Custom Barrel Length Question

[mmattockx]

I tried this in the Legalese forum and got nothing, so I figured I will try here as a lot of barrels get swapped by the forum members.

I understand the 18" limit for length alterations to stock barrels and that a barrel can be shorter than 18" if it is a manufactured barrel and not altered to the short length. What I would like to know is:

1) If a gunsmith takes a custom action (which has never been a registered firearm) and installs a custom barrel that is shorter than 18".

2) If a gunsmith takes an existing action or gun and installs a new custom barrel that is less than 18".

Are the above legal or prohibited guns after the work is done? In both cases a new barrel is manufactured to the shorter length and installed. IMO, that is a manufactured barrel and not an altered stock one.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Obtunded]

You are legally required to notify the registry after any substantial work is done on your firearm/receiver (Read the fine print on the registration certificates) and pending the outcome of that process (which will likely involve the services of a verifier) , you will have the firearm classified accordingly. there is both barrel length and overall length in the determination as to whether the gun is restricted or non-restricted.

 

[mmattockx]

there is both barrel length and overall length in the determination as to whether the gun is restricted or non-restricted.

I understand that, but barrel length only affects centerfire semi-auto's. All manual action centerfire and all rimfires can have any barrel length they want, as long as the minimum overall length is satisfied. My concern is that I get an action re-barrelled with a <18" barrel and it becomes a prohibited gun. I don't want to have to throw away the time and money invested just because I was wrong on the classification.

I will call the CFC and talk to a tech about what I am thinking of and see what their take is on it.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Budweiser360]

why would you be looking for a non-semi auto rifle with a barrel shorter than 18"? Chances are it will be classed as restricted and not prohib.

 

[Suputin]

1) If a gunsmith takes a custom action (which has never been a registered firearm) and installs a custom barrel that is shorter than 18".

2) If a gunsmith takes an existing action or gun and installs a new custom barrel that is less than 18".

As long as the finished firearm is not less than 26" there is no issue. Besides, I'd like to see anyone PROVE that a custom barrel was cut down and not manufactured to the final length. Cutting a barrel down is part of the manufacturing process.

why would you be looking for a non-semi auto rifle with a barrel shorter than 18"? Chances are it will be classed as restricted and not prohib.

NO. As long as the completed firearm is over 26", it will be unrestricted regardless of barrel length.

 

[mmattockx]

why would you be looking for a non-semi auto rifle with a barrel shorter than 18"?

It is for a .22 rimfire and they work fine with 16" barrels. Don't forget many pistol cartridges also work well in a carbine length rifle. The barrel length is not an issue for anything other than centerfire semi's.

Mark