1. The Colt Match Target rifle, based on the manufacturer's specifications, is not part of the
AR-15 series, and, thus, is not prohibited under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1w(1). Although this rifle
may resemble the Colt AR-15, there have been substantial changes to the firearm, including
the receiver, which is not identical to an AR-15 receiver. In addition, because of changes in
the configuration of the firearm, the Colt Match Target rifle is not substantially identical to
a firearm prohibited under this classification.
2. The Springfield M1A rifle is not one of the enumerated firearms which are specifically
prohibited under the State assault firearms laws. It has been prohibited in this State as being
substantially identical to a named firearm. However, according to the manufacturer's
specifications, the M1A has been modified. The modified M1A, which became available in
1994, is not considered to be substantially identical to a prohibited firearm under N.J.S.A.
2C:39-1w(2) and these rules. However, earlier versions of the M1A, which contain at least
two of the criteria identified in the Attorney General's Guidelines Regarding the
"Substantially Identical" Provision in the State's Assault Firearms Laws dated August 19,
1996 and reproduced in paragraph 2 above, are considered to be substantially identical to a
prohibited firearm and continue to be defined as an assault firearm.