Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't beilieve that a DIAS permits you to add preban features to a post-ban rifle. Only a registered receiver gun can be set up anything-goes.
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Nope - as long as a registered DIAS is in the gun its ok. There's no real logic here, its just the way the statute is worded. In defining "assault weapons" in the 1994 AWB, Congress defined them as SEMI-AUTOMATIC rifles, pistols, etc. Once that registered sear is in the gun, it is no longer semiautomatic and thus is not covered by the statutory definition of an assault weapon covered by the 1994 AWB. This is also why SBR's and SBS's, although NFA wapons, still have to comply with the AWB; they are still SEMI-AUTO.
I do not know all the particulars but yes you can travel with it but...you need to fill out a
form to obtain permisson to do so. I forget the number but I have heard that they (ATF), will return this one quickly and you can even get an extension for up to a year for a location you frequent
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The form is a 5320.20 and takes about 60 seconds to fill out. BATF is usually pretty good about processing them and getting your form bacck to you, but its good to get it sent in several weeks prior to travelling. I've actually had a BATF agent call my home at 8:30pm to get my fax number so he could fax it out because he didn't think it would arrive by mail in time for my trip and he wanted me to have an approved form before I left.
And one more word on the DIAS v. reg. rec. debate...
I will admit the reg. receiver; especially a factory M16, is much more aesthetically attractive than a mere DIAS, but if you want to really shoot your gun and not have to worry about dinging it or hurting the factory original finish on your factory original MG, the DIAS is a great way to go. I don't abuse my guns, but I do use them hard and I don't want to feel like I'm jeopardizing my investment by shooting it a lot or really putting it through its paces. Today, for example, I was out in all the rain and mud shooting in a subgun competition. I had to drop empty mags in water and mud, and at the end of the course, show clear and ground my weapon in a puddle. I have to wonder if a factory Colt M16 owner would shoot in those conditions or be too worried about the finish on their factory gun. I'm sure some would, but as they continue to rise in value, I'm sure less and less guys would take that sort of chance with their investment. With a DIAS gun though, you simply don't have to worry about damaging the finish or appearance of the expensive registered part.