ATF SBR rule...

[tube_ee]

Is 16"...

But 16" measured from where? From the visible "step" at the barrel / receiver interface? From the forcing cone? From the breech? And what is the breech?

If one was going to cut down a rifle barrel, where would one measure the length from, so as to stay out of jail?

And yes, I have looked, here, there, and elsewhere.

Thanks,
--Shannon

 

[TexasRifleman]

This is the definition used by several manufacturers. I find the same wording on many websites that sell SBRs.

Not a lawyer yadda yadda yadda......

– – Short-Barrel Rifles (SBR): A shoulder fired, rifled bore firearm with a barrel length of less than 16" or an overall length of less than 26". In measuring barrel length you do it from the closed breech to the muzzle. To measure overall length, do so along "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore." On a folding stock weapon you measure with the stock extended, provided the stock is not readily detachable, and the weapon is meant to be fired from the shoulder.

Also....

http://www.ttb.gov/rpd/tdatf396.htm

Sec. 179.11 Meaning of terms.



* * * * *

Firearm. * * * For purposes of this definition, the length of the

barrel having an integral chamber(s) on a shotgun or rifle shall be

determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of

the bolt, breech, or breech block when closed and when the shotgun or

rifle is cocked. * * *

 

[tube_ee]

So...

If, for example, one had an M44 Mosin, that was about to be converted to P-Scout configuration, and if the step in the barrel after removing the front sight/bayonet mount really offended one, one could cut the barrel flush with said step, and be OK?

I've measured the gun, from the outside, and it's ~16.5" from the obvious barrel / receiver interface to the rear edge of the bayonet mount. Since there is no way for the bolt head to extend forward of this point, this would be a "safe" measurement, no?

Or should I measure the barrel using a rod, with a closed bolt?

I'm a long way from cutting metal, I was just wondering what the best ways are.

--Shannon

 

[357fan]

As it was explained to me by a gunsmith/ffl whom I trust:

1) Close the bolt.
2) Insert a wooden dowel down the barrel.
3) Mark on the dowel where the barrel ends.
4) Measure to the mark.

You now have the length of your barrel.

 

[W.E.G.]

From the perpendicular face of the muzzle to the breechface.

 

[Gator]

What 357fan said, with the rifle cocked.

 

[sierrabravo45]

I would go 17 inches just to be safe.

Not like anyones ever had there family killed over a 1/4 inch or anything like that.

 

[Conju]

if you use 357fans method take into account that the bolt face (depending on the weapon) is most likely recessed, this recession does NOT count as part of the barrel, so if your dowel comes out to be exactly 16" counting the recession then guess what, you are in possession of an SBR and it should be destroyed (rendered inservicable immediately).

15.99" is still SBR.

 

[Kharn]

Conju:
Do you have a source for the recessed bolt face not counting?
As I understand, the ATF tests for length using precision-ground rods that are exactly 16", with the weapon ready to fire (chamber empty, of course), the rod is dropped down the barrel and they look to see if any of the rod protrudes from the barrel.

Kharn

 

[LAR-15]

It's not a rule.

It's a congressionally passed law.

In 1960 Congress designated that non short barrelled rifles had to have a barrel of 16 inches or more.

 

[tube_ee]

Right, but...

In 1960 Congress designated that non short barrelled rifles had to have a barrel of 16 inches or more.

If the original law did specify the meaning of "barrel", then it would be up to the enforcers of that law, in this case, the BATFE, to define the term. It is that definition that I was looking for, since that is the definition that would land me in jail if I broke it.

I have that now. I will, if I even do this at all, be sure to add a bit of extra length, so as to stay out of jail.

--Shannon

 

[LAR-15]

Gotcha

The BATFE is merely making regulations to enforce what congress passed.