Do any M&P15's meet the HBAR definition ?

[edleary1227]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I searched first ...

Lots of discussion in Maryland regarding M&P15's that may or may not be classified as HBAR. Does S&W have an 'official' statement or designation of which models (like the ORC) is or is not considered HBAR.

Maryland's latest ban list (Oct 1, 2013) has caused much confusion among the dealers and FFLs per the following:

https://www.mdsp.org/Organization/S...ngandRegistration/Firearms/FirearmSearch.aspx

Weapon Selected: S & W M & P 15;
Status: Banned
Justification: Copy of the Colt AR15
Date of Status: 10/1/2013

BUT ...

Weapon Selected: Colt AR-15, CAR-15, and all imitations except Colt AR-15 Sporter H-BAR rifle;
Status: Banned
Justification: ENUMERATED IN STATUTE
Date of Status: 10/1/2013

Point being that an M&P15 'copy' of a "Colt AR-15 Sporter H-BAR rifle" would also be considered an HBAR, so if S&W says it is and HBAR, then we're GTG.

 

[JoseVazquez76]

I'm pretty sure the sport is not an hbar but I might be wrong

 

[shawnfergie]

sounds like time to move...

 

[rojodiablo]

If it goes 'Bang' and is black, it's not welcome in Maryland; that's all I know......

 

[MichiganScott]

This pretty much defines S&W's M&P's.

From the link in the original post:


1) Is this weapon semi-automatic? If not, it is not banned and you do not need to continue.

2) If this is a rifle, is it centerfire? If not, then it is not banned and you do not need to continue.

3) Is this weapon considered to be a copy of a banned weapon? If so, then it is banned and may not be purchased, sold, or transferred.

4) If this is a semi-automatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine, does it have any two of the following:
a folding stock;
a grenade launcher or flare launcher; or
a flash suppressor;

If so, then it is banned and may not be purchased, sold, or transferred.

 

[edleary1227]

Thanks for all of the encouragement to move from The People's Republic of Maryland ...

There are dealers and FFLs here that are selling 'certain' M&P Sporter models as HBARs, but others refuse to sell or transfer any M&P15s at all.

I'm lucky in that I bought an ORC model long before the Oct 1, 2013 cutoff date, when it was listed by S&W as being MD-compliant. However, S&W ONLY lists MA and NJ on the ORC today. Time will tell whether M&P owners get un-grandfathered, and ordered to sell out of state or surrender ...

At that point, moving will be among many options ...

 

[78Staff]

So, not to open a can of worms, but how is Colt's AR-15 Sporter HBAR good to go and the others not? Is the the lack of a lug for a grenade launcher?

The S&W Fixed Stock/Compliant models have non-lugged barrel's (and maybe the PC models, now that I think about it). But, they are not marketed as "HBAR" rifles (which really only means Heavy Barrel). There is a fixed stock/compliant M&P Sport, which may be what some of the sellers are selling that you mention.

Friend of mine has a Colt HBAR from '73, that is one heavy freakin rifle!

 

[skwchock]

Agree. Time to get out of the "Socialist Republic of Maryland (SRMD)" -- can't be a "People's Republic" because only Dems voted for it. Unfortunately, these folks ("refugees") from MD are coming into Virginia and are trying to make Virginia as bankrupt as MD. VA needs to ensure that the 2d Amendment is strongly defended and upheld against this new onslaught.

 

[CrustyShellback]

Governor Moonbeam banned lead here. So supposedly, unless we can stop it... starting in 2015... no lead in ANY ammo. Won't be able to purchase my reloading supplies, etc.

Time for some changes.

 

[WR Moore]

History lesson:

When EBR [Evil Black Rifle] bans were first enacted, they included very specific language as to exactly what was banned. Colt promptly changed the markings on several models, evading the bans (and infuriating legislators). The HBAR was intended to be [marketed as] a target version for use in NRA High Power Service Rifle competition. This let them slide through cracks in the laws enacted in several states as a 'legitimate sporting firearm'.

Going by this example, I expect the only S&W model that approximates the HBAR is the M&P15 PC with 20 inch barrel and fixed stock. However, that doesn't have the service sights....you might get away with target type iron sights and inclusion in the Match Rifle competition category. Which, come to think of it, might allow otical sights.

You need opinions-in writing-from either the Attorney General or whatever State Police office has jurisdiction on this type of thing. IIRC, there's a specific office/department of the SP that deals with firearm related questions. They're a much better reference than internet opinion.

 

[SiGfever]

Mary Land is a tough state to live in.

 

[MasterTech1960]

This pretty much defines S&W's M&P's.

From the link in the original post:


1) Is this weapon semi-automatic? If not, it is not banned and you do not need to continue.

2) If this is a rifle, is it centerfire? If not, then it is not banned and you do not need to continue.

3) Is this weapon considered to be a copy of a banned weapon? If so, then it is banned and may not be purchased, sold, or transferred.

4) If this is a semi-automatic centerfire rifle that can accept a detachable magazine, does it have any two of the following:
a folding stock;
a grenade launcher or flare launcher; or
a flash suppressor;

If so, then it is banned and may not be purchased, sold, or transferred.

Answer to # 1
Yes . A weapon is not banned in Maryland solely for being semi-auto.

Answer to # 2
Yes . Center-fire Rifles are not banned for solely being center-fire.

Answer to # 3
No . It is a copy of a Colt H-bar that is not Banned.


Answer To # 4
No. The M&P 15 Sports that I have seen at the shows. Do not have a folding stock. Do not have a grenade launcher or flare launcher. They do have a flash suppressor. Only one of the banned "BAD" features.

As such the S&W M&P - 15 Sport (IMHO) should not be Banned as the law now stands.