djont57 wrote:Is there a list of all guns that are not legal in MN? Or is it safe to assume that any gun with an alloy frame is illegal? I would really like a cheap plinker.
Just to clarify, the alloys in question with a low melting point sometimes used in less expensive rimfire firearms are typically Zinc (Zamak 3 as mentioned by the guy 2 posts back). Aluminum alloys are also a common material used in firearm construction with a much higher melting point to which the SNS laws to not apply, AR15 + Ruger 10/22 receivers, CZ75 PCR/P01 frames, etc.. The issue is not with all "alloy frames" - it's specific metal alloys (usually Zamak 3) with a low melting point.
Hi Point uses Zamak 3 extensively on their pistols in low stress components (receiver, slide, frame) while the barrel/chamber and various pins/components that require more strength are steel. However, the SNS law seems to indicate these should be illegal yet they get sold at gun shows and pawn shops all over the place in this state:
Saturday night special pistol. "Saturday night special pistol" means a pistol other than an antique firearm or a pistol for which the propelling force is carbon dioxide, air or other vapor, or children's pop guns or toys,
having a frame, barrel, cylinder, slide or breechblock:
(1)
of any material having a melting point (liquidus) of less than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, or
(2) of any material having an ultimate tensile strength of less than 55,000 pounds per square inch, or
(3) of any powdered metal having a density of less than 7.5 grams per cubic centimeter.
Umarex (owner of Walther) OEM's a lot of inexpensive rimfire lookalike pistols modeled after popular models in their and other brand's centerfire lineup using Zinc Zamak frames and other components including the Walther P22 + PPK/S + PPQ .22, Colt 1911/A1 .22 LR, Sig Mosquito, etc.. Many of the original GSG rimfire guns also use zinc alloy components that are on the MN SNS "list", in particular many of the early MP5 look alikes. Since most of these have frames or slides made of Zamak 3 they are all within the MN SNS definition of a SNS though I can't think of a local gun shop I've visited that didn't have one or more examples of these guns or a few Hi-Point's in the display cases for sale (new and used).
624.716 SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS PROHIBITED; PENALTY.
Any federally licensed firearms dealer who sells a Saturday night special pistol, or any person who manufactures or assembles a Saturday night special pistol in whole or in part, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.