I have a question regarding modifications to a C&R weapon. The BATFE FAQ (http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/curios-relics.html#modifications) states that a weapon loses it's C&R status if it is modified from it's original configuration.
I know that this ruling applies to the import of C&R weapons, and probably applies when an FFL transfers a C&R weapon. My question is whether making a temporary modification, say replacing a wood stock with a polymer one, would change the status of the weapon from being a C&R while it is simply in my possession, absent any transfers. I have heard from several sources that if a weapon is "readily restorable" to it's original configuration (meaning no permanent alterations were made, and original parts retained) that the weapon does not lose it's C&R status - but I have been unable to find any ruling or ATF publication that states this.
My reason for asking is that I live in a State where State law restricts the ownership of machine guns to only those that appear on the Federal C&R list. If I owned such a weapon, and temporarily changed out the furniture or barrel when shooting it, would I have temporarily changed the status of the weapon to not being a C&R, which may put me in violation of State law?
Everyone I've talked to (class 3 dealers, etc) is of the opinion that making "readily restorable" changes to a C&R doesn't change it's status, but I would really like a reference to a ruling or published decision of some kind from BATFE. Can anyone provide me a source for info on this?
Thanks much!
I know that this ruling applies to the import of C&R weapons, and probably applies when an FFL transfers a C&R weapon. My question is whether making a temporary modification, say replacing a wood stock with a polymer one, would change the status of the weapon from being a C&R while it is simply in my possession, absent any transfers. I have heard from several sources that if a weapon is "readily restorable" to it's original configuration (meaning no permanent alterations were made, and original parts retained) that the weapon does not lose it's C&R status - but I have been unable to find any ruling or ATF publication that states this.
My reason for asking is that I live in a State where State law restricts the ownership of machine guns to only those that appear on the Federal C&R list. If I owned such a weapon, and temporarily changed out the furniture or barrel when shooting it, would I have temporarily changed the status of the weapon to not being a C&R, which may put me in violation of State law?
Everyone I've talked to (class 3 dealers, etc) is of the opinion that making "readily restorable" changes to a C&R doesn't change it's status, but I would really like a reference to a ruling or published decision of some kind from BATFE. Can anyone provide me a source for info on this?
Thanks much!