DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Washington, D.C. 20226 JAN 31, 1995 E:CE:F:TE:CHB 3310.0 Mr. XXX Address City, State Dear Mr. XXX: This refers to your letter of December 27, 1994, in which you ask about modifications to a Russian SKS rifle. Title 18, United States Code, section 922(r) provides that it shall be unlawful for anyone to assemble from imported parts any semiautomatic rifle or shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of this chapter as not being particularly suitable or readily adaptable to sporting purposes .... A Russian SKS rifle in original military configuration, having a bayonet lug and bayonet, fixed stock, and non-detachable 10 round magazine, which was modified by threading the barrel for a firearm silencer, would not be in violation of section 922(r). Assembly of certain other components such as a folding stock or detachable magazine, which would prohibit the firearm from importation, would be in violation of section 922(r). SKS rifles which do not have an ability to accept a detachable magazine are not semiautomatic assault weapons as defined in 18 U.S.C. section 921(a)(30) and they are not subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. section 922(v). We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry. If you have any further questions concerning this matter, please contact us. Sincerely yours, [signed] Edward M. Owen, Jr. Chief, Firearms Technology Branch