Folding stocks

[kurtmax]

I have a simple question about folding stocks on rifles (or shotguns even...). I've searched the net for a few days and can't find a satisfactory answer.. so here goes:

How is the length of a firearm measured with a folding stock. Is it measured with the stock closed or open/fully extended?

I'm guessing unless there is some sort of universal standard, the feds do it one way and then states do it a myriad of ways.

 

[nalioth]

Michigan measures with the stock folded.

Everybody else with the stock extended (to my knowledge).

This is why underfolder AKs have to be registered as "pistols" in the great state of Michigan.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

The overall length for NFA purposes is measured with the stock extended. State laws may vary.

 

[kurtmax]

Thanks. Is there a list somewhere that lists the state laws regarding how they measure the length?

All my state says is the 'overall length' must be over 26 inches.... I also can't find any court cases involving lengths of rifles and whatnot. It seems like a grey area. Would it just be safer to measure with the stock folded?

 

[Kilgor]

"Machine Gun: ref. NFA Title II, sec 5845 (b) Any barrel length and stock configuration is legal. $200.00 Transfer Tax

Rifle/Carbine Title I firearms: 16 inch minimum length barrel as measured from the end of the barrel or permanently attached accessory, to the bolt face and a minimum overall length (OAL) of 26 inches with the permanently attached stock extended. For a semi-auto UZI with a metal folding stock, that means the OAL is measured with the stock open. It can also have a permanently attached wood stock. If it has a quick-detach wood stock, it must meet the OAL requirement with the stock off. Note that some states are more restrictive then these federal regulations.

Short Barreled Rifle (SBR): ref. GCA of 1968 Title I, Chapter 44,921 (7), (8) Any rifle or Carbine having a barrel less than 16 inches long and an overall length less than 26 inches with the permanently attached stock, extended. $200.00 Transfer Tax.

Any Other Weapon (AOW): ref NFA, Title II, sec 5845 (e). Firearms with a rifled barrel length less than 16 inches or less than 18 inches shotgun, without a buttstock. This classification allows the use of a vertical forward grip but prohibits the installation of a buttstock. $5.00 Transfer Tax.

Pistol (Title I): Barrel length 16 inches or less without a buttstock. The pistol must have been originally assembled as a pistol and not a conversion of a rifle or carbine. A Pistol cannot have a vertical foregrip."

http://files.uzitalk.com/reference/pages/FAQ.htm#Barrel and stock