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Posted: 1/17/2004 10:56:27 AM EDT
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I checked out the S/N list, but I'd like to run it by those in the know. I've found a PWA Commando, S/N 18XXX, with Milan, IL rollmarked as the manufacturing location. I read in this thread: http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=12&t=177026&w=searchPop that there are some postban PWA lowers floating around out there. I'm curious about this one because it has a three-prong flashhider, and the collapsible stock has had the lever removed that makes it collapse. I've never seen a three-prong, so I don't know if it's the real deal or not. Ideas? Thanks. |
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Bottom line: if this rifle doesn't come with some kind of evidence that can prove that the rifle was assembled into an AW before the ban (9/13/94), then you need to go on the assumption that it is a post-ban rifle, regardless of how it is currently configured. PWA only sold receivers, so there were never any factory rifles in any configuration. So, for any PWA gun, it is up to the owner to provide adequate documentation of the gun's AW status. -Troy |
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Thanks, I guess I'm confused about the three-prong because it doesn't look like the pictures of the ones I've seen. It doesn't taper towards the front, it's just cylindrical. It's the dealer's rifle, and according to him, it's been configured this way since before the ban. If he would confirm that in writing on the receipt then I'd be happy with it. I just am curious about that three-prong that I had never seen before. I think that the stock is just broken and would work if the button/lever was replaced. |
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The serial number can tell you if the lower was manufactured before the ban, nothing further. If you're worried about surviving a challenge from the ATF, here's the Reader's Digest version: The rifle has to have been an 'Assault Weapon' on or before the day the law took effect. The rifle must also have never been transferred in a non-'Assault Weapon' configuration at any time hence. Having said that I'd like to add that I have yet to hear of anyone getting into trouble solely for violating the AW ban. Most cops consider it to be a crock and few prosecutors are going to tie up a courts time for something as ridiculous as possession of a scary looking rifle. Every case that I know of involved something much more serious and the cops/prosecutor threw the AW charge in for good measure. Now for the disclaimer: The fact that I haven't heard of this happening is no guarantee that you won't be the first. If I were you I would enjoy my rifle discretely i.e. don't take it to the range where your local ATF guys do their qualifications. In other words, minimize your risk by making it as easy as possible for John Law to look the other way. |
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Thanks, if I don't get this rifle it will be because my offer will be accepted for a preban Colt AR-15 in 9mm. I'm sure it will be turned down, but it's a pawn shop, so you never know. More to follow. Incidentally, with the fact that the lever for the stock would need to be fixed, what would you guys estimate would be the value of this PWA Commando? |
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PWA receivers are very good. Comparable to any of the other big names, Rock River, Bushmaster, even, dare I say it?!, COLT. The thing to be wary of is that PWA didn't build rifles. They only sold parts. You will have to go over the entire rifle to determine its value. If it is built with quality parts I'd expect to pay whatever used, post-bans from Rock River or Bushmaster are going for. You can check the Equipment Exchange on this and other boards for comparables. If you can't get some kind of document certifying its pre-ban status then I wouldn't pay a pre-ban price for it. |
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