The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - US vs Olofson -misfire semi-auto = machine gun

Al Norris · February 4, 2009, 01:12 PM

While I know, in a general manner, the differences between an M-16 and an AR-15, I'm not savy in the technical aspects... Such as what is required for the selector switch to be moved into the third (and presumably auto or burst mode) position. My laymans assumption, if the selector is an original part, is that something which must have been modified on the receiver?

If that assumption is true, then despite any fact that no M-16 parts were ever ordered (as contended and not rebutted), Olofson modified his AR-15 to enable the selector to move into the third position.

Assuming arguendo, then what effect, if any, would this have on the function of the rifle? Would this alone cause the rifle to fire in burst mode or auto fire mode?

February 4, 2009, 01:12 PM	#13
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	While I know, in a general manner, the differences between an M-16 and an AR-15, I'm not savy in the technical aspects... Such as what is required for the selector switch to be moved into the third (and presumably auto or burst mode) position. My laymans assumption, if the selector is an original part, is that something which must have been modified on the receiver? If that assumption is true, then despite any fact that no M-16 parts were ever ordered (as contended and not rebutted), Olofson modified his AR-15 to enable the selector to move into the third position. Assuming arguendo, then what effect, if any, would this have on the function of the rifle? Would this alone cause the rifle to fire in burst mode or auto fire mode?