[proud2deviate]

I've been kicking around an idea for a little project which will come to fruition when I obtain more time and money than sense;)

Basically, I'm thinking of a modular 870 system. One 870 receiver, legally registered as a SBS, with say, a 12" barrel. However, I'd also want a 14" barrel, and probably a few of more "kosher" lengths as well. Different chokes, sights, whatever. Maybe a few different stock options, and mag tubes of different lengths. Cram it all together in one nice big case, and enjoy all the different combinations.

So, would ATF be cool with that? Or would I have to have separate registration for each barrel, or some other such nonsense?

[mgregg85]

I do belive that the barrels themselves have to be registered if you own the reciever for them. If you don't own the 870 reciever then you can legally possess the short barrels, but the minute you bring an 870 reciever into the house without the AOW liscense then you have violated the law.

Don't take my word for this but this is what I think the law says. Naturally check everything out before you proceed.

[TexasRifleman]

So, would ATF be cool with that?

ATF is rarely "cool" with anything but generally if you have one registered receiver and several short barrels you are fine, but you will want to be real careful. Don't take the short barrel shotgun somewhere and leave the spare short barrels with a long shotgun that could potentially use them, that kind of thing.

If you have a legitimate use then there is no constructive intent for the most part. Read up on the Thompson Contender case before the Supremes for an idea of the thinking on all that.

http://www.stephenhalbrook.com/tc.html

I do belive that the barrels themselves have to be registered if you own the reciever for them

There is no such thing as barrel registration in NFA.

[Happy]

What if I have one barrel and three 870s? Can I only install the short barrel on that receiver?
Also, can I just purchase a barrel, or do I have to hack one up?

(I have 3 870s, it just occurred to me that it might be fun to have one extra short.)

[TexasRifleman]

What if I have one barrel and three 870s? Can I only install the short barrel on that receiver?
Also, can I just purchase a barrel, or do I have to hack one up?

Yes the short barrel can only go on the registered receiver.

You can make the barrel yourself or purchase it, doesn't matter. You just shouldn't do anything til you get the tax stamp.

You also have to have the receiver engraved with your name and place of residence since you have "made" a new firearm.

[TexasRifleman]

Ahh the old THR double tap....

[Hoppy590]

the idea of constructive possesion has thus far been limited to if you have ONE legal combination.

IE if you have 1 870 as a SBS and i 870 as a regular title 1. any spare SBS barrels would be attributed to the one SBS reciever.


so is my understanding ( derived from SBR AR's. )

[Happy]

Where could I buy just a barrel from? (After I take care of the appropriate paper work, tax, etc.)
I don't really want to take a hacksaw to my barrel. But all the places I've looked sell complete guns.

[Taurus44]

You can also list multiple barrel lengths on your Form 1 when you send it in for your stamp. I have multiple barrel lengths (and calibers) listed on my SBR'd AR. If I had any intention of having multiple barrels for my SBS'd 870, I would've done that the same way.

As for buying a ready-made short barrel... Good luck finding one. :(

[aguyindallas]

For a short barrel - just haunt the auctions such as gunbroker or auctionarms. Somebody out there will have a regular length barrel that you can have a smith cut for you, or perform your own home brew surgery.

[Happy]

Is there any limit as to how short i can go?
If I were to list multiple lengths, could I call out 12, 14, and 16 inches?
Do I have to have the barrels made as soon as I get the form back, or can I make them when I feel like it?

Thanks for the advice and expertise guys.

-H