by johnharris » Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:17 am
Typically, any information you get from ATF on an issue like this needs to be clear and in writing. Opinions by telephone are hard to prove if they are wrong.
What you could get, for example, is a ATF circular from perhaps its website or its Class III manual; a letter from ATF responding to specific questions which should identify specific weapon and modifications including the modification components. This has been done in the past for example with the "trigger" accessories that exist for some firearms.
The main point is, since we already know that the Cobray Streetsweeper was classified as a destructive device solely on the non-existed "sporting purposes" standard, that weapons converted to be similar in design and function may be viewed by the ATF as the "manufacture" of a Class III device which would require licensure and registration.
John Harris
Executive Director
Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Attorney