To answer your questions:
The spring assist does not make it semi-auto. There is no gas system and it cannot be modified to accept a gas system. Plus the bolt carrier is proprietary so you cannot use an direct impingement, gas piston, or direct blow back carrier in our receiver.
We designed this firearm from scratch to be a straight pull, bolt action repeating rifle that uses commonly available parts. The AR15 is defined as being a semi-automatic, gas operated, magazine fed rifle. We did not modify an AR15 and this is not a variant of the AR15. Also, the upper and lower receivers are all incompatible with one another. Modifying the upper or lower of any system will result in the complete firearm being inoperable.
Yes we will fight any classification other than non-restricted and we have ample evidence to support our claim.
If it is classed an AR variant, we will appeal the decision. We will ship all orders that have been placed since the orders were completed before we are legally compelled to cease sales.