is pa the only state where you can't go hunting with a semi auto rifle?

[heavyt]

Cause alot fo people have ar15s but can't go hunting with them. I had an idea for a bolt that you can just replace to make it not cycle and able to use for hunting.

[knight0334]

I think there are a few states that dont allow semi-auto's, but I cant remember them.

[axmdr40]

This has been discussed in length here before...sorry I couldn't find the threads. But the ruling consensus from the more knowledgeable members is that any conversion to a semi-auto rifle to make it "pa hunting legal," must be a permanent change, simply modifying the bolt carrier assembly so it won't cycle would not count.

[knight0334]

There are changes that can be made to semi's to allow them to be used, but I think they must be mods that cant be changed in the field. I heard that a letter or inspection of the piece may be needed too - not sure how much truth there is to that though.

For the cost of the parts and labor to mod a good semi to manual action you can have a manually operated gun that can take anything from groundhog to elk.

[JayBell]

I believe, after reading ATFs interpretation of "sporting use", after a poll of all 50 states game comissions, they found that only 17 states allow the taking of game animals with a semiauto rifle, and most have mag capacity restrictions.

the ATF only determines HUNTING to be a VALID 'sporting use" for the determination of importation of semi rifles and shotguns...


this is what they use to ban the importation of AKs and other "military" style rifles

[Guy Fawkes]

Odd, but the use of a semi automatic shotgun is legal!!!

Nothing like double standards. Many states allow the use of semi automatic rifles, some with magazine limitations and some without.

Some interesting reading on the SIG 551

Question 7 is interesting:

7. Do State game commissioners allow the use of the rifle to
hunt?
a. Number of State Game Commissions responding 42.
b. Number of State Game Commissions who permit use of
high power semi-automatic rifles 42.
c. Number of State Game Commissions who do not permit
use of high power semi-automatic rifles 0.

They must have missed Pennsylvania.

Exerpt from http://www.biggerhammer.net/sigamt/atf.html

[shermdo]

Cause alot fo people have ar15s but can't go hunting with them. I had an idea for a bolt that you can just replace to make it not cycle and able to use for hunting.

I know that you did NOT specifically state that the AR15 was in .223/5.56 and you did NOT specifically state deer hunting in your question but I wanted to mention that there are several states that prohibit any large game (deer, elk, bear, hog, etc.) hunting with a .22 caliber round. That would eliminate .223/5.56 regardless of rifle type.

Of course the the AR15 chambered for any of it's larger caliber offerings would make a nice hunting rifle.