Unnecessary SBR question

[bkjeffrey]

If I own a legal semi only M2 .50 BMG does it have to have a 16" barrel? Its not a rifle because it doesn't have a buttstock. It has a butterfly trigger. I think it would be cool to have like a little 12" barrel just for grins, and when my flashlight batteries die. (jumping in shower now to avoid the flames). Thanks.

 

[General Geoff]

You know, that's a really good question. While it might not be considered an SBR, it might be considered an AOW for some dumb reason. I'm very interested to know the answer to this question, hopefully someone more versed in the 1934 NFA will chime in.

 

[armoredman]

It's a rifle legally. 16 inch barrel with 26 overall length per GCA '68, stock not necessary, IIRC.

1 short barreled 50 BMG? ARE YOU KIDDING ME! HOLY COW!!

 

[General Geoff]

It's a rifle legally. 16 inch barrel with 26 overall length per GCA '68, stock not necessary, IIRC.

SBR classification requires it to be shoulder fired...


The more I think about it, the more I think it'd be an AOW, since it's neither a pistol (designed to be fired one-handed) nor a rifle (designed to be fired from the shoulder), but would have a barrel shorter than 16".

 

[Sam1911]

SBR classification requires it to be shoulder fired...

Actually, it must have been designed, configured or re-designed, etc. to be shoulder fired, as in it came from the factory with a butt stock or once had a butt stock installed -- an SBR is still an SBR if you remove the stock and fire it as a pistol.

BUT belt-fed semis are considered "other firearms." Not rifles (shoulder fired) nor shotguns (again, shoulder fired).

The ATF letter on this issue states that they do NOT have to have a 16" barrel (or 18" in the case of shotguns) HOWEVER, the total overall length must still be above 26".

That's probably not hard to do with the length of the M2 receiver.

The examples listed in the thread I'm remembering were certain configurations of PGO shotguns (that had come from the factory as PGOs -- never fitted with a butt stock) which could be cut down to a 14-15" barrel or so and still remain at an overall length of greater than 26".

[Of course, if you have a belt-fed M1919 it is an "other firearm" UNTIL you install an A6 butt stock -- from that point on it is a rifle.]

 

[bkjeffrey]

1 short barreled 50 BMG? ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Yea, wouldn't it be just too cute! Who WOULDN'T want to shoot it?

 

[General Geoff]

The ATF letter on this issue states that they do NOT have to have a 16" barrel (or 18" in the case of shotguns) HOWEVER, the total overall length must still be above 26".

What would such a firearm be if it was not 26" in overall length? Just curious.

 

[Sam1911]

I've watched NFA Title II m2s run with VERY short barrels during the night shoot at Knob Creek.

Standing behind the operator, the fireball/strobe/corona is so intense that you often lose sight of the shooter, even though he's between you and the gun!

 

[Sam1911]

What would such a firearm be if it was not 26" in overall length?

Very good question. In regards to a shotgun, I believe the ATF letter said they would consider it a Title II AOW, as a smooth-bore pistol, since it is now "concealable."

In the case of a rifled arm, it would probably -- and this will sound weird -- be a Title I HANDGUN!

I've read of guys doing 10" barrel 1919 builds as a pistol, over on 1919a4.com and/or similar sites.

 

[o Unforgiven o]

In the case of a rifled arm, it would probably -- and this will sound weird -- be a Title I HANDGUN!

I've read of guys doing 10" barrel 1919 builds as a pistol, over on 1919a4.com and/or similar sites.

That would make it ok for Open Carry!

I wonder how quickly the ATF would change precedent...

 

[nalioth]

Legal shotguns (technically "other firearm") with > 18" barrels are discussed here, with accompanying documentation:

ATF on Shotguns, Pistol-Grip Shotguns, and Short-Barrel Shotguns - THR

 

[Sam1911]

Thanks nalioth, that's the one I was thinking of.

 

[General Geoff]

In the case of a rifled arm, it would probably -- and this will sound weird -- be a Title I HANDGUN!

I thought the definition of a handgun was a firearm designed to be fired from one hand?

 

[Sam1911]

Yes. I believe the ATF has had a real headache over the years trying to shoe-horn all the different types of projectile-firing weapons that have been invented into the rather limited set of categories listed in the Code. Sometimes it seems they base their interpretation on the idea that good enough is just ok.