SKS stock change? 922r compliance? Anybody know?

[HAWKFISH]

For the last few years I have saw lots of after market stocks for guns. I have an SKS that needs a new stock badly, it's been beat up, as it served as a brush/ throw in the truck / hog hunting gun. I was talking to a couple of guys at the local gun store who said that you can't change anything on an import gun, like an SKS/AK ..etc without breaking the law.. 922r or whatever. I have not altered or change any of my guns. But, I would like to change out the SKS stock to a new polymer one..like Tapco or something. Is there any truth to what they were saying? or any other laws that prohibit me from changing stocks. It does have a bayonet on it. And I was also told that if I removed that it would be breaking the law, which seems silly because what do I need a bayonet for? I'd rather not have it on there anyway. So, any knowledge or advice?  I thought after the assault weapons ban was lifted in 2004.. everything was legal again.. yes /no??? 

[tombogan03884]

For the last few years I have saw lots of after market stocks for guns. I have an SKS that needs a new stock badly, it's been beat up, as it served as a brush/ throw in the truck / hog hunting gun. I was talking to a couple of guys at the local gun store who said that you can't change anything on an import gun, like an SKS/AK ..etc without breaking the law.. 922r or whatever. I have not altered or change any of my guns. But, I would like to change out the SKS stock to a new polymer one..like Tapco or something. Is there any truth to what they were saying? or any other laws that prohibit me from changing stocks. It does have a bayonet on it. And I was also told that if I removed that it would be breaking the law, which seems silly because what do I need a bayonet for? I'd rather not have it on there anyway. So, any knowledge or advice?  I thought after the assault weapons ban was lifted in 2004.. everything was legal again.. yes /no??? 

As far as I know, Changing "furniture" (stock, hand gaurds etc.) is perfectly legal, as is removing the Bayonet
The way I understand the ATF Reg, an import firearm has to have so many "points" based on features, Barrel length, capacity, Bayonet? yes/no. By removing the bayonet you make it less "scary", Therefore increasing that rifles score
So in a nutshell, go for it.

[HAWKFISH]

What if I replaced the bayonet with a tripod? Would that make it more scary again? lol   

[CZShooter]

You're okay...as long as it still has the original 10 round box mag. The SKS with the original built-in 10 round magazine is considered a "sporter" rifle and does not fall under the 922r compliance rules. If you change it to accept hi-cap or detachable magazines...then you can have no more than 10 imported parts. The SKS has 14 parts, so you would have to replace 4 parts with 922r U.S. made "compliance" parts (they must be stamped 922r compliant). The stock/foreguard counts as 2 parts, the magazine is one part and the follower is another.

178.39 defines a list of twenty parts that ATF considerers when deciding if a firearm is imported or not. The total number of listed parts in the rifle is not important, so often swapping just a few imported parts for US-made ones frees a rifle from the provisions of Title 18 USC § 922(r). The listed parts are:

1.    Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings
2.    Barrels
3.    Barrel extensions
4.    Mounting blocks (trunions)
5.    Muzzle attachments
6.    Bolts
7.    Bolt carriers
8.    Operating rods
9)    Gas pistons
10.  Trigger housings
11.  Triggers
12.  Hammers
13.  Sears
14.  Disconnectors
15.  Buttstocks
16.  Pistol grips
17.  Forearms, handguards
18.  Magazine bodies
19.  Followers
20.  Floorplates

If more than ten of the listed parts are imported, the entire rifle is considered imported. If ten or less of the listed parts are imported, the entire rifle is considered “US-Made”. Recall that the onerous requirements of Title 18 USC § 922(r) only apply to imported rifles.

Here are the relevant parts in an SKS Carbine:

1.    Receiver
2.    Barrel
3.    Bolt
4.    Bolt carrier
5.    Gas piston
6.    Trigger housing
7.    Trigger
8.    Hammer
9.    Sear
10.  Disconnector
11.  Stock
12.  Handguard
13.  Magazine body
14.  Follower

[CZShooter]

Here's a link for more information on what's okay, and not, for the SKS...

http://www.victorinc.com/SKS-FAQ.html#_Toc167103936

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