AR-15 Single Shot Lower For Hunting in Pennsylvania

Shooter2675 · January 29, 2015, 09:39 PM

I want to be able to use my AR-15 for hunting in PA, but since we have the restrictive gun law making it illegal to hunt fame with a semi auto rifle in PA, I can't use my AR-15. Could I build a single shot lower (with no magazine well) and then put my standard upper on it and use it to hunt?

John

rickyrick · January 29, 2015, 10:41 PM

It's possible I'd think, maybe no gas system as well...

But I think a single shot rifle would be a cheaper endeavor

Shooter2675 · January 29, 2015, 11:05 PM

Yeah I know I just would like to use an AR-15 to hunt with. I have several shotguns and hunting bolt guns, but I just thought it would be neat to use an AR-15.

Do you know what the law says about my idea?

John

rickyrick · January 30, 2015, 12:37 AM

I can understand that

Don't know about the laws there

I have seen crossbows that go on ar lowers too

burrhead · January 30, 2015, 02:38 AM

How about a bolt action upper.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...223-308-ar-15/

Mobuck · January 30, 2015, 07:57 AM

You can make an AR a manual operation by simply pulling the gas block and tube and replacing the gas block with the port mis-aligned. If questioned, demonstrate it IS NOT a semi-auto.

Mosin-Marauder · January 30, 2015, 07:58 AM

Could get a piston upper and turn the gas system off when you want to use it in Straight Pull Mode.

Mobuck · January 30, 2015, 08:20 AM

Could get a piston upper and turn the gas system off when you want to use it in Straight Pull Mode.

I doubt that a system that's "changeable in the field" would pass inspection. With the gas port blocked and the gas tube missing, there's no question.

A bunny cop checked me one time for a shotgun plug. He shook the empty pump gun and commented "No plug" since many/most wooden plugs clunk in the tube. I told him it was plugged so he wanted the barrel pulled-no plug fell out or was visible. Aha, he's going to write me a ticket. I bet him $100 he could only put 2 shells in the mag so he tried--no go. That gun had a custom made tubular plug fitted to the inside of the magazine tube. Regulations did not specify what TYPE of plug, just that no more than 2 shells could be in the mag.

Shooter2675 · January 30, 2015, 08:26 AM

Ok all the ides sound good but a piston upper is pricey and so is the bolt action upper. I can build a single shot lower around $350. My only question is, if I kept the gas tube on, it would cycle the bolt but no other round could be loaded, but maybe if I removed the gas tube it would fix that problem. It wouldn't even cycle. I think I could easily prove to a game warden that it's single shot: you can even put a magazine in. Here is the lower I was looking at: http://www.tactilite.com/product-p/mp-rec-br15b.htm

John

Panfisher · January 30, 2015, 09:55 AM

I would think that if it is able to cycle the action upon firing regardless of whether or not it picks up another round it would still be semi-auto and thus illegal. If it is done in such a way as to disable the action (i.e. remove the gas tube etc.) that cannot be quickly changed back in the field then it would be illegal. Almost assuredly if a warden or agent saw you, you would have to explain etc. and might even receive a ticken anyway and have to go to court all for the "fun" of being able to use your AR to hunt with. A bolt action upper would be a better option.

Art Eatman · January 30, 2015, 01:01 PM

Drill a hole through the mag well. Run a bolt through the holes. Zap the end of the bolt with an arc welder. Et voila: Single shot. If you change your mind, just grind off the bolt head.

eastbank · January 30, 2015, 04:36 PM

the action must be hand operated, if upon firing any thing moves it will be frowned upon. i have seen U.S. m-1 carbines made into pump and straight pull rifles and ak-47,s made into hand operated rifles. years ago there was a case involving a winchester model 55 semi auto single shot .22 rifle hunting small game and the hunter was found guilty. eastbank

Gunplummer · January 30, 2015, 04:54 PM

The law is somewhat vague, but if I remember correctly, it states "Permanently altered". eastbank is correct. The law can be viewed by the Warden and Judge as they see fit. It is really not worth the hassle. Hunt out of state.

Shooter2675 · January 30, 2015, 05:10 PM

Ok, I understand. Guess I will just stick with my shotguns, lever guns, and bolt guns in PA.

John

BoogieMan · February 3, 2015, 05:51 PM

Just found this thread. What cartridge is your AR chamber in? In addition to no semi auto I am pretty sure that you also cannot use any 22 cal projectile. Other than that just remove the gas block and put in a blank block. You then have a straight pull bolt gun with a cumbersome bolt handle.

Gunplummer · February 5, 2015, 06:34 AM

There is no caliber restriction for rifle hunting deer in PA, as long as it is centerfire. I have used various .22 centerfires for years. Remember one guy that used a .17 Remington.

mardanlin · February 5, 2015, 11:23 AM

I don't suppose removing the gas tube would classify it as a hand loading rifle, would it? Would be just as slow as a bolt action and could be done in a few minutes. Just a thought.

Art Eatman · February 5, 2015, 11:48 AM

Seems to me that this idea is an invitation to a hassle. While it might be technically correct, a game warden might disagree. That can mean an argument with the local Justice of the Peace. That strikes me as a waste of time.

Since there are so many other gun-options available, I myself wouldn't bother.

thekyrifleman · February 5, 2015, 02:59 PM

Been hunting in PA over 60 consecrutive seasons. Started with a single shot H&R 22 Hornet. ( convertible barrel other being a 12 guage ) Earlier post is correct.....must be centerfire. As far as the "singularized" AR 15, if a warden sees you with it, in my experience you damn well better be prepared for a hassle. I got stopped one day in the second season while grouse hunting because my hat "wasn't orange enough"!!!!

reynolds357 · February 5, 2015, 04:07 PM

I forget who makes them, but I have seen AR lowers that are solid and will not take a magazine. If I remember correctly, they were built for the 50 BMG bolt action uppers to go on.

Gunplummer · February 5, 2015, 06:34 PM

Go ahead and do anything you want. Why would someone ask a legal question pertaining to one state on a forum that covers the whole United States? A solid lower? How long does it take to change lowers? Just go ahead and do it. There is only one Game Warden per County, and some cover more than that. What are the chances he will stop you? You know you want to. Go ahead and do it. If you do get checked, let us know the outcome of the episode.

Shooter2675 · February 5, 2015, 07:35 PM

Gunplummer,

I apologize if I took your post wrong but I believe you were being sarcastic. Now why would someone post a sarcastic comment that people from ALL 50 states can view?

As for the ease of switching the lower, it's a matter of two pins that take all of thirty seconds. The lower WILL NOT accept a magazine, much like the BMG lower. But, after OTHER people on TFL have stated it would be unwise to do so, I believe I will stick to my Mossberg shotgun.

John

**4V50 Gary** · February 5, 2015, 08:50 PM

How about having a new upper with an undrilled barrel (no gas port)?

Gunplummer · February 5, 2015, 10:13 PM

I was being very sarcastic. One person from another state thinks that a .22 caliber centerfire is illegal for deer hunting in PA. There is some legalese for you. Why not read the regulations?

reynolds357 · February 5, 2015, 10:52 PM

It would seem to me that single shot loading an AR would be most aggravating.
I am sure I would find a way to get my finger caught eventually.

(seriously, If it will happen, it will happen to me.)

January 29, 2015, 09:39 PM	#1
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	AR-15 Single Shot Lower For Hunting in Pennsylvania I want to be able to use my AR-15 for hunting in PA, but since we have the restrictive gun law making it illegal to hunt fame with a semi auto rifle in PA, I can't use my AR-15. Could I build a single shot lower (with no magazine well) and then put my standard upper on it and use it to hunt? John

January 29, 2015, 10:41 PM	#2
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,386	It's possible I'd think, maybe no gas system as well... But I think a single shot rifle would be a cheaper endeavor __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

January 30, 2015, 12:37 AM	#4
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,386	I can understand that Don't know about the laws there I have seen crossbows that go on ar lowers too __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

January 30, 2015, 02:38 AM	#5
burrhead Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 1999 Location: Chihuahuan desert, Texas Posts: 1,149	How about a bolt action upper. http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...223-308-ar-15/ __________________ Join the GOA, SAF and the TSRA I'm offended by people that are easily offended.

February 5, 2015, 08:50 PM	#23
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,301	How about having a new upper with an undrilled barrel (no gas port)? __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 29, 2015, 11:05 PM	#3
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	Yeah I know I just would like to use an AR-15 to hunt with. I have several shotguns and hunting bolt guns, but I just thought it would be neat to use an AR-15. Do you know what the law says about my idea? John

January 30, 2015, 07:57 AM	#6
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	You can make an AR a manual operation by simply pulling the gas block and tube and replacing the gas block with the port mis-aligned. If questioned, demonstrate it IS NOT a semi-auto.

January 30, 2015, 07:58 AM	#7
Mosin-Marauder Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2014 Location: North Carolina Posts: 2,320	Could get a piston upper and turn the gas system off when you want to use it in Straight Pull Mode.

January 30, 2015, 08:20 AM	#8
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	Could get a piston upper and turn the gas system off when you want to use it in Straight Pull Mode. I doubt that a system that's "changeable in the field" would pass inspection. With the gas port blocked and the gas tube missing, there's no question. A bunny cop checked me one time for a shotgun plug. He shook the empty pump gun and commented "No plug" since many/most wooden plugs clunk in the tube. I told him it was plugged so he wanted the barrel pulled-no plug fell out or was visible. Aha, he's going to write me a ticket. I bet him $100 he could only put 2 shells in the mag so he tried--no go. That gun had a custom made tubular plug fitted to the inside of the magazine tube. Regulations did not specify what TYPE of plug, just that no more than 2 shells could be in the mag.

January 30, 2015, 08:26 AM	#9
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	Ok all the ides sound good but a piston upper is pricey and so is the bolt action upper. I can build a single shot lower around $350. My only question is, if I kept the gas tube on, it would cycle the bolt but no other round could be loaded, but maybe if I removed the gas tube it would fix that problem. It wouldn't even cycle. I think I could easily prove to a game warden that it's single shot: you can even put a magazine in. Here is the lower I was looking at: http://www.tactilite.com/product-p/mp-rec-br15b.htm John

January 30, 2015, 09:55 AM	#10
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	I would think that if it is able to cycle the action upon firing regardless of whether or not it picks up another round it would still be semi-auto and thus illegal. If it is done in such a way as to disable the action (i.e. remove the gas tube etc.) that cannot be quickly changed back in the field then it would be illegal. Almost assuredly if a warden or agent saw you, you would have to explain etc. and might even receive a ticken anyway and have to go to court all for the "fun" of being able to use your AR to hunt with. A bolt action upper would be a better option.

January 30, 2015, 01:01 PM	#11
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Drill a hole through the mag well. Run a bolt through the holes. Zap the end of the bolt with an arc welder. Et voila: Single shot. If you change your mind, just grind off the bolt head.

January 30, 2015, 04:36 PM	#12
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,512	the action must be hand operated, if upon firing any thing moves it will be frowned upon. i have seen U.S. m-1 carbines made into pump and straight pull rifles and ak-47,s made into hand operated rifles. years ago there was a case involving a winchester model 55 semi auto single shot .22 rifle hunting small game and the hunter was found guilty. eastbank

January 30, 2015, 04:54 PM	#13
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	The law is somewhat vague, but if I remember correctly, it states "Permanently altered". eastbank is correct. The law can be viewed by the Warden and Judge as they see fit. It is really not worth the hassle. Hunt out of state.

January 30, 2015, 05:10 PM	#14
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	Ok, I understand. Guess I will just stick with my shotguns, lever guns, and bolt guns in PA. John

February 3, 2015, 05:51 PM	#15
BoogieMan Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2012 Location: South Jersey Posts: 2,217	Just found this thread. What cartridge is your AR chamber in? In addition to no semi auto I am pretty sure that you also cannot use any 22 cal projectile. Other than that just remove the gas block and put in a blank block. You then have a straight pull bolt gun with a cumbersome bolt handle.

February 5, 2015, 06:34 AM	#16
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	There is no caliber restriction for rifle hunting deer in PA, as long as it is centerfire. I have used various .22 centerfires for years. Remember one guy that used a .17 Remington.

February 5, 2015, 11:23 AM	#17
mardanlin Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2013 Posts: 208	I don't suppose removing the gas tube would classify it as a hand loading rifle, would it? Would be just as slow as a bolt action and could be done in a few minutes. Just a thought.

February 5, 2015, 11:48 AM	#18
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Seems to me that this idea is an invitation to a hassle. While it might be technically correct, a game warden might disagree. That can mean an argument with the local Justice of the Peace. That strikes me as a waste of time. Since there are so many other gun-options available, I myself wouldn't bother.

February 5, 2015, 02:59 PM	#19
thekyrifleman Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: Northern Ky Posts: 254	Been hunting in PA over 60 consecrutive seasons. Started with a single shot H&R 22 Hornet. ( convertible barrel other being a 12 guage ) Earlier post is correct.....must be centerfire. As far as the "singularized" AR 15, if a warden sees you with it, in my experience you damn well better be prepared for a hassle. I got stopped one day in the second season while grouse hunting because my hat "wasn't orange enough"!!!!

February 5, 2015, 04:07 PM	#20
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,187	I forget who makes them, but I have seen AR lowers that are solid and will not take a magazine. If I remember correctly, they were built for the 50 BMG bolt action uppers to go on.

February 5, 2015, 06:34 PM	#21
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	Go ahead and do anything you want. Why would someone ask a legal question pertaining to one state on a forum that covers the whole United States? A solid lower? How long does it take to change lowers? Just go ahead and do it. There is only one Game Warden per County, and some cover more than that. What are the chances he will stop you? You know you want to. Go ahead and do it. If you do get checked, let us know the outcome of the episode.

February 5, 2015, 07:35 PM	#22
Shooter2675 Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2013 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 382	Gunplummer, I apologize if I took your post wrong but I believe you were being sarcastic. Now why would someone post a sarcastic comment that people from ALL 50 states can view? As for the ease of switching the lower, it's a matter of two pins that take all of thirty seconds. The lower WILL NOT accept a magazine, much like the BMG lower. But, after OTHER people on TFL have stated it would be unwise to do so, I believe I will stick to my Mossberg shotgun. John

February 5, 2015, 10:13 PM	#24
Gunplummer Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2010 Location: South East Pa. Posts: 3,364	I was being very sarcastic. One person from another state thinks that a .22 caliber centerfire is illegal for deer hunting in PA. There is some legalese for you. Why not read the regulations?

February 5, 2015, 10:52 PM	#25
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,187	It would seem to me that single shot loading an AR would be most aggravating. I am sure I would find a way to get my finger caught eventually. (seriously, If it will happen, it will happen to me.)