MikeyZ

So, what did you go with?

922 ® The Imported Parts Law(1990) 178.39 otherwise known as 922® 10 Foreign parts law on semiauto Rifles & Shotguns http://www.atf.treas.gov/regulations/27cfr178.html Sec. 178.39 Assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns. (a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph © of this section if the assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to: (1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof;

Hey everyone, please don't shoot me for bringing up this emotional topic. I have been trying to get to the bottom of this once and for all (as many on this forum have, and have claimed they finally have the answer). If one reads 5 posts on this topic, they will get 5 contradicting answers, all claiming that they are RIGHT. Crazy. So the big question is, is it a federal crime to install a U.S.-made magazine extension or full tube on a Benelli M4, speaking in terms of 922r? Some folks have reported that this is not an issue since the sunset of the AWB, some have said that the ATF declares that adding a capacity extension to the M4 is a federal felony, and etc., etc., etc. Here is something I pulled off of cal-guns.net. Please have a look: "This is one of the most misunderstood and over-reactive subjects out there. What you were told is true in part, but does not apply to Benellis or HK/FABARM shotguns or many other brands of imported firearms for the following reason. 922r applies to all imported firearms UNLESS the importer also holds a Type 7 FFL (Manufacturing) or better. Because Benelli USA possesses a Type 7 FFL and have for many years, all guns they import are entirely exempt from 922r. Anything Benelli imports under the Benelli USA trade name is exempt from 922r provisions. Imported firearms that are imported by Type 7 licensees are treated exactly the same as if the firearms were manufacturered domestically. This is why it is perfectly legal to add a magazine extension or even a folding stock to a Benelli (unless illegal in your state). This is why Benelli can import/manufacture and sell the Practical model (extended magazine tube) and the M4/M1014 WITH the collapsible stock. HK and their line of FABARM shotguns are another example. HK is a licensed Type 7 manufacturer and can import the FABARM line of shotguns without regard to 922r. Other imported firearms do not have this exemption because their importers are not also Type 7 FFL holders in the U.S. Type 7 FFLS are expensive and require that firearms actually be manufactured for commercial sale, which is not an inexpensive or hobby endeavor. Therein lies the seeming discrepancy, it's the statutory exception to 922r. Read 922rB1 - "These provisions shall NOT apply to...."" I have not yet been able to find 922rB1 on the web yet, so I don't know the validity of this, but it sounds like a pretty compelling argument. If this is true, does it finally lay to rest the debate about whether installing a U.S.-made mag extension or full tube on an M4 results in an NFA firearm and is therefore a felony to own unless declared with the ATF on a Form 1 (which is likely not going to get approved in some states)? Does anyone have information that contradicts the above statement about Benelli USA being exempt from 922r? No offense to the ATF, but I am not surprised they would give a generalized answer about this if asked, not taking into consideration whether Benelli USA has a Type 7 FFL. After all, Impact Guns a couple years ago was selling to the public a LE version of the M4, complete with mag tube extension and collapsible stock. Obviously this is within federal law. Please give me your feedback, but don't get too upset for me bringing this beaten-to-death topic up again. I have searched high and low on this forum and no one that I can see has addressed the issue of 922rB1. Thanks fellas.

Can't believe that was on TV. So is it a bad idea? I don't know. For well-trained people, like I suspect and hope a good number of folks on this forum are, it's probably fine. For an idiot to possess something like that.....bad news for all of us. My $.02

By the way, etheridge, as an MP being given an M1014, have you heard anything about the M1014's reliability in Iraq and Afghanistan? I've seen a couple blogs where some folks have complained that it has gained a reputation for having a real hard time with sand and will often jam. I would love to know if you have heard anything. Even if you haven't yet, could you post on here if you do hear something in the future? In fact, I would like to hear if anyone on this forum has heard similar chatter to this.

A lot of folks on here have mentioned the Specter Gear family of slings - http://www.spectergear.com/slings.htm I had one on an AR15 years ago (when they were still known as CQB Solutions) and the quality was outstanding. As you can see, they have a variety of types, depending on your duty. I'm leaning toward an SOP sling for the M4 myself (take note that this company makes an SOP sling specifically for the Benelli M-line of shotguns, for what that's worth). I also have seen Giles slings mentioned, but have no personal experience with them. I understand they are of pretty high quality as well. Then there is the Blackhawk line of slings: http://www.blackhawk.com/category1.asp?D=D0063&S=S0639&G=&C=&N=1&pricestart=&priceend= I have absolutely no knowledge of the quality of these items. Only thing I can say is I have several Blackhawk products (gloves, etc.) and am happy with them. Undoubtedly there are many other options, and I am sure this will be a popular thread where you will get numerous suggestions. Hope this helps.

These points are very well taken. I appreciate and invite even more opinions on this.....although I do feel my questions are pretty well answered. Thanks fellas.

I've been searching many blogs and threads trying to assess the true shotgun experts' opinions about the best ammo to use in breaking in an auto shotgun. Mostly what I see is quite simply to use "heavy loads." I would like to challenge you all to submit your opinions about the best ammo to break in an M4. I am particularly interested to hear your thoughts on the following: 1 - 3" mag or 2 3/4" 2 - steel or lead (or hevi) 3 - what weight? 4 - could one use slugs and/or 00 buck? 5 - A particular brand you are partial to? 6 - how many rounds? I have seen 200 rds be suggested time and time again - clearly this varies but I am looking for ballpark Thanks for the feedback fellas, much appreciated. One gentleman already suggested using 2 1/4 oz loads. Thanks for that suggestion. Mike

Way to go Tucker!!

I agree with Duvall. IMHO it depends on what you're used to and how long you have been shooting that way. I am right handed and left eye dominent (my, there are a lot of us), but I always shoot right handed, if I have a choice. Of course, I've been shooting rifles and shotguns right handed for over 14 years, so I have managed to train my right eye to take over in these situations, much how Duvall explained. My humble advice, play around with it and do what seems most natural to you, and by all means, whatever gives you the most accurate shots! If you are going to be in tactical situations, especially CQB, then learning to shoot well left-handed is key for obvious reasons.

Nice. Thanks

Hey Caligvla, where might you recommend someone get a cylinder choke for shooting slugs (which I plan to do)? Also, any specific turkey loads you might suggest for the break-in phase?

I agree that could be an issue. I hope others who may have experience with this can chime in as well. I may just try it if I find an acceptable and relatively cost-friendly means of attaching a single-point to the weapon. I'll post here with any findings or opinions.

As for the skeletonized stock, owning one in itself is one thing, but having a semi-auto M4 with pistol grip and collapsible stock is a no-no in CA. If you stick with the full pistol grip stock, you're fine.

I am interested to know whether the GG&G sling attachment shown here fits the M4 (these are available to view at Botach Tactical and undoubtedly other places). The point to this question is that I wish to fit a single-point sling (such as Specter Gear) to this weapon...in the right place, i.e., just rear of the receiver. If anyone has some info, I'd be much obliged.

What about checking out the Surefire M90 series lights (aka M95-98)? Called the Millenium Universal Weaponlights? Nice variety in terms of weight vs. lumens. Opinions on this series (because I may want to get one myself)?

Caligvla, did you mean that installing a collapsible stock is not legal in CA? I don't recall any laws on vertical foregrips. This would be interesting for me to learn.

Thanks fellas. I'm not exactly crazy about the idea of applying double-sided tape to a new $1500 firearm, but if it truly is a good fix to a problem, so be it. Parenthetically, I did see the thread (with pics and all) that explained how to do it. Looks completely painless to me....hats off to the one who supplied the instruction set. On a related note, what ever happened with the MESA TACTICAL rail system project??? I can't find anything on this that is posted after early 2007. Did they finally decide to pull the plug on this? That would be a shame. It looked very slick.

Hey everyone. I just joined the M4 fraternity of ownership and now am in the fun process of accessorizing it. I would like to put a fore rail handguard on it, and have read (in this forum) plenty about the Surefire not fitting quite right and problems with cycling as a result. I also have read that the Brugger and Thomet (available through DSA) has a problem with allowing debris to spit out all over your hands. Both of these posts were a while ago, and am wondering what the latest is. Does the Surefire still have this fitting problem or has that been resolved? Does anyone have the Brugger and Thomet, and if so, how do you like it? Much appreciated guys.