Posted: 6/20/2025 9:40:49 PM EDT
| A M203 40mm is under 26 inches without a stock, but can't be fired comfortably without being attached to a host. Would it get registered as a pistol on a RI60 or would I wait till attaching it to a host and then see if it's under 26inches? |
|
My understanding (not a lawyer): The completed, 40mm M203 would be required to submit an RI-60, despite the M203 being classified as a Destructive Device by the BATFE (US code describing it as a "weapon", but not as a firearm, see 26 U.S. Code 5845(f)), it is still considered a "firearm" by the state of Michigan, as well as being a "pistol" by MCL definitions. The reason being that MCL 750.222e states ""Firearm" means any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive." and MCL 750.222f stating: ""Pistol" means a loaded or unloaded firearm that is 26 inches or less in length, or a loaded or unloaded firearm that by its construction and appearance conceals itself as a firearm." So despite the ATF not considering a 40mm M203 a firearm (which is why attaching the M203 to an AR doesn't make it an illegal SBR, as Destructive Devices are not subject to the barrel length rules of Rifles and Shotguns), Michigan considers it a pistol. For the purposes of the RI-60, it would be marked as a pistol (as opposed to non-pistol), and its Type given as Other: Destructive Device. As the Type category is a description that in practice matches the BATFE's classification system (this is also where you'd write "short barreled rifle/shotgun" when registering those items in Michigan). This of course doesn't apply to an M203 receiver fitted with a 37mm barrel for the launching of pyrotechnics, which doesn't meet the definition of "weapon" and as such is not a firearm (at least in this instance Michigan and the BATFE agree). So yes, Michigan wants you to register your 40mm M203, but on the bright side this means you can travel with it loaded in a vehicle or concealed about your person, within Michigan borders, as no other state (that I know of) recognizes it as such. To me this echos back to the "30-inch Michigan Pistol" days, when the state required things like Mossberg's Cruiser shotguns, FN PS90s, and AK's with folding stocks to be registered as pistols, which allowed them to also be carried via concealed pistol license within the state, until the definition was amended in 2010 to 26-inches. |
|
I'm wondering how many are registered with the State on the RI-60. I really don't want to be the one explaining to law enforcement what's going on. Though firearms like the Mossberg Cruiser were only registered if it had the pistol grip, but the same shotgun wasn't affected if it had a buttstock. I feel that is the same with the M203 attached to an AR with a fixed buttstock. |
|
Originally Posted By 243savage: Though firearms like the Mossberg Cruiser were only registered if it had the pistol grip, but the same shotgun wasn't affected if it had a buttstock. I feel that is the same with the M203 attached to an AR with a fixed buttstock. The M203 wouldn't change from requiring registration though, as by mounting the M203 on a rifle, you've not added a stock to it, but added a pistol to a rifle, which doesn't make them one gun, as the combined length isn't what's shown on your Form 1/4. In theory if you were to mount the 203 on a stand alone chassis with a buttstock, it would then meet Michigan's definition of a short barreled rifle with length over 26", which wouldn't require Michigan registration, provided that configuration's OAL is reflected on your Form 1/4 (which MI law requires you carry with you and present to a peace officer on request, MCL 750.224b(5)) to prove that is the intended length. Please note as before that I'm not a lawyer in Michigan or elsewhere, these are just my interpretations of the current laws, and that you should consult an attorney for any legally certified guidance if these matters are of great concern. |