pistol action for rifle ?

[acloco]

Where would somebody check on the legal aspect? Is there a web site that would contain the proper info ? Does anyone know ? I'm going to look today ,if I find something I'll surely post it Thanks, Bruce

Call the BATF or search their website. If you know a Class III dealer, they should be up on the current laws.

 

[Bruce W]

I spoke with a rep from Thompson Center. Their encore/contenders can be converted rifle/pistol as most of us know. The Rep (Peter) told me the only problem with pistol to rifle would be a state regulation that registered all guns(rifles and pistols) and therefore each time you changed the gun from pistol to rifle a registration would have to take place. He told me New York state has this . He said there is no federal regulation on the changing from a pistol to a rifle. Bruce

 

[acloco]

I spoke with a rep from Thompson Center. Their encore/contenders can be converted rifle/pistol as most of us know. The Rep (Peter) told me the only problem with pistol to rifle would be a state regulation that registered all guns(rifles and pistols) and therefore each time you changed the gun from pistol to rifle a registration would have to take place. He told me New York state has this . He said there is no federal regulation on the changing from a pistol to a rifle. Bruce

You need to contact the BATF...not "Peter" from Thompson.


Search the BATF website yourself.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/guides/marking-variances.html

As this clearly states, the manufacturer needs to clearly mark the receiver with the type and style of firearm.

"Identify the model of the firearm
Identify the type/style of the firearm
Identify the make
Identify the caliber or gauge
Identify the serial number scheme to be used"

 

[Bruce W]

E mailed the ATF. Waiting for a reply. I will post what they say.If I get a reply ! Bruce

 

[acloco]

E mailed the ATF. Waiting for a reply. I will post what they say.If I get a reply ! Bruce

That would be great.

Believe the info that I found on their website would apply. Basic instructions for manufacturers.

 

[blawton]

I never went to in depth when asking about this to the batf but i was told the same thing once its reg. as a rifle it stays a rifle.

 

[therifler]

someone said it best state law comes into play with this . in the case of the rem. xP100 that is manufactured under a pistol from the factory .they also have a rifle same action ,this is manufactured as the xR 100 . now that being said you have to register the XP 100 in Pennslyvania as a hand gun . whether you put a long barrel on it or not it is still a handgun frame and must be sold as such . I have had several BATF guys and gals in my shop believe me they do know the difference . It goes for Thompson to if it is bulit as a handgun it must be sold as a handgun . Whether the state or someone would be smart enough to check who knows ? I know i would not build someone a rifle on an XP100 rec. .The Rifler

 

[Bruce W]

I just thought I would use my xp action instead of buying another action for a rifle build. I am not going to sel this. Just want to use the action for a rifle. Should I want to sell it ,I would of course sell it as a pistol.My action was trued and double pined recoil lug for a switch barrel application. It only makes sense to use it also in a rifle platform.If that is legal. Bruce

 

[therifler]

having read through my federal law book i could not find anything that said it was illegal to build a rifle on a hand gun frame . the term manufacturing comes into play somehow but if you are not selling for profit i don't know how that would apply. that being said they refer you to your state law books which govern handgun laws .
The Rifler

 

[acloco]

Any answer from the feds yet?

 

[NorCalMikie]

Savage left hand "rifle" action. Barrel is "at least" 16" long. Total length is "at least" 26" long.
This is "not" a short barreled rifle. And it is "not" a pistol.

 

[Artpro]

Cletus. Be aware that XP actions do not bolt right into stocks designed for Rem 600. It can be done, but it's not a drop-in. The rear tang screw setup is a bit different.

 

[Bruce W]

I e-mailed the atf and the reply was from the "webmaster" He/She said it would be submitted .I have not received a reply yet. Bruce

 

[acloco]

Thanks for the update. Much appreciated!!!

 

[Taildrag15X]

I know that the 4473 Form was changed last year, or maybe even the year before to cover the actions being sold to build off of. I can't wait for an update.........I already know how my State feels about buying parts.

 

[Bruce W]

No word yet from the ATF. Spoke with Clarence Hammonds from Hammonds rifles today . His opion was you could make it a rifle and then change it back to a pistol if you wanted,as long as you didnt have a barrel too short on the action in rifle form. Bruce

 

[ourway77]

illegal, is a sick bird.LOL My understanding a pistol action to a rifle OK, a rifle action to a pistol not OK. I retired from the PD never ran across either, never looked either. Maybe ATF might look further.

 

[NorCalMikie]

A "rifle" action with at least a 16" barrel is "still" a rifle. Anything shorter than 16" would make it a short barreled rifle. That's where the trouble starts. :'(

 

[Bruce W]

Received a response on the matter. Bruce

This refers to your email to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), regarding a bolt-action pistol. Specifically, you asked about the lawfulness of converting the pistol into a rifle.



As background, the amended Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA), 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3), defines the term “firearm” to include any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive…[and]…the frame or receiver of any such weapon….With respect to the definitions of “handgun” and “pistol” under Federal statutes and regulations, you may be aware that the GCA, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(29), defines “handgun” to mean, in part, …a firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand….



Additionally, 27 CFR § 478.11, a regulation implementing the GCA, defines “pistol” as:



…a weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having (a) a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s); and (b) a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand and at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s).



Please note also that the GCA, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(7), defines “rifle” to mean, in part, …a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder….



Finally, the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(3) and (4), defines the term “firearm” to include (3) a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length…[and]…(4) a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length….



The specific question from your letter is paraphrased and presented below, followed by ATF’s answer:



Q: Can I lawfully mount a bolt-action pistol receiver in a shoulder stock and then attach a barrel of 16 inches or longer in the assembly of a shoulder-fired rifle?



A: Yes; however, once the 16+ inch barrel and shoulder stock are attached to your bolt-action pistol receiver, it then becomes a rifle. In the absence of the appropriate authorization, returning it to the pistol configuration would constitute manufacturing a “weapon made from a rifle” and would be a violation of Federal firearms laws.



We thank you for your inquiry and trust the foregoing has been responsive.



ATF – Enforcement Programs and Services

 

[blawton]

That just confuses me even more.....

The major problem with this is each agent can have a different opinion about this. Whats best is to find out who your local agent is and get there answer.