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#1
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How does ATF measure barrel length?
I am asking that question because I have an odd barrel with a inward extension of about 3 inches past the chamber into the inner of the receiver. This extension is permanently attached to the barrel. The barrel is 11.5 inches from the chamber to the tip of the barrel. However, If I add another 3inches of that extension to the barrel, it is 14.5 inches.
How long is my barrel legally?
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I'd rather be at the range! Last edited by nightwolf0215; 11-05-2012 at 8:13 PM.. |
#2
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Bolt face to the furthest permanent part of the barrel.
They will put a dowel down the barrel and mark it. The other part of your barrel doesn't count for the length.
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#3
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ATF measures from the bolt face in the in battery position to then end of the muzzle. Put your bolt in battery and put a cleaning rod down the barrel until it hits the bolt face, mark the rod at the muzzle and measure.
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#4
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How does ATF measure barrel length?
From the end of the muzzle to the breech.
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Would you like to participate in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms movement in California? Please visit the Calguns Community Chapter forum for your area and sign the roll call California needs YOU. Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. George S. Patton |
#5
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There goes 3.5 inches hahahaha. Thank you guys.
Side note questions. So attaching a bayonet permanently to the barrel doesnt extend its length? Or should it?
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I'd rather be at the range! |
#6
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__________________
Would you like to participate in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms movement in California? Please visit the Calguns Community Chapter forum for your area and sign the roll call California needs YOU. Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. George S. Patton |
#8
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A muzzle device on the other hand does count toward barrel length. (permanently attached if under legal lengths) What is this barrel for? Even at the 14.5 you mention it is too short for a normal legal rifle or shotgun. (16 and 18) |
#9
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Sir, with all due respect.
Do your homework and comply with our laws. Enough said.
__________________
Would you like to participate in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms movement in California? Please visit the Calguns Community Chapter forum for your area and sign the roll call California needs YOU. Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. George S. Patton |
#10
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its a barrel from a kit so its not made yet. Im asking around so I can make sure the extension is enough for it to be legal before I build it up.
Bayonet attachment has been suggested as a form of barrel extension, which doesnt make much sense. Haven't done that. No reason to do it. Asking to know for sure. Quote:
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I'd rather be at the range! |
#11
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For any other questions please feel free to elaborate. Thank you Sir.
__________________
Would you like to participate in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms movement in California? Please visit the Calguns Community Chapter forum for your area and sign the roll call California needs YOU. Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. George S. Patton |
#12
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If you weren't being negative, great! If you had an assumption that I was on my way to doing something silly, thanks for the advice. I would never risk breaking any laws. Doing it right is the only way for me.
Hey Kerry, thanks for your answer. Elaborated as usual. Can't wait to see what you have for me in the mail haha. When you got time, check out those new drawings I sent ya. If you want to take on any of those, just let me know.
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I'd rather be at the range! Last edited by nightwolf0215; 11-05-2012 at 9:23 PM.. |
#13
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Quote:
__________________
Would you like to participate in the Right to Keep and Bear Arms movement in California? Please visit the Calguns Community Chapter forum for your area and sign the roll call California needs YOU. Prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past have coped with the unforeseeable and the unpredictable. George S. Patton |
#14
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Permanently mounted bayonets have been used to attain a legal over all length but not a barrel length. Barrels have to be 16" minimum for rifles and 18" for shotguns with no exceptions unless you weapon has an NFA stamp. You barrel length can be made up of any combination of actual barrel and permanently mounted muzzle device that adds up to 16" |
#15
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I have heard of people welding the bayonet to get the OAL 30 inches for CA but never for barrel length. Doubt it can be done that way since it is not actually the barrel... you can always get a shoulder thingy that goes up.
Kevin |
#16
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Maybe the ATF has the interpretation that any permanent extension must encircle the barrel axis. Anyone have have any idea of this.
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Last edited by XDshooter; 11-06-2012 at 10:37 AM.. |
#17
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Over all length is just that OVER ALL LENGTH, regardless of barrel length.
Barrel length is just the length of the barrel and any permanently attached muzzle devices combined length. There are letters and FAQ pages on how a barrel is measured under ATF regs, There is also a definition of the 30" Over all length for CA. You can not confuse one with the other. You can not, at anytime have a barrel mounted to a weapon that is capable of readily accepting a butt stock that is shorter then 16" including the muzzle device outside of a Federal tax stamped SBR. There are also Constructive possession laws that apply here as well that I'm not going to get into as it will derail the topic from it's original question. Again over all length and barrel length are two different regulations that have to be met under different definitions of the law. But to cut to the chase your rifle has to be 26" overall length in it's shortest configuration and have a barrel 16" or longer to meet Federal regulation. In California any semi automatic rifle must also be 30" minimum length in its shortest configuration to not be defined as an assault weapon regardless of features. Example If you sawed off an M1 Garand to 29 3/4" it would be an illegal assault weapon yet it has no pistol grip, and no detachable magazine. It is only defined by it's semi auto nature and it's length. If you welded a bayonet to it to increase the length you are good to go so long as your barrel is also 16" minimum. I'm only using the Garand here as an example. So please be very carful in how you configure your weapons, Use the flow charts that this site has put together to stay legal. Please don't go off on me for details i may have left out. I'm trying to stay on topic and not turn this into a all encompassing review of Federal and state law. |
#18
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Advertised as one? Completely encircles the bore axis? This is the issue I am referring too..
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#19
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That's a good question, can you thread a bayonet to match a threaded barrel and have that count as a "muzzle device"?
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#20
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The term Muzzle device is a generic term used to describe either a muzzle brake or a flash hider.
Here is the paragraph from the ATF "The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. Permanent methods of attachment include full-fusion gas or electric steel-seam welding, high-temperature (1100°F) silver soldering, or blind pinning with the pin head welded over. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the bolt or breech-face. The rod is then marked at the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device, withdrawn from the barrel, and measured." The AK 47 slant break is not fully encompassing the barrel but it is on th eOD of the barrel. Where specific definitions do not exist you must fall back on the spirit of the law and not necessarily the letter of the law. What I'm getting at is if you welded anything other then a traditionally recognized muzzle device to the side of your barrel to attain the minimum length. Well you may beat the rap but you won't beat the ride. And I actually doubt you will beat the rap. I have a question though. Why would you want to push your luck??? All it would take is getting pulled over and your car getting searched to end up in jail on a very poor foundation. |
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