922(r) Compliance for SA MG42

[true.believer]

I haven't seen any thread that specifically deals with the 922(r) compliance parts list for the MG42 since it is a build from an imported parts list, so I wanted to see if any of the "veterans" to SA builds could speak on this. Below are the 20 items from the 922(r) parts list with parts applicable to the imported MG42 kits in red (and part number from jbaum's parts diagram, viewtopic.php?f=39&t=3904, in parentheses).

Receiver (1)
Barrel (18)
Barrel Extension (18)
Mounting Block/Trunion (1)
Muzzle Attachment (21)
Bolt (8)
Bolt Carrier (7)
Operating Rod (17/17a?)
Gas Piston
Trigger Housing
Trigger (23)
Hammer
Sear (24)
Disconnector (25)
Buttstock (5a)
Pistol Grip (22)
Forearm/Handguard
Magazine Body (ammo belt?)
Magazine Follower
Magazine Floorplate

Since this is belt-fed, I'm not quite sure if the belt qualifies as designation of a "Magazine Body"; I'm also not sure if the cocking handle and slide are considered to be an operating rod by the 922(r) definition, and if the trunion is truly considered a separate part since it is part of the receiver.

So, assuming that my identified list above is correct, that the ammo belt is considered a "Magazine Body", the cocking handle and slide an operating rod, and the trunion a separately designated part from the receiver, then there are 14 foreign parts in the build, which means that at least 4 will need to be replaced with U.S.-made parts. With WLA having provided a rear SA receiver body and a barrel bushing replacement, I'm assuming that this entire piece would constitute a U.S.-made receiver, bringing the total to 13 foreign parts. WLA also provides the SA pistol grip, bringing the total to 12 foreign parts. Since the bolt and bolt carrier must be modified in order to make the MG42 a semi-auto, I assume that the modification makes both of these U.S.-made parts, which brings the total to 10 foreign parts.

Can someone comment on the accuracy of this and if there are any U.S.-made parts suppliers for other items on this list, such as trigger, sear, disconnector, etc?

[bolex]

The MG42 S/A is not a rifle and therefore does not need to meet 922. See legal forum:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1721

[true.believer]

Well tickle me pink and call me silly.....

It looks like this issue has already been discussed pretty heavily--I just couldn't find it in my searches since I was looking in the MG42 board instead of the General Discussion/Legalities board.

Looking at the following threads:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1721
http://www.panzer46.net/mg42board/viewtopic.php?t=2018
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1454
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=6419
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=5654

It appears that as of the date of this posting (12/26/2007) the latest ATF ruling is that a SA MG42 is classified as a rifle and is therefor subject to 922(r) restrictions. It appears that my list above is correct, based on the previous discussions in the legalities boards, but there is still confusion as to whether or not the belt is considered a magazine body. So, to be on the safe side, it appears there are 14 foreign parts that must be replaced in the final SA MG42 build.

There has been no official ruling or designation from the ATF yet, but it is likely that the completely reconstructed SA receiver will count as one U.S.-made part, and since the bolt and bolt carrier must be significantly altered to allow for SA operation, it is likely that these two will count as U.S.-made parts. With the addition of a WLA manufactured SA pistol grip, this brings the total down to 10 foreign parts, the minimum needed to be 922(r) compliant. To be on the safe side, U.S.-made FAL fire control components can be used to replace the trigger, sear (ie trigger lever), and disconnector, which will bring the total to 7 foreign parts, that way if the ATF decides to designate the modified bolt and bolt carrier and SA receiver to still be foreign-made parts, the SA build will still be compliant.

Does anyone know of anybody making U.S.-made buttstocks or barrels that are available for sale to help bring the number of foreign-made parts down even further? It is always better to provide yourself with as much cushion as possible to avoid any entanglement on this issue.

[true.believer]

Also, does anybody have any recommendations on the U.S.-made FAL fire control components (manufacturer/seller)?

[Bil]

On the buttstocks-check with Dan@Angola Armory ,he may still have the new ones availlable.It is in the F/S section. ---bil

[bolex]

"WLA manufactured SA pistol grip" the one I got uses AR fcg, which in my case are USA parts. If you search you will find somewhere that the BATF stated (letter) that a weld together is considered new part and is permitted if the FA control parts can not be installed.. The demill parts are defined as not a firearm, and therefore you make the firearm when you weld it together. As I said there is a BATF letter floating around out there.

[true.believer]

Thanks for all of the info!

The ATF letters (the first one classifying the SA MG42 as a firearm, from Jan. '06 and then their reversal a month later re-classifying it as a rifle, from Feb. '06) are in the threads that I linked to a few posts above.