37mm flare launcher on a AR15

[DrBaker]

Has anyone tried this?

http://www.firequest.com/catalog/media/ARwFlare.jpg


After I got my AR I wanted to add a 12ga Knights MasterKey (Predator/Jesse Ventura). At $1200+ I changed my mind. I thought this might be a cheaper alternative. www.firequest.com seems to have reasonable prices. They also have a 37mm to 12ga adapter. Are there any legal issues to worry about with this setup and the 12ga adapter?

[DrBaker]

anyone? bueller? bueller?

[1911Sooner]

I have seen those but they do seem a bit pricey. Doesn't it add a lot of weight to the gun as well?

[DrBaker]

I think the whole kit and 12ga adapter can be shipped for under $300 if you catch a sale.

I'm not worried about the weight since it's not a defensive weapon, just sits in the safe most of the time.

Anyone know if it's legal to shoot 12ga shotshells out of a flare launcher that's bolted to an assault rifle?

[capmarine]

call the local ATFE office in OKC.an agent friend lives right around the corner from me.wont guarantee you will get the answer right away.my un-expert opinion is that it is not a problem-none of what i see in your picture is class 3(?)

[doubletap]

A quick note on 37mm launchers....
They are completly legal to own and opperate as long as you dont do the following:

-Fire lethal munitions of either 37mm or reduced caliber (via adapters)
And basically thats it.

A normal 37mm launcher is a smoothbore device, intended for the use of marine flares. You can purchase or reload your own ammo for these that are smoke, flare or practice type munitions as long as they are not lethal or less-than-lethal.

As far as reducing the caliber and firing 12ga ammo. as long as its a flare, bird bomb or the like you are completly legal. The minute anything you fire out of this thing can kill injure or harm anyone you have to register it as a destructive device. ($200.00 tax stamp)

As far as overall weapons weight goes. on an AR-15 style rifle your looking at an additional 5 lbs.

[DrBaker]

Thanks for the info.

I wanted to be able to fire 12ga ammo. I won't be paying $200 for that extra option. I might just have to live without this one.

[doubletap]

You can fire 12 ga through it however for lethal ammo you would have to register the launcher as a DD with the ATF.

[DrBaker]

If I put in a few extra dollars and went with a Knights Masterkey (which is what I orginally wanted) would I need any special registration?

[chvylvr350]

If I put in a few extra dollars and went with a Knights Masterkey (which is what I orginally wanted) would I need any special registration?

I looked it up and the masterkey has a 10" barrel, so it would have to be registered as a "Short-barreled shotgun". Its just a remington 870 with a short barrel and a rail attachment. Seems to me if one put much effort at all you could make a masterkey for much cheaper yourself.

[CAR-AR-M16]

If I put in a few extra dollars and went with a Knights Masterkey (which is what I orginally wanted) would I need any special registration?

I have a friend who had a KAC Masterkey years ago. It was very nose heavy and unwieldly. Quickly lost its fun factor and he sold it. YMMV

And yes, it is registered as an SBS.

EDITED TO ADD: I just noticed that this thread was 2 years old. I have no clue how I came upon it as I was not searching at the time.

[ShawnatOSU]

I put one of those on my m4, but took it off after I shot the rifle few times with it on. I never could get it to tighten enough that wasnt rattling or feeling like it was about to break off. Granted I bought mine used and the mounting could have just been worn out??!?!? Looked really cool though

[Rifleman75]

I've been wanting a masterkey for an ar15 forever.

I've never seen the knight's for under $2000, but I still wouldn't pay $1200 for a $300 870 thats been cut down and a mount attached.

I don't think it would be very hard to make the mount. If I were to make one I think I would come up with my own design for a mount. I haven't been able to find much details on the masterkeys and how they mount.
I think they attached to the bayo lug, but for the rest I am not sure.

I have seen some that use the bottom rail on a quad rail hand gaurd, but I don't think that would hold up for very long.

[Cue]

This is what you need man, it puts the masterkey to shame.

http://cimg.163.com/news/2005/11/1/20051101095915ccb67.jpg

[Hbuck72]

This is what you need man, it puts the masterkey to shame.

http://cimg.163.com/news/2005/11/1/20051101095915ccb67.jpg
What in the hell is that thing?

[Cue]

What in the hell is that thing?

Its a 12 gauge bolt action that uses saiga 12 magazines.

http://world.guns.ru/shotgun/sh28-e.htm

[Ride Da Fire]

how about this one?

http://spikestactical.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=50&products_id=132

[LightningCrash]

Oddly enough, I was googling for pictures of the Masterkey and came across this as one of the top results. Hahaha