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Just suppose we got full-bore semi-auto back. All those straight-pull ARs would become 'worthless' overnight. Would we have the gunsmithing expertise in the UK to [in theory] make them efficiently semi-auto again or would we be better-off sending them back to the States for rebirth?

Just how complicated is drilling a hole in a barrel, fitting a gas block, a tube and gas key?

Yes, it's a slow afternoon for me....

I suppose it is a similar Situation to If there was ever a repeal of the handgun ban, however it would be much easier to saw off a barrel extension than it would be to modify a supposedly 'unmodifiable' rifle to Semi-Auto.

SevenSixTwo wrote:Just suppose we got full-bore semi-auto back. All those straight-pull ARs would become 'worthless' overnight. Would we have the gunsmithing expertise in the UK to [in theory] make them efficiently semi-auto again or would we be better-off sending them back to the States for rebirth?

Just how complicated is drilling a hole in a barrel, fitting a gas block, a tube and gas key?

Yes, it's a slow afternoon for me....

Er, NOT complicated at all, possibly about 30 minutes work? Allowing for a tea break

Mine already has a gas key fitted to the bolt carrier - gas block, gas tube and a drill bit for me! I wish!

Would just be left with an extra slot in the side of the upper receiver. At least for side charging versions.

SevenSixTwo wrote:Just how complicated is drilling a hole in a barrel, fitting a gas block, a tube and gas key?

Yes, this bit was sarcasm, btw...

Wouldn't be difficult....

But I don't think they would be "worthless" per se. Most would still be a very accurate and capable rifle, that wouldn't change. As a slight aside, I read on a US forum that the straight pull Ruger Mini 14's had a bit of a cult following in the US, where it's known as the Mini 14 BAO (Bolt Action Only), for hunting in certain locales where semi auto rifles are banned....

It's something that I've pondered, I would be converting my quickly if it was made legal tomorrow-oh an extending my ammunition allowance!

Sim G wrote:Wouldn't be difficult....

As a slight aside, I read on a US forum that the straight pull Ruger Mini 14's had a bit of a cult following in the US, where it's known as the Mini 14 BAO (Bolt Action Only), for hunting in certain locales where semi auto rifles are banned....

Known as the Mini 14 BOA over here too. Can be accurate enough for hunting and I have seen one or two that were very good on the range as well.

Mattnall wrote:

Sim G wrote:Wouldn't be difficult....

As a slight aside, I read on a US forum that the straight pull Ruger Mini 14's had a bit of a cult following in the US, where it's known as the Mini 14 BAO (Bolt Action Only), for hunting in certain locales where semi auto rifles are banned....

...and I have seen one or two that were very good on the range as well.

What as, props to keep the door from slamming?

Ya can big them up as much as you want MzSim...but still not a patch on a nice British made .223 CAM - just the BMS CAM aint go that 1980's A-Team allure that is your real motivation for having a Mini14.
We all know how much you love it when a plan comes together...now get back in that garage & weld up a nice killdozer for the bairn to take to nursery