I figured this would be a good place to ask as many people in the forum have a wealth of knowledge. I've recently picked up a Beretta M-71 .22lr that was imported by Century Arms. For it to get more points for importing they add a faux suppressor to the front. I understand how the point system works, but what I don't understand is, is it legal for me to remove the faux suppressor now that it's transferred to me? I already know how to remove it but have been having trouble finding any actual law that says it's legal to modify the gun after it's been imported. There are plenty of people out there that have done this already and put their own suppressors on them(what I'd like to do) but I just wanted to see if anyone knows where I can find something other than some random person saying "It's legal" on the internet. Thanks in advance!

Short of altering the serial number (or NFA Act violation), I believe you are free to configure your pistol as you choose. Unlike the NFA Act, it is my understanding the insanely stupid GCA-68 point system governs the importer - not the end user. Removing the fake suppressor would be no different than changing the sights or grips - both of which are potential import factors. I once replaced the shot-out barrel of a repatriated M1 Garand - which by default eliminated the equally stupid import stamp. No foul.

Purely an import restriction. Law restricts imports based on a point system. The faux suppressor increases the length of the handgun enough to score enough points for import. "Target sights" are another biggie, even if said "target sights" are immediately replaced upon arrival in country and prior to being shipped to the distributors.

Thanks for the info guys. Was just hoping to find something written out in the GCA or elsewhere to help prove a point.

quote:

Originally posted by Jayrod075:
Thanks for the info guys. Was just hoping to find something written out in the GCA or elsewhere to help prove a point.

I don't believe you are going to find any such language in the GCA as it would serve to reinforce the inherent stupidity of the point system. Further, a call to the ATF would likely result in varied interpretations of the law. While 18 US 922r clearly defines which imported parts you may not add to an imported rifle/shotgun, I'm unaware of any documentation outlining which parts (if any) you may not remove from an imported pistol/revolver.

Agree, they are not going to tell you what is legal, only what is illegal.
There is nothing against removing that add-on; I would have myself if I had gotten one.

Related example.
One of the Brazilian firms, probably Taurus, brought in revolvers with 4" barrels to pass the import requirements. Thing is, the front sight blade ran all the way back to the topstrap and the extractor rod was quite short. It wasn't much work to shorten the barrel and sell a legal "snubby" once it was in the country.

Remove it. Quick and easy. I put some wood grips and thread protector on and have a great .22