AR conversion to bolt action for hunting

**LMTguy** · November 1st, 2017, 01:10 PM

I saw some old posts on here asking the same question but I didn't really see a clear cut answer.

Could one convert their AR to cycled manually by let's say removing the gas tube and welding the adjustable gas block to the off position?

I have also thought about pinning and/or welding a bob sled into the lower but the first option sounds better.

I know hunting with a black(evil) rifle in PA will really grind some people's gears, but with small game changing the rules I don't think it will be too much longer.

So any one using one? Is it legal?

**SIGFAN86** · November 1st, 2017, 01:19 PM

It would have to be non field modifiable. And you'll get hassled by the game wardens since all they would see is a scary black Rifle. But I do believe it'd be legal.
I also believe a company out of the UK makes uppers that are side charging single shots.
You can also build one and have the gas block hole filled in
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...556x45mm-matte

**LMTguy** · November 1st, 2017, 01:53 PM

Do you think the game warden would say that the welded gas block is field modifiable? I guess I could buy a new barrel that doesn't have gas port drilled.

**BIGPOPPA** · November 1st, 2017, 02:00 PM

I've had a Troy Pump Action rifle on my wishlist for large game in PA. I've seen them in 5.56, 300 BO and 308.

The only gotcha I see with the 308 is the muzzle device threading is something odd that has to be redone to host a suppressor or another muzzle device. I'd have to consult the great Google again to see what it is and I'm just too lazy to open another tab for this post.

**SIGFAN86** · November 1st, 2017, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by LMTguy

Do you think the game warden would say that the welded gas block is field modifiable? I guess I could buy a new barrel that doesn't have gas port drilled.

They could cite you anyway and you'd have to prove it isn't

**cdi** · November 1st, 2017, 03:22 PM

I have been hunting with an FAL in Pa. for the last several years.
I machined a lockable gas plug that needs a key to remove.

You could not change it in the field unless you had the key and a functional gas plug.
Of course the average wco has trouble finding his ass with both hands, so count on being written up and your shit confiscated.

I also have reams of frustrating correspondence with the legal dept. regarding the matter.
I even requested they meet me and write me up so we could get the matter before a judge- a REAL judge, not a magistrate.
Request politely denied, naturally.

Email me if you want the long version.
In the years since, I've never been questioned but it's probably only due to the wco trying to decide if an FAL is actually some kind of firearm...

**LMTguy** · November 1st, 2017, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by cdi

I have been hunting with an FAL in Pa. for the last several years.
I machined a lockable gas plug that needs a key to remove.

You could not change it in the field unless you had the key and a functional gas plug.
Of course the average wco has trouble finding his ass with both hands, so count on being written up and your shit confiscated.

I also have reams of frustrating correspondence with the legal dept. regarding the matter.
I even requested they meet me and write me up so we could get the matter before a judge- a REAL judge, not a magistrate.
Request politely denied, naturally.

Email me if you want the long version.
In the years since, I've never been questioned but it's probably only due to the wco trying to decide if an FAL is actually some kind of firearm...

Just sent you a PM.

**LMTguy** · November 1st, 2017, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by SIGFAN86

They could cite you anyway and you'd have to prove it isn't

I'd tell them to shoot it there on the spot and see if it cycles.

**Solaran_X** · November 2nd, 2017, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by SIGFAN86

It would have to be non field modifiable. And you'll get hassled by the game wardens since all they would see is a scary black Rifle. But I do believe it'd be legal.
I also believe a company out of the UK makes uppers that are side charging single shots.
You can also build one and have the gas block hole filled in
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...556x45mm-matte

Technically incorrect. All the law specifies is that you can't use semiautomatic for anything other than varmints (I believe) at this time.

The entire "non-field modifiable" is from a PGC internal memo that has no legal standing. If a bunny cop did write someone up for it, the judges would toss it since it is not a violation of the law.