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u.s. Department of Justice

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,Firearms and Explosives

/MAY 2 3 2005 903050:ELG\/

331112005-370www.atf.gov

Mr. Thomas E. TaskaKarma Metal Products556 Caldwell AvenueMansfield, OR 44905

Dear Mr. Taska:

This refers to your letter and submission of a sample Browning-type M2Hb .50 caliber firearm,serial number 01KMP, received in April 2005 by the Firearms Technology Branch (FTB),Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

In your correspondence, you request that FTB examine and classify this item, including itsassociated components. The firearm components submitted for examination include thetop-plate bracket assembly, barrel extension, buffer assembly, bolt, newly redesignedsemiautomatic rig!1t side plate, sear, and trigger lever with incorporated trigger-return springs.

The FTB examination revealed that the forward engagement surfaces of the triggerand triggerarm were constructed in SU9fl a manner as to be incompatible with a standard Browning M2Rbsear plate. Additionally, the newly designed right side plate will not allow the reintroduction offull automatic fire control components.

The examination also found the following modifications:

I.A metal block approximately 2-inches by .187-inch thick, welded to the bracket assembly to adegree more than sufficient to prevent reintroduction or use of a full-auto trigger lever.

2. The right side of the barrel extension group slotted on one side to a depth of .670 x .070 inch.

3. A slot, approximately .615 x .070 x 2.62-inches, cut into the buffer assembly.

4. Two alterations to the semi-auto bolt for fit and function within the receiver-• A .160 x .070 inch-deep slot.• A modification to the rear of the bolt consisting of machining needed for accepting the

newly designed semi-auto sear. This modification prevents installation of a standardauto-sear to function, as it would fall out of place.