Conversion of a (Bolt-Action) Shotgun into a .30 cal Rifle?

[Matt304]

As the title states, I'm attempting to figure out what I need to do in order to legally build a "standard" rifle (by "standard", I simply mean using a full-length ~24" bbl, .30 caliber, single-shot, with sporting-style stock), but starting the build from a bolt-action shotgun action.

If the gun is originally registered as a shotgun, can this be done?

If it cannot be done, I suppose I would simply approach the MFG with my request, so that the action is never registered as a shotgun to begin with, and rather begin by having the "shotgun-intended" action to be registered without a bbl, and as a rifle. Would this be correct?

Anyone who can fill me in here on how to go about this the easiest way, would be lending me some very much needed advice. Thanks!

P.S.
I know you are probably wondering why I need to do this. Well, long-story short, the easiest way to chamber the wildcat cartridge I am using requires a very large bolt face due to the rim size, and a large enough bolt-face can be found cheaply on a bolt-action shotgun.

 

[Speedo66]

Are shotguns built to take the pressure of a large rifle cartridge?

 

[Matt304]

Are shotguns built to take the pressure of a large rifle cartridge?

The Savage 210 & 212 surely will. The lugs are massive--especially on the 210. The 210 has been tested well above 40kPsi without a hiccup--using BMG brass that's been fire-formed, with original rim turned off, and new 12GA rim piece threaded onto the BMG "post" surrounding the primer after turning and tapping the two pieces to mate. The 220 should have no issues either, pushing a cartridge of 600 Nitro Express, or thereabouts. Keep in mind, the "baby" versions of these actions are the rifle actions themselves, such as the 110 BA--where pressures are run much higher. The shotgun versions gain a more massive bolt-head and lugs. They should have little issue handling the bolt forces, after a heavy barrel/cartridge swap takes place.

My concern is: How do I go about doing the registration process of this... Contact Savage, and have them start by selling me the action registered first as a rifle action, maybe?

 

[Speedo66]

Lots of companies making drop in conversions to rifle cartridges in shotguns.

Is changing to a rifle a legal concern?

Plus, replacing the barrel would remove the markings of gauge or manufacture.

 

[AlexanderA]

If the gun is originally registered as a shotgun, can this be done?

The issue here is whether there is "registration" at all. I see that you're in Illinois, which has weird gun rules. Most states don't have registration of guns, especially long guns. Not a problem federally.

 

[jmorris]

Folks with Contenders (single shot actions) have been turning rifles and pistols into shotguns and back for a long time but I’d check your State and local laws myself.

 

[bearcreek]

Under federal law and by most state laws, no, not an issue. You're in Illinois though, so......

 

[243winxb]

Does an individual need a license to make a firearm for personal use?

NO, a license is not required to make a firearm solely for personal use

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-individual-need-license-make-firearm-personal-use

If you received the firearm (to include a firearm frame, receiver, action, or barreled action) from a licensee other than a type 07 or type 10 federal firearms licensee (FFL), or from a non-licensee, then you would not report it, provided your modifications did not change the firearm’s Annual Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report (AFMER) firearm category.

If your modifications altered the firearm’s AFMER firearm category (as listed on the form items 8a-j and 9a-j), then you would include the firearm in your AFMER report in the category of firearm you have now produced.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/if-...facture-it-different-firearm-do-i-need-report

I would ask the ATF. Get their reply in writing, if possible.

 

[PapaG]

The issue here is whether there is "registration" at all. I see that you're in Illinois, which has weird gun rules. Most states don't have registration of guns, especially long guns. Not a problem federally.

Illinois doesn’t have registration, yet.

 

[PapaG]

The 220 is already a rifle action, the Savage 110.
Why would you take a $600 shotgun and make a rifle you can already buy.
The old Mossberg, and other bolt action shotguns were built for operating pressures of 10-12K psi or lup, whichever floats your boat. Most don’t even have a bolt lug aside from the bolt handle.
I sure wouldn’t waste the time or money.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I agree with that. Time and money are not worth the trouble. But as a project could be fun.

 

[rust collector]

To sum up, no one has identified a restriction on making a rifle based upon a receiver that was or may have been used for a shotgun. For Illinois law on the topic, your best source will always be an attorney licensed to practice in Illinois.

Technical considerations are outside the scope of the Legal section.