-2-

Mr. Thomas E. Taska

5. A redesigned trigger lever with a spring-loaded disconnector. The forward portion of the
trigger arm was spring loaded to act as a disconnector. The disconnector prevents a second
round of ammunition from being fired unless the trigger is released, allowing the disconnector to
move back above the newly designed semi-auto sear.

6. A redesigned semi-auto sear plate, fabricated with the trip ear on the opposite side, versus full
auto-sear; also, the deletion of the side trigger options by the machining of .375-inch grooves
into the sear. The trigger engagement area of the sear plate was designed to preclude the trigger
reengage the sear plate unless the trigger is released after each shot.

The FTB evaluation concluded that as received, the submitted Browning M2Hb semiautomatic
firearm is designed to only operate in the semiautomatic mode, although due to possible
variations in design, dimensions, and construction, it is still conceivable that a weapon ;J
incorporating the above features could qualify as a machinegun.

However, based on the contents of your letter and drawings, as well as the submitted firearm
parts and your explanation of the firearm's function, FTB has classified your semiautomatic,
M2Hb .50 caliber, serial number OlKMP, with modified existing Browning M2Hb machinegun
components (newly manufactured semiautomatic trigger bar, semiautomatic sear, and right side
plate), as a Title 1 firearm.

We trust that the foregoing has been responsive to your request'. If we may be of any further
assistance, please contact-us. .

Sincerely yours,

S;:'--f-1 --
Sterling Nixon
Chief, Firearms Technology Branch