What modifications can I do to my imported fixed-magazine SKS Carbine without violating Title 18 USC 922(r)?
As long as your SKS Carbine contains more than ten imported parts, the answer is: “Not very much”. Some guidance can be gleaned from a letter to the NRA from ATF Technology Branch, printed in the NRA magazine, American Rifleman May, 1994. It specifically mentions the following the following modifications of an standard SKS Carbine would not be violations of Title 18 USC 922(r): 1. Replace the existing stock and handguard with a non-folding wooden or synthetic stock having either a Monte Carlo or thumbhole design. [See the discussion of pistol grips and thumbhole stocks.] 2. Attach a muzzle mounted recoil compensator, provided that the device is not also designed as a flash suppressor. 3. Replace the existing 10 round magazine with a fixed 5 round magazine or install a block in the well of the 10 round fixed magazine to limit its capacity to 5 rounds. 4. Replace the existing receiver cover with a cover having a telescopic sight based and/or rings. 5. Replace the front and/or rear sight
