Converting a Pistol to a Rifle

[Adam123]

I am getting a couple of Yugo M92 PAP Pistols and plan on SBRing them. What I'd like to do in the meantime is weld a barrel extension on them to get them to rifle-length (if legal) until I get my tax stamp. Obviously, I'd be putting on a buttstock as well. I see a lot of guys doing this, but am not sure of what the process entails (from a legal standpoint).

Do I have to do any particular paper work to do this? Could any of you guys point me to an appropriate BATFE document for my reading pleasure? If it requires me jumping through too many hoops, I'll cancel these plans and patiently wait for my tax stamp to arrive.

 

[Sam1911]

If you follow the BATFE's guidelines for permanently attaching a muzzle device to bring the barrel-length up to 16"+ (pinned and welded) then you may go ahead and attach a shoulder stock without any paperwork involved. You're simply making a "Title I" (or GCA-regulated) handgun and making it into a "Title I" (or GCA-regulated) rifle. You aren't making an NFA-regulated (Title II) weapon at any point along the way.

Total length (with stock unfolded) must be above 26".

 

[Adam123]

Sam, thanks for the reply. I haven't measured yet because I do not have the needed parts, but what about collapsible stocks? Do I measure when it is at its shortest or longest extension?

 

[Sam1911]

Most open position.

 

[Adam123]

Where can I find a good example of what is considered a legal weld? I've been doing a lot of searching and can not find anything.

 

[Quiet]

FYI.
If you make the Zastava PAP M92PV into a semi-auto centerfire rifle, then you will need to comply with the Fed 922r parts compliance.

18 USC 922(r) affects all imported semi-auto centerfire rifles and imported shotguns.

Since, you will be making an imported semi-auto centerfire pistol into an imported semi-auto centerfire rifle; as part of the conversion, you will need to switch out enough foreign made parts for USA made parts, so that the completed semi-auto centerfire rifle is no longer considered foreign made and can be exempt from Fed 922r.

 

[Quiet]

Where can I find a good example of what is considered a legal weld? I've been doing a lot of searching and can not find anything.

BATFE NFA Branch.

From page 5 of the ATF National Firearms Act Handbook (revised: 04-2009)...

The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. Permanent methods of attachment include full-fusion gas or electric steel-seam welding, high-temperature (1100°F) silver soldering, or blind pinning with the pin head welded over. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the bolt or breech-face. The rod is then marked at the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device, withdrawn from the barrel, and measured.

 

[Adam123]

Thanks Quiet. I am aware of 922r, but am still not clear on the weld required. I could not find this in the NFA handbook. From what I've gathered, I'll need four equidistant weld points that will hold up to a pipe wrench with a cheater bar attached and two grown men hanging on it.. haha. I kid a bit, but seriously, I haven't found one example or tutorial on this aspect.