A New Britain gun manufacturer has modified an AR-15 which they believe will be compliant under the state's new gun law.
Stag Arms created the new .22 caliber rifle to market it to gun owners in Connecticut.
"It does have very similar cosmetic features but in no way is it a center fired semi-automatic firearm," Mark Malkowski, owner of Stag Arms, said. "Internally they have some differences and that's what separates one from being illegal in Connecticut and one from being compliant."
Malkowski demonstrated the new weapon on Thursday. He hoped to get it inspected by State Police to make sure it is fully compliant under the new law. Stag has already received a number of requests from Connecticut gun owners.
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The rifle uses the less lethal .22-caliber bullet and it fires at a slightly slower velocity. It also comes with a ten round magazine as opposed to a thirty round.
"You can shoot semi-automatic, one shot every time you pull the trigger up to ten rounds, then you'd have to change magazines," Malkowski said.
The law, which was crafted in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, bans assault-style weapons and high capacity magazines. Since that law went into effect, Stag has been flooded with offers to leave the state.
"We're still getting offers but right now we're here to make our products and support the dealers and the people of Connecticut," he said.
Gun control advocates are taking issue with what Stag is doing.
"It flies in the face of the spirit of the law," Ron Pinciaro, the executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, said.
Malkowski said he's just trying to stay in compliance with the new guidelines so he can keep doing business in the state.
"Our first rifle ever sold was sold in Connecticut and to find out we couldn't do it anymore is discouraging," he said.
