NFA modifications legality

[brighamr]

Hypothetical situation.

If I purchased an NFA AK converted to .22LR; could I have it changed back to 762x39, or possibly converted to 223?

I guess the general version is can existing nfa guns be rechambered to shoot a different caliber?

TIA

 

[CleverNickname]

Yes, there are no legal prohibitions on changing calibers, as long as you don't change it to a caliber large enough where it would be classified as a destructive device.

There'll probably be technical problems changing a .22LR AK to another caliber though. The only .22LR AKs I've ever seen were AKs in external appearance only. The internals were significantly different and not AK-like at all.

 

[Winter Borne]

I am not an expert here, but am going throught the same thing with an sbr in .223. I am sending a letter to ATF to alter the tax stamp.

mk

 

[DMF]

Call me crazy, but rather than take advice from an internet forum I'd suggest addressing your inquiry to these folks:
People that might have the correct answer.

 

[stickhauler]

Now DMF..

That's just crazy talk! Actually ask for direction by an informed source, rather than rely on the advice of those with no legal standing to offer legal opinions?

I never ask for directions if I'm lost either, that's unmanly. Are you trying to infuse those here with a shot of estrogen? Male carbon based life forms NEVER ask for advice from informed sources, and even the suggestion of asking someone who would know the law is a violation of "man law."

 

[Prince Yamato]

Yes, you can. The reason some of the MGs are listed as "registered in 9mm/45/.22LR" is because when the MG registry was closed, people had no idea what might come with that closure (like the ability to inform the ATF about changes in firearm description). It would probably be within your best interest to inform the ATF of the changes so they can add them to their copy of the Form 1 or Form 4.

People do covert calibers though. There are 5.45x39 Krinkovs on the registry that obviously did not exist in their present form before May 1986.

 

[Zach S]

Call me crazy, but rather than take advice from an internet forum I'd suggest addressing your inquiry to these folks:
People that might have the correct answer.

(emphasis mine)
There was one member at arfcom who had a few letters from the BATFe concerning M16 bolt carriers in AR15s.

It was a yes or no question, and he got three or four different answers.

 

[brighamr]

Thanks for all the responses. So basically, I need to find a rifle with a big enough chamber for the round I want to shoot, notify the ATF then have an NFA gunsmith do the necessary modifications. Sounds good!