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Author Topic: Illegal to cut barrel??  (Read 2269 times)

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Offline NYRebel13

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Illegal to cut barrel??
« on: June 24, 2011, 02:20:34 PM »
I posted a topic on another chat forum about a shotgun I had that was cut down recently.  One of the members responded by saying it was illegal for someone to cut the barrel of a firearm unless they were a licensed gunsmith.  He said it didn't matter what length it was cut to it was illegal to do so.  He said he was a certified gunsmith and FFL holder and it was in the ATF book.  After reading alot of post on this site I find that hard to believe.  What do you guys think and where might I find the real answer?
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Offline bubba.50

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2011, 03:03:50 PM »
i'm sure other more knowledgable people will chime in with where to find this info in print but if it's illegal to cut your own barrel i'm sure i won't be alone as the only "lawbreaker" here. there may be some little snag in there where if you do it for others it would constitute "gunsmithing" and strictly speaking be illegal but as long as it's your gun and you don't go past legal limits for the type of firearm i say go for it. it's yours. my opinion and you're welcome to it, bubba.
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Offline Squib

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2011, 08:29:41 PM »
you can actually MANUFACTURE a gun from scratch too if it's not sold, or made specifically for the purpose of giving to another, if it's kept within the state of origin.  the federal government has no say-so if it doesn't cross state lines and enter "federal jurisdiction".... so how does a shortened barrel mess you up?  the barrel AND the stock have limits on "shortness" so watch out for both AND the total overall length as well.... an issue if you have a short reciever like a handi or falling block.
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Offline Bigeasy

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2011, 11:32:42 PM »
As per Federal Law, the minimum barrel length for a shotgun is 18 inches.  It does not matter if your cut it yourself.  I'm to lazy to look it up, but go ahead and search the United States Criminal Codes (pretty sure its under title 18), or check the ATF website.

Larry
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Offline McDerry

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2011, 11:57:59 PM »
Quote from: NYRebel13 on June 24, 2011, 02:20:34 PM
He said he was a certified gunsmith and FFL holder and it was in the ATF book.


Idiot is also in his credentials. 
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Offline schuetzen

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2011, 12:53:55 AM »
Quote from: NYRebel13 on June 24, 2011, 02:20:34 PM
I posted a topic on another chat forum about a shotgun I had that was cut down recently.  One of the members responded by saying it was illegal for someone to cut the barrel of a firearm unless they were a licensed gunsmith.  He said it didn't matter what length it was cut to it was illegal to do so.  He said he was a certified gunsmith and FFL holder and it was in the ATF book.  After reading alot of post on this site I find that hard to believe.  What do you guys think and where might I find the real answer?

I believe, in Canada it is illegal to modify the length of a barrel from it's original manufactured length.
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Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2011, 01:19:38 AM »
Yes, 18" is correct minimum length for a smooth bore barrel. Most say 18 1/2" so that there is a little margin for error and this is where the confusion lies.

To measure, close the barrel, insert (Be sure its empty) a long slender rod down the bore until it touches the breech and mark the rod. Remove and measure, this is the length of the barrel. If you cut too short you have manufactured a "sawed off" and there are now criminal implications. The only way to correct is to permanently lengthen the barrel. I.E. weld something on the barrel to increase its length. Its easier to just cut to 18 1/2" in the first place...

Something else to consider is if said firearm has a full but stock or a pistol grip. Because there is yet another minimum Over All Length to consider. This is 26" and again most say 26 1/2" just for the extra margin for error.

CW
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Offline bubba.50

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #7 on: June 25, 2011, 06:47:25 PM »
to give your "gunsmith ;)" the benefit of the doubt he may have been referring to if you do the work for others. i've cut more than one shotgun barrel to make slug-guns or just to remove choke or just 'cause i wanted'em that way. but if you cut a barrel, drill and tap scope/sight holes, or even refinish a stock for a friend it is considered gunsmithing and you are supposed to have a license. just remember to stay at or over legal bbl length and/or overall gun length. for what it's worth, bubba.
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Offline Squib

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #8 on: June 25, 2011, 08:39:35 PM »
gun-smithing isn't manufacturing... so what's the issue?  if you recieve money for it you are supposed to report the income for taxation purposes, but why the act itself?  I've not heard of any such issues on a federal level, can you present the specifics of such?  manufacturers and distributors DO have to be licensed, but "smiths" don't due to being smiths, but because they have FFL paperwork to fill out when shipping and recieving guns back and forth from clients.
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Offline TxGun

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #9 on: June 25, 2011, 09:01:46 PM »
As others have stated, it's not illegal for anyone to cut down a firearm as long as you meet minimum length requirements as established by federal law...16" barrel for rifles; 18" barrel for shotguns; 26" overall length for either.  And, as also stated, the wise give themselves a little bit of extra leeway..."just in case". No FFL, or any other license, is required to do this.
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Offline pastorp

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2011, 04:49:50 AM »
People sure get funny ideas. And then report them as the law.  ;)

Regards,
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Offline 45-70.gov

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2011, 04:59:15 AM »
you have been talking to a moron
or he thinks your a moron  and  wants to charge you to cut it for you

you  are   in the  USA  i assume
you  may have state laws i am not aware  of

copy this  and show  him........it will get   his  BP  up
this is  my  9 inch  o/u....with removeable stock
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Offline FLNT4EVR

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2011, 06:17:46 AM »
Alot of guys here shoot "shorties " of their own makeing.  Here's mine.
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Offline ironglow

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #13 on: July 06, 2011, 06:29:06 AM »
If that were true, I would be another lawbreraker.  I stay within the guidelines as to length; shotgun barrel 18", rifle 16" ..26" LOA.  I usually cut a bit longer (1/4" at least) just to be sure...
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Offline bikerbeans

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #14 on: July 06, 2011, 07:10:22 AM »
Quote from: 45-70.gov on June 30, 2011, 04:59:15 AM
this is  my  9 inch  o/u....with removeable stock

Mr. Govt.,
 
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Offline Squib

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #15 on: July 06, 2011, 10:11:59 AM »
personally I think you'd be better off getting a taurus judge, or s&w governor, but if you want a smooth barrel.... oh yeah encores!  you all do know taurus has a 28ga revolver handgun now?
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Offline S.E.Ak

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Re: Illegal to cut barrel??
« Reply #16 on: July 07, 2011, 01:29:47 PM »
I know of no state that licenses or certifies gunsmiths,just hang a shingle and you are in business for a while anyway
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