While not necessarily addressing your question I don't think any surge in SBR interest had anything to do with the BATF's action at this particular time. This move is purely politically motivated backed by the Executive office given the fact that no move was made previously. Pistol type ARs have been on the market for quite some time.I do have a question because I do not know.
First: Is there a length difference between a short barreled riffle (barrel of 9-10 inches) and the pistol version of the AR. They look like the same over all length just you have not paid your fee to be on the government list.
Second: If the lengths are very similar why didn't the ATF take action when there was a surge to have SBR's by the public. I would have to imagine that a back log of 9-11 months would represent a large number of SBR's (and I understand that suppressers, short barrel shot guns are in the mix to).
Thanks
Just wondering
I read this guys statement and I partly agree with some of it sort of. I think I should have started writing my senators and congressmen and sending my magnitude of letters on this subject last years when they began banning the Russian imported ammo. I agree with that part keep wrighting you elected officials not just about this but ATF's over reach (its not hard to find a subject it seems like there is a new one every week), but I disagree with his statement let them ban it and wait till congress and senate figure it out. Hell we could be waiting a very very long time. A mater a fact if we do it that way alone my grand kids may get the issue resolved in there life time (their track record has not been so good in the last few years okay three decades).Saw an interesting position on this:
I hope the ATF *doesn't* lift the M855 ban... : progun
Some salty language therein... but the thought is to let the ATF ban it... and utilize congress to pull back the power of the ATF.
Thoughts?
Easy way to fax the ATF and Congress. Save M855: Protect your 2nd Amendment Rights
It takes all of 5 minutes to send all three letters. Make sure you put your name and location at the bottom of the letter.
." ATF has long recognized .22 rimfire firearms and ammunition as primarily intended for sporting use. Further, .22 rimfire projectiles are usually 40 grains or lighter and are generally suitable only for use against small game and at short distances. This ammunition poses little threat to law enforcement and exemption of such ammunition is consistent with the language, statutory scheme, and intent of LEOPA."
If they can accomplish restrictions on one common type of ammunition, they can eventually accomplish the same with any ammo. Whether or not you are a fan of the ammunition in question today, any freedom loving American should be greatly concerned about this issue. Incremental-ism is alive and well and this is a fine example of it.
What's funny is that the articles that came out today make it sound like all 5.56 ammo is up for banning, which is going to cause ALL .223/5.56 to sell out. LOL!
There already are a LOT. I think this sucks, and I send messages to Sen Coats, the ATF and some other folks.
HOWEVER....
There are a a lot of other FMJ 62 grain NON M855 type offerings. The one that comes to mind is the .223 chambering. Pretty much any 62 grain marked with a 223 chambering isn't M855
This is because most indoor ranges already banned m855.
Supply of 62 grain 223 and 55 grain M193 remains constant and strong. If anything because the panic, supply was a bit bloated anyway.
I am seeing many offerings of 62 grain 223 and 55 grain M193 between 20 to 30 cents a round. Right about where it always was. Steady diet of it.
In the end M855 will disappear, Ammo makers will ramp up 223 62 grain production. And the ATF might get a black eye over this.
Hell M855 was going away anyway. the USMC is using Mk 262 and Mk318 SOST (Both of which are available to civilians and WORLDS better then M855)
The Army was moving to M855A1 ammo, which is a lead and steel free round.