Do I need a special Encore Receiver?

[akbearhunter]

In a wholesale catalog...I noticed that it listed three types of Encore frames...(1) for rifles, (2) for handguns...and (3) for the blackpowder barrel. Is there a reason for this? I understand why there is a difference between the rifle and handgun (The BATF Thing!) but is there something different on the receivers for using blackpowder?

[Selmer]

An Encore frame is an Encore frame is an Encore frame.  They are all the same and are interchangeable between the handgun, rifle, and muzzleloader.  It is legal to use the same frame for all three configurations and it is not necessary to purchase additional frames other than having the convenience of not having to switch barrels, but if I were going to do that I'd just buy a bunch of Ruger No. 1's and be done with it.
Selmer

[Redhawk1]

Selmer is correct. There is only one Encore frame and it works for all. There is also a Pro-Hunter Encore frame, but is it the same as the standard Encore frame but with a engraved frame and swing hammer.

[Dusty Miller]

So what is the "Pro Hunter" part of it, just a bunch of PR?

[Redhawk1]

So what is the "Pro Hunter" part of it, just a bunch of PR?

It is just as I described, engraved with the Pro-hunter logo and T/C logo and has a swing hammer.  Nobody is forced to buy it.  But if you want to engraving an swing hammer it is going to cost more. Plain and simple. No PR there.

[BobT]

  It is legal to use the same frame for all three configurations and it is not necessary to purchase additional frames

It is legal only as long as the frame was originally sold in handgun configuration and the factory designated it as a handgun! You can legally put a rifle barrel (or muzzle loader) on a pistol frame but not the other way around.

[scout34]

This debate never seems to end.  I have a 209x50 and want to shoot .223 pistol, but there are multiple answers to the question as to whether this is legal or not.  I think it is a sad commentary on the state of lawmakers today that this is so confusing.

So, who is right?  Do I need a "pistol" frame, or can I put pistol parts on my rifle?   

I recommend we get a hard answer and post it in perpetuity at the top of this thread.

[Keith L]

So, who do you propose provide the "hard answer"?  I posted what I found out on the TC rifle forum and was told how stupid I was. 

The fact is that the "hard answer" is not the popular answer, so it will always be disputed by those who don't want to believe it.  The "hard answer" can be found out by reading the US Supreme Court decision that can easily be googled and read.  It discusses going from a pistol to a rifle, but not the other direction.  It is also a decision on a Contender, not an Encore.

I choose to go from Pistol to Rifle, not the other way around.  That way I have case law that is on my side.  While you may (most likely) will be safe the other way there is no case law to support the legality.  Should you become the test case you are in for the hassle of a lifetime.

You will need to decide what you want to do.  And if you would like a legal opinion then best get it from a lawyer, not the internet.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[scout34]

Thanks for the honest answer.  Perhaps you could post a link to the SCOTUS decision text so that if someone does not believe it, they can read for themselves.

I despise the chicken**** legal mentality that has brought us to this state of affairs, but at the same time do not wish to place myself in a position to lose everything over a minor technicality.  This is of course, exactly what the powers that be want.

It is easier to trade in my rifle on a pistol frame and lose a little bit of money, than to lose everything in a legal battle of uncertain outcome.

I will keep my own counsel on my thoughts as to a permanent solution to this problem.

[scout34]

Here is the link to the SCOTUS decision.   http://laws.findlaw.com/us/504/505.html

Make of it what you will.  Common sense would seem to indicate that you could build a pistol on a rifle frame, as well as a rifle on a pistol frame as long as you did not end up with a regulated "short barreled rifle."

Common sense however, seems to be a limited commodity where this issue is concerned.  Some bureaucrat with an axe to grind could make an issue out of this either as a case in itself or as part of an enticement for someone to become an informant or some such.  Use this issue as part of a "swarm" of cases in order to overwhelm a defendant with legal fees and bad press.  "In addition to income tax evasion, the defendant has also been accused of illegal possesion of NFA regulated firearms..."

[Redhawk1]

When in doubt, the best thing to do is call the BATF in your area and get the answer. Like Keith L said before, don't count on Internet lawyers to give you advice. You know the old saying, ignorance of the law is no excuse. 

[slave]

With all of my frames and barrels getting moved around so often from season to season I think I HAVE FORGOT withc one was purchased as what

[Redhawk1]

When I bought my Encore frame as a pistol, I have it listed in my computer as to which serial number is a pistol frame.