Pistol or Rifle Pro Hunter

[Birddog 1]

Hi I am wanting to get a Pro Hunter and I was wondering what way I should have it registered as a pistol or a rifle I will like to use it as a pistol once in a while but most of the time I will use it as a rifle. Ok it is registered as a rifle and I am useing it as a pistol wouldnt it be a illegil rifle, not being the over all leingth now? Now it is registered as a pistol and I have it set up for a rifle 28 " fluted barrel on the back seat with a coat over it I now have a concealed pistol ? Am I wrong ? what do you all think about this Pistol or Rifle BTW I live in Kalifornia. TIA
Nim

[Redhawk1]

Sorry to hear you live in Kalifornia. 
I would buy it as a pistol, then check your local law and see what it says. Because not one Internet lawyer can get you out of jail. 

[Chuck White]

The regulations change from state-to-state.

Here in NY (St Lawrence County), I've checked with the county clerk (that's where we get our pistol permits) and she stated the following.
If you want an Encore/Contender pistol and you already have a rifle or muzzle loader, go ahead and get a pistol barrel if you want to, but come in with the serial number of the frame and the caliber of the pistol barrel and register it before you put it together.

In some states, you must buy the frame as a pistol or you will violate the law by putting a pistol barrel on the frame.

[Keith L]

This comes up every few weeks, and I don't plan on doing any more than mentioning this.  A great case can be built that Federal law based on the US Supreme Court case that settled the ability to change from a pistol to a rifle does not address changing from a rifle to a pistol.  If you do an internet search you can find the case and make your own mind up.  Personally I will buy pistols and convert to rifles.  Then I know I am safe.  You do what you need to.  As Redhawk said "Because not one Internet lawyer can get you out of jail."  Neither can your county clerk if it is BATF you have problems with.

For those who want to argue I am done wrangling over this.  I said what I do, you do what you want.   Maybe one of you will be the test case that settles this once and for all.