Why Welded Muzzle Breaks? And Inexpensive Good Starter AR 5.56

Stopped by local (small) gun shop today, guy was busy, so I briefed thru a catalog he had looking at Windham AR15s.
Noticed in the descriptions on a few models that stated 'Welded Muzzle Breaks'.
Didn't get a chance to ask him anything about it as he was busy arguing John Deere tractors vs Kubota with a local.
Actually didn't get a look under the counter glass either as they were consumed with their point vs counter points.
Did over hear that THE greatest invention ever was the manure spreader!
Yes I live in a small town.

But why welded on muzzle breaks?
Is it some new law for a specific state(s)?

Also looking to pick up a ready to go AR in 5.56 for my son (a part time shooter) that would be cheaper than high end. Makers? Model? Price range? Say $650 - under.


Thx,
Charlie-Painter777

I think it's to make a barrel shorter then 16" legal. If the total length with the welded on muzzle device is 16" it's not a SBR.

Check out the Ruger 5.56 for your boy. I bought my eldest one, he likes it. Great value at around $550-$600. S&W has the MP15 sport, another good one for not a lot.

Kubota or Deere?
There seems to be some downward pressure on AR prices with good buys on lots of the makers ARs. Ditto on Ruger.

An M4 barrel is 14" without the flash hider. If you weld and pin a muzzle brake on the barrel you now have a legal 16" barrel and it is a good copy for a real M4 (plus the bayonet fits properly). Same with XM177 11.5" barrels with a welded and pinned 5.5" flash hider.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BEAR

An M4 barrel is 14" without the flash hider. If you weld and pin a muzzle brake on the barrel you now have a legal 16" barrel and it is a good copy for a real M4 (plus the bayonet fits properly). Same with XM177 11.5" barrels with a welded and pinned 5.5" flash hider.

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Like this.
Extended A-1 flash hider blind pinned & tig welded on a Colt 651 clone.

Michigan State Law says overall length must be 30 inches not Fed's 28 inches. So many folders have a longer muzzle break welded on. Or you can register it as a pistol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HOOKED ON HISTORY

Extended A-1 flash hider blind pinned & tig welded on a Colt 651 clone.

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And looking pretty good too.

Top carbine is a typical clone M4 with a 16" barrel and flash hider attached
Bottom carbine has an M4 14" barrel with flash hider pinned and welded
Attachment 79888

Speaking of clones, Colt has unveiled at Shot Show their replica M16A1 semi-auto limited edition @ 2500 units a year. They want $2500.00 a piece though. One can pickup an SP1 for at least a grand less.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BEAR

Top carbine is a typical clone M4 with a 16" barrel and flash hider attached
Bottom carbine has an M4 14" barrel

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Also looking fine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

Also looking fine.

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Thanks Jim, but only one of them is mine.

Threaded barrels was an issue in some states also.

THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931


750.224b Short-barreled shotgun or rifle; making, manufacturing, transferring, or possessing as felony; penalty; exceptions; short-barreled shotgun or rifle 26 inches or less; short-barreled shotgun or rifle greater than 26 inches; violation of subsection (5) as civil infraction; seizure and forfeiture; applicability of MCL 776.20 to subsection (3).