WTK: Background information on three-hole HK G3/91 fixed buttstock

[Yahamshari]

Hello.

I have wondered before why some HK G3 fixed buttstocks have three holes. Some say that they are early 1960s HK G3 plastic buttstocks. The three holes have the same internal diameter, which is too large to retain the forearm/trigger group pins. I heard a claim that those three-hole buttstocks date back to the early 1960s' Swedish Ak 4 rifles. They featured black color fiberglass similar to Colt's original AR-15/M16A1 buttstocks.

Q.1 What is the purpose of the third hole, is it just another retainer pin 'keeper' hole?

Q.2 I am considering getting a spare German (not Pakistani or PTR) two-hole complete fixed polymer buttstock (black) for my 1979 HK91 A-3. Do I need to consider 922(r) if one day I decide to replace at the range the collapsible stock of my pre-ban HK91 with an all-German fixed buttstock?

Q.3 If the answer to Q.2 is yes, then should I look for a fixed buttstock made of German and U.S. HK parts, which counts as one U.S. compliant part for 922(r)?

Q.4 Are all-German HK G3 fixed buttstocks (black) widely available in the U.S. or they're now scarce?

Q.5 Is is legal for me to bring a buttstock with me from Germany to the U.S. or mail it from there to the States?


This RFI is cross-listed on HKPRO, HK ProShop, and Sturmgewehr, The Firing Line, Carolina Shooters Club, and M14 Forum.

Thank you.

 

[Yahamshari]

Update - An HK SME advised that HK "stocks" are shoulder rests - Commerce Department regulations define a rifle stock as enclosing fire control. It is not a gun part subject to ATF rules. Therefore, no ATF permit is needed. I will rely on this opinion at my own risk. Now, leaving Germany is an entirely different situation because Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) says even a screw or nut or spring is a "gun part."

 

[Yahamshari]

Update - A fellow HK enthusiast replied:

A.1 Presumably, another "parts" hole.
A.2 The rifle is pre-1989, so 922(r) is not applicable.
- BATFE Ruling 2009-2 on “drop in” replacement parts in or on an existing, fully assembled firearm, without drilling, cutting, or machining, does not manufacture a firearm; a “replacement part,” whether factory original or otherwise (barrels, triggers, hammers, sears), has the same design, function, and substantially the same dimensions, and does not otherwise affect the manner in which a firearm expels a projectile (approved on 01-12-09).
- repair of any rifle assembled and imported prior to 11-30-1990 (922(r) not applicable.
A.3 N/A.
A.4 Available, but not scarce.
A.5 Don't risk bringing the stock from Germany. It's not worth it to go through the hassle, as there are plenty if these rifle stocks in the U.S.

 

[Yahamshari]

Update - A fellow HK enthusiast replied:

A.1 The ports on the stock are for organization not retention.
A.2 No problem changing the stock legally in the U.S. but stay out of ████ holes like NY and CA.
A.3 Doesn't apply because you didn't make/build the rifle.
A.4 You would wise to keep spares for my HK91 rifles. Not sure whether HK supports the G3/91 any longer.
A.5 Importing a stock should not be a problem. Ask Marie over at Arfcom, she works in Customs with firearms.