Posted on 11/12/2010 6:31:08 AM PST by marktwain
Here's ATF's theory: The particular AirSoft gun in question has a lower receiver that is the same dimensions as an AR15-M16 lower. It can accept a genuine AR15 upper, and with lots of modifications accept a magazine, trigger group, hammer group, etc., to make a functioning lower.
The lower is the 'controlled' item because it is the piece with the serial number. If you're prohibited from purchasing a firearm (due to felony conviction, etc.,) you cannot buy an AR15 lower.
But you can buy an upper, since it's not the 'controlled' item. You can also buy an AirSoft gun.
So, some criminal somewhere might get the bright idea to buy an AR15 upper, an AirSoft lower, and make himself an otherwise unobtainable rifle.
Not that said criminal couldn't simply buy or steal such a weapon...
According to the article, the ATF actually MADE the modifications and SHOT the weapons. Are we saying they are lying about doing that? Or am I missing something here?
The M16 is made up of two parts, the upper receiver and the lower receiver. They monkeyed with the lower receiver and were able to install M16 parts. Big deal. The article went on to say that they installed an M16 upper receiver and fired the contraption. That told me the airsoft upper receiver was inadequate for the job and they knew it.
Only people who are unfamiliar with firearms in general and M16/AR15's specifically would take this seriously.
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