Are Threaded Barrels Illegal? Exploring the Legal Landscape of Firearms Accessories
The popularity of firearms accessories, specifically threaded barrels, has spawned a significant debate about the legality of these products in various countries. As jurisdictions continue to evolve and reshape their regulations, it can be challenging to determine where these products stand in regard to legal compliance. To provide a comprehensive answer to this pressing question, this article will delve into the legality of threaded barrels, highlighting key points of contention, and exploring jurisdictions’ regulations.
<H2>Why Are Threaded Barrels a Point of Controversy?</H2
Threaded barrels enable the installation of silencers, suppressors, flash hiders, and comps, among other accessories designed to modify the sound, aesthetic, and performance of fired rounds. While these peripherals can be useful for recreational firing, tactical training, or hunting, they have fueled concerns regarding their potential unintended consequences.
Potential Harm and Dangers
Excessive noise reduction, lack of control over muzzle deviation, and potential damage from excessive wear and tear raised concerns among law enforcement professionals, government agencies, and the public. These complications have prompted authorities to contemplate the safety implications of mass-produced, commercially available adapters.
<H2>Current Legal Landscape
While laws and regulations vary across countries, US federal and state laws exemplify the complexities surrounding threading barrels.
US federal law
The Noise Control Act of 1965 regulates the noise requirements for newly manufactured firearms devices, mandating a Maximum Permissible Noise Level (MPNL) of at least 128 decibels for rifles and < 100 decibels for handguns. Federally regulated silencer manufacturers are required to sign a noise control agreement pledging compliance with these federal noise levels.
Threaded barrels, as opposed to traditional silencers constructed from material-specific designs (), are typically considered “non-functional” barrels, incapable of meeting standard noise level requirements. Non-functional barrel designs, as standalone products, are generally unaffected by US federal regulations or noise restrictions.
*Notable Jurisdictions **
- United States (Federal ): Silencers and, by extension, threaded bars are federally regulated under GCA68 (Gun Control Act) and NFA (National Firearms Act. Silencer manufacturers must report production to the ATF.) and have specific noise specifications.
- International (WTO, et al.): Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 9303.82.40.00 is dedicated to silencers ; thread barrel regulations (if existent) deviate greatly from country .
- CA (Canada): Canada has strict limitations on noise reduction devices*
Prohibited Items on the United States’ ‘Prohibited Items’ Liste
- Section 922(r) Exemptions: Certain federally registered collectors and manufacturers/suppliers may be deemed exempted from the manufacturing and importing of silences/silencers.
For the moment, threaded adapters are mostly unremarkable products, as regulatory agencies consider them non-threats; however, misinterpretations and misusing these attachments could lead enforcement agencies to scrutinize product legality further.
Regulatory Outlook and Future Forecasts
The legal backdrop for threaded barrels is complicated, making it challenging to establish a clear narrative about their legality throughout the globe. As policymakers and jurists continue striving for optimal firearm regulations balances, some countries may relax or restrict access to sound-reducing devices with varying impact on threaded barcode production.
