Making a BP pistol?
- Thread starter mcwt247
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Moparmike
Member
I am not a black-powder expert, but last I heard, black-powder, musket-loading fire-sticks were not considered firearms in the legal sense. So I imagine that you could chop it down to a 3" barreled cannon and no one could say squat.
However, please seek the opinion of someone more learned in the ways of the firestick before you actually do anything.
However, please seek the opinion of someone more learned in the ways of the firestick before you actually do anything.
GrayBear
Member
MAKING A BP PISTOL -
IMHO it might depend on where you live. Some hard-nosed District Attorney might read the law straight out as "You can't cut a rifle barrel shorter than 16 inches and a rifle can't be reduced to less than a 26 inch overall length," to paraphrase the general federal law. State laws may be even more restrictive, but cannot be less.
He might or might not differentiate between a breech loader and a muzzleloader. I'd either check with local law enforcement or buy a kit to make a totally legal BP pistol.
Several states do regard muzzleloaders as weapons, IIRC.
Again, JMHO!
GrayBear
IMHO it might depend on where you live. Some hard-nosed District Attorney might read the law straight out as "You can't cut a rifle barrel shorter than 16 inches and a rifle can't be reduced to less than a 26 inch overall length," to paraphrase the general federal law. State laws may be even more restrictive, but cannot be less.
He might or might not differentiate between a breech loader and a muzzleloader. I'd either check with local law enforcement or buy a kit to make a totally legal BP pistol.
Several states do regard muzzleloaders as weapons, IIRC.
Again, JMHO!
GrayBear
Dave Markowitz
Member
He might be hard-nosed but he'd also be flaming incompetent, if basing his opinion on FEDERAL law. AAMOF, after beating the rap, I'd file a complaint against him for malicious prosecution and/or professional misconduct. There are NO Federal restrictions against cutting down a muzzleloading rifle to less than a 16" barrel, or shotgun to under an 18" barrel, or OAL for either to under 26".
Several states and municipalities DO have such restrictions against doing so, however. mcwt247 should consult a local attorney familiar with state and local firearms laws.
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