encore frame question

[bubba]

does anyone know where I can check to see if my frame was registered as a pitol or rifle?  I have called for 2 days to t/c and get a recording and left about 5 messages.  I also left 3 messages by email with no response. Is there any other way to check?

[handgunhuntr]

My understanding is that the BATF changed the rules to regarless of how it is set up, rifle or pistol, it now has to be registered as a pistol.  Mainly because you have the ability to switch it.

[alsaqr]

Not sure how you go about finding out if the gun was sold as a pistol or a rifle if TC does not answer. 


http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,131141.0.html

[Grumulkin]

The BATF hasn't made any such change in the rules.

Try calling the T/C Custom Shop.

I have a special relationship with T/C.  Sometimes it takes me as much as 2 calls to get through to them.  They also only sell me good barrels even when I buy them used on Gunbroker.  I guess I'm just lucky.

[bubba]

ok so how does t/c know you are calling? I guess my sense of humor gets less when I spend tons of money on a gun and cant get anyone to answer the phone for 4 days when I have a question or a broken stock.

[Grumulkin]

I don't know how they know I'm calling.  They just answer the phone so I guess it's providence.

I've had reason to call them 2 or 3 times in the last couple of months and had no problem talking to a real person.  Try the Custom Ship (i.e., Fox Ridge Outfitters).  If they can't help you, they'll transfer you to an extension that can.

There is a principle in calling ANY company that wants to sell something.  They answer the phone at the place they have something to sell.  They are less compulsive about answering product support lines.

[bubba]

well I went through fox ridge and here is the response I got.  I asked " I want to check to see if my encore frame can legally have a less than 16 inch barrel put on it, in other words was the frame sent from the factory as a rifle or pistol frame."  The response was "we sell you a frame they are all interchangeable and can put a rifle, pistol, muzzleloader or shotgun barrel on it and it is up to you to follow the rules of your state.  It does not matter what barrel you put on it as long as you make it legal in your state." when I rephrased the question and asked out right can you check my serial number and tell me how it left the factory as rifle or pistol as I want to adhere to federal laws, I got the exact same answer as if he was reading it off a card. When I asked him to put that in writing he said he could not. So I do not know any more than I did before I called. The sad part of it is it took me a week of calling and emailing to get such a useless response.  I see some barrels and stocks and maybe a frame going down the road. I will buy a brand new frame set up for pistol to be sure I am legal.

[hogwire]

In Oklahoma where I live I understand that if it has a less than 16" barrel it had better have a pistol stock on it and visa versa. Over 16" it's a rifle. I thought that was a Federal law but I've been wrong before. Shouldn't be too hard to look up laws in your state. Find a friendly gun dealer, he should be able to help you. If the law in your state states that it has to be that way then TC would be required to give that info by law! IMO          .........lvlp

[bubba]

I hve a concealed carry permit in ny and would have to register the frame on my permit then add barrel calibers to it.  The legality part falsl in when the frame left the factory was it a pistol frame or rifle as I understand it. a rifle frame can not be used as a pistol frame. So I would orefer to sell it when I am not sure get a new one I am sure of.

[bustedknee]

I think I pretty well understand the legalities of this.  And we probably all agree it is rather silly.

What I don't understand is all the worry about it.

Has anyone ever been arrested for putting a pistol stock and barrel on his Encore rifle frame?  Ever?


Exactly what would a guy have to do to get arrested for this? 
Maybe saw off the 12 ga barrel and the buttstock then rob a bank? 
Or pop a 6 inch barrel on a rifle action then sneak into the Rose Garden and take potshots at the prez?
Hardly the weapon of choice.

I can't imagine the legality of an Encore pistol would ever come into question (except in CA or NY which aren't really states) unless it was used in a murder or other serious felony.

Since most of will never use our Encore, in either configuration, for anything more serious than converting deer into venison, I simply don't understand the concern.

[Keith L]

Or in case you get in some problem with an over charged game warden who wanted to throw the book at you. 

It was an issue for someone with the Contender apparently because a case went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Granted, the risk is small, but if you do have trouble you can bet you will be in for the hassle of a lifetime.  And even if you prevail in court you can count on being broke when done.  Years of federal appeals aren't cheap. 

And it is so easy to be on the right side of this silly law...

[bubba]

Well since I live in NY I take offense to the statement it is not a state but that is for another discussion. And since you mentioned NY as a potential problem, why would I take the chance? I have several licenses and credentials from NY that I need for my job. (nursing and counseling) No one has ever had them revoked for a driving under the influence charge but that doesnt mean I could not be the first. So, I do not drink and drive and I will not pposess a potentially illegal handgun. I trade frames for a hundred bucks out of my pocket and poof the worry is gone. I dont see it as worth the grief for a hundred bucks.