a couple of different opinions on this, but here is mine. If the pieces were reatached in such a way as to prevent use when all other parts of a seviceable nature were used, it would be ok to own and not a weapon.

Haveing said that, I personally would not consider doing it unless I had a clear leagle basis to do so.

Remember, you are asking on the error net!

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoExpert

How has it been made to never shoot again? If the bolt is welded in place with a bead of weld (not a tack weld) on both sides and on the barrel and the firing pin removed I'd think you'd be okay.

The only movement in the whole upper looked to be the rear sight (goes up and down) and the Auto lever pushed in and rotated around. Other than that....the thing seemed to be welded all the way around. I understand everybody will end their opinion with "Check with the ATF"....that is obviously the smartest thing for me to do...I guess I am wondering if it is even worth the time and effort to investigate for a dummy gun that would be for a Vietnam collection and displaying.

BrokenVet · March 4th, 2011, 07:53 AM

I am sure that it can be made to shoot and maybe quite well, however IMO the question you should be asking is how safe/dangerous would it be to shoot. Also the cost to bring it up safe shootable condition.

I will pass on a reweld receiver and buy a 7.62mm, LRB or other brand.

NoExpert · March 4th, 2011, 08:00 AM

I guess it comes down to cost then. If the price is right it may be worth it as a conversation piece. I wouldn't pay more than a couple hundred at best but that's me and that's sight unseen. If there were viable parts that could be salvaged and used in a functioning rifle I may pay more.

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVet

I am sure that it can be made to shoot and maybe quite well, however IMO the question you should be asking is how safe/dangerous would it be to shoot. Also the cost to bring it up safe shootable condition.

I will pass on a reweld receiver and buy a 7.62mm, LRB or other brand.

I am not looking to make the thing work....It was so welded up that I dont think anybody would be able to anyway. It is a wall hanger, conversation piece.

dozier · March 4th, 2011, 08:46 AM

At our Am. Legion post we have 8 ceremonial M-1 Garands that were demilled by the Govt. A plug with a hole in it was tack welded just beyond the chamber. They will chamber and fire blanks, but will not allow live ammo to be inserted. If that's the way the Govt. did it, I do not see why the ATF would reject that method. The Bbl. was also tack welded to the receiver. dozier

7.62bthp · March 4th, 2011, 08:50 AM

ATF says reconstituted with available expertise and equipment according to case law. If an expert could work it over in 8-10 hrs, it's illegal.

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7.62bthp

ATF says reconstituted with available expertise and equipment according to case law. If an expert could work it over in 8-10 hrs, it's illegal.

that is enough to make me rethink the dummy gun for sure......I dont know what it would take to break welds....and restore (or reconstitute) the rifle...but it sound like too many variables for me to be comfortable with!
Thanks for the excellent replies!!!

Dirtyharry · March 4th, 2011, 08:56 AM

Would this be illegal if you stripped off the good parts to build a semi-auto version. If the poster's rifle needs just a receiver, bolt, & maybe a barrel it's really just a parts kit you would have to break apart, right? You have almost 80%+ to build with.

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 09:01 AM

from quickly looking at the rifle a while back....I would guess the only parts that would be "recoverable" would be the stock, fiberglass top guard and thats about it.....everything else would have to be hammered,torched,pryed,ect. to get apart

Hawk · March 4th, 2011, 10:25 AM

I am not a lawyer nor do I pretend to be one

I would think that if the barrel was "bead" welded to the receiver and the barrel filled with a rod welded in place and the bolt "bead" welded in battery, that it would be a legal dummy rifle.

A receiver needs to be below 80% completed to be a real deal receiver. If all of the "bead" welding is doen then I would think that it would be less than 80%.

Standard disclaimer to be considered

tankdriver · March 4th, 2011, 10:59 AM

If you want a display piece, and not worry about it being stolen, look at the Airsoft stuff. I have a M3, and a Thompson, both gas operated, for display when I had my tank.

Leatherwringer · March 4th, 2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankdriver

If you want a display piece, and not worry about it being stolen, look at the Airsoft stuff. I have a M3, and a Thompson, both gas operated, for display when I had my tank.

excellent idea!