C96 Mausers and Reproduction Stocks

[barnbwt]

I did some searches and chased up nothing recent. I had long thought, in agreement with long-standing conventional wisdom, that the NFA exemption for stocked Mausers applied only to original-configuration pistols and original contemporary Mauser-produced stocks.

But on another forum was posted a letter stating clearly that reproduction stocks (but not pistols) were acceptable so long as they were close facsimiiles (how close was of course left unspecified). The letter was dated 2002, and no one had heard of a contradicting letter made since.

My question was whether anyone here had attempted to contact the ATF Tech Branch with a stock reproduction to see if it met the bar to be exempted from the NFA when paired with the pistol? The stocks don't look particularly difficult to build, so I think it'd be fun to make my own, possibly from a nicer blank than the originals were

TCB

 

[dogtown tom]

The problem with those "determination letters" is:

1. They apply to the person requesting the determination only.
2. ATF has subsequent letters saying reproductions are a no-no, and that the stock must be original.
3. ATF doesn't keep a database of these letters, hence the contradictions.

 

[barnbwt]

#1) Of course, but it's a dumb idea to blindly seek an ATF opinion with absolutely no idea of what they might say; it invites them to increase restrictions instead of leaving well enough alone.
#2) I hadn't heard or seen subsequent rulings, which is why I was asking here, to see if anyone had met with success or failure in getting a repro stock blessed by the Tech Branch
#3) Yup, anything to make our lives harder :banghead:

So, has anyone tried to get a C96 stock, original or otherwise, approved by the ATF as a non-NFA item? I don't need a letter or anything (I'll get my own) but I am curious if it has been possible in the past.

TCB

 

[deadin]

I once tried to get one of these blessed. No luck as they said the buttstock was only for the flare gun.

http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/_...s/images/0/04/WebleyRevolverStock&Bayonet.jpg

 

[4v50 Gary]

Deadin - where can you get that flare gun stock at?

 

[deadin]

I bought it and the bayonet at an Arms Fair in London some years ago.

I know there's at least one in this country because I sold it here.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I bought my Webley's stabby thing around Southsea (near Portsmouth, UK).

 

[Kaeto]

IMA sells replicas of the MK VI bayonet.

http://www.ima-usa.com/webley-pritchard-bayonet-for-the-webley-mkiv-pistol.html