Lightning Link (AR15 FA Conversion)

Chris Phelps · March 20, 2006, 01:56 PM

I was checking out a page on something called "Lightning Link" which converts an AR15 to Full Auto. The page very clearly states that it is illegal for a US Citizen to BUILD one, but makes no reference to the legality of purchasing, registering, owning, exc.

Since it is not a SEAR, nor does it permanently modify the firearm (its a drop-in piece of metal), would it be legal? Would the tax stamp be needed? Or is this simply another idea lost to NFA bans?

Link

shaggy · March 20, 2006, 02:15 PM

A lightning link is just like a registered sear or any other registered machinegun. In fact, that little piece of metal IS a machinegun under the law, so while you can't now make one and register it, you can buy one that was made and registered prior to the 5-19-86 cutoff date. Currently they go for about $7k-8k.

Chris Phelps · March 20, 2006, 02:20 PM

So it is the same price as a DIAS, and not as good.

haha nevermind. Thanks.

shaggy · March 20, 2006, 02:28 PM

Actually a lot cheaper than a DIAS these days. Seems like DIASs have jumped up to about $12k-13k. FWIW, I own both a lightning link and several DIASs - the DIASs are definitely more reliable, but lightning links aren't bad. The paddles get hammered pretty bad, but the paddle on a lightning link isn't a serialized part so you can have spare paddles and change them as needed.

March 20, 2006, 01:56 PM	#1
Chris Phelps Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: South China, Maine Posts: 814	Lightning Link (AR15 FA Conversion) I was checking out a page on something called "Lightning Link" which converts an AR15 to Full Auto. The page very clearly states that it is illegal for a US Citizen to BUILD one, but makes no reference to the legality of purchasing, registering, owning, exc. Since it is not a SEAR, nor does it permanently modify the firearm (its a drop-in piece of metal), would it be legal? Would the tax stamp be needed? Or is this simply another idea lost to NFA bans? Link __________________ Bushmaster Superlight AR-15 5.56mm / Custom 24" Heavy BBL Varmint AR-15 5.56mm / Ruger M77 .257 Roberts / Ruger MKI 22LR Pistol / EAA Witness 9mm Pistol / Daisy 2202 22LR / Remington Viper 522 22LR / Stevens 200 .223 / Savage 10FP 24" .308 / Mauser 98 Sporter 30-06

March 20, 2006, 02:20 PM	#3
Chris Phelps Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Location: South China, Maine Posts: 814	So it is the same price as a DIAS, and not as good. haha nevermind. Thanks. __________________ Bushmaster Superlight AR-15 5.56mm / Custom 24" Heavy BBL Varmint AR-15 5.56mm / Ruger M77 .257 Roberts / Ruger MKI 22LR Pistol / EAA Witness 9mm Pistol / Daisy 2202 22LR / Remington Viper 522 22LR / Stevens 200 .223 / Savage 10FP 24" .308 / Mauser 98 Sporter 30-06

March 20, 2006, 02:15 PM	#2
shaggy Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Posts: 1,519	A lightning link is just like a registered sear or any other registered machinegun. In fact, that little piece of metal IS a machinegun under the law, so while you can't now make one and register it, you can buy one that was made and registered prior to the 5-19-86 cutoff date. Currently they go for about $7k-8k.

March 20, 2006, 02:28 PM	#4
shaggy Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Posts: 1,519	Actually a lot cheaper than a DIAS these days. Seems like DIASs have jumped up to about $12k-13k. FWIW, I own both a lightning link and several DIASs - the DIASs are definitely more reliable, but lightning links aren't bad. The paddles get hammered pretty bad, but the paddle on a lightning link isn't a serialized part so you can have spare paddles and change them as needed.