How permanent is permanent? Regarding threaded barrels on pistols

[miron721]

How would this work, as far as the law?

If I took a threaded barrel and screwed on a compensator, then drilled a hole into it so that I go through the compensator but just make a divot in the barrel's threads, tap the hole, and stick a set screw in it. Probably some thread locking compound as well

Does this qualify as being "permanent", similar to how bullet buttons are permanent because they require a tool? This would require a hex key. Plus, I could stick a thread protector on the barrel with the same mechanism (taking the barrel off beforehand, of course) whenever I didn't want the compensator.

I feel like it should count as "permanent", but I'd rather ask here than blindly buy something and find out it's illegal. I can also include a picture in case my description is terrible.

[AIMSMALL]

Nope, pinned and welded is permanent. I'll see if I can find some PC for ya.

[ke6guj]

Nope, pinned and welded is permanent. I'll see if I can find some PC for ya.

AFAIK, there is no CA PC that explains when a barrel is no longer considered "A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer". Remember that CADOJ has allowed a manufacturer to use red loctite to attach a muzzle nut on a .22lr pistol so that it wasn't considered an AW. Now, would that same method fly on something more powerful? I'd wouldn't chance it myself.

[hossb7]

Consult Merriam-Webster.

[AIMSMALL]

AFAIK, there is no CA PC that explains when a barrel is no longer considered "A threaded barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer". Remember that CADOJ has allowed a manufacturer to use red loctite to attach a muzzle nut on a .22lr pistol so that it wasn't considered an AW. Now, would that same method fly on something more powerful? I'd wouldn't chance it myself.

Makes sense why I can't find PC on it but are there any DOJ letters floating around on this topic?

AFAIK pinned and welded is acceptable.

[bwiese]

Makes sense why I can't find PC on it but are there any DOJ letters floating around on this topic?

No, other than the whole DOJ/Walther P22CA fiasco where they've allowed S&W to 'permanently' attach a muzzle cap onto the threads with epoxy, as a fixup to DOJ's screwup of "approving for sale" a 12276.1 'assault weapon'.

DOJ could look at the phase of the moon and consider something else epoxied insufficient.

I do worry (as Jack mentioned above) that this may be insufficient for larger calibers given heat soak after extended firing combined with much higher shock than 22LR offers.

AFAIK pinned and welded is acceptable.

That's the Fed standard that also suffices for CA.

[AIMSMALL]

Thanks Bill

[miron721]

It would be going on a .22, so no worries about heat or shock. So my only option for non-permanent compensator is a weird quick-disconnect thing?

I suppose I could just have them skip cutting threads when they make it, and cut a slot across the top and bottom, and use a method like my picture. It shouldn't be too hard from a machining perspective, and I could have a "thread protector" made so I can keep the bull-barrel clean look when I don't want the compensator.

A quick-detach shouldn't be a problem, just as long as it's not threads, correct?



If that picture doesn't work, look up the KAC m110 suppressor quick detach mount.

[mdimeo]

Does this qualify as being "permanent", similar to how bullet buttons are permanent because they require a tool?

The ok-if-it-requires-a-tool thing is specific language in the PC that only relates to magazines.

[miron721]

The ok-if-it-requires-a-tool thing is specific language in the PC that only relates to magazines.

Damn. I was hoping that was more universal.