T/C Pro Encore rifle / pistol

[pumpgear]

I have recently started thinking of hunting whitetails with a pistol and wasn't sure if I could convert my Encore Pro rifle into a pistol. Can this be done and what would be a good caliber to use?

[Graybeard]

I'd recommend the 7-08 or perhaps .308. Can it be done yes. Can it be done legally now that is the question and quite frankly at this point no one really knows the correct answer. It's been argued to death here but bottom line is there is no case law precedent for it. In general the law is rifles cannot be made into handguns.

[larry223]

i will have to go along with graybeard i use a 7mm-08 and have used 308 both
will get the job done nicely.
larry

[poncaguy]

7mm-08.......................

[russ69]

I guess this has been discussed before but IMHO a pistol can't have a butt stock without becoming a class 3 weapon. So if it's a legal pistol then it can't ever be a rifle. I'm sure there are other opinions but I wouldn't want to become the test case for this. Heck, you can't have too many Contenders, just go buy another one! Tell the wife, sorry but it's the law..........

Thanx, Russ

[Tommyt]

Look at my 6 page post but this link
I have a letter that it's legal But still here there where folks to say different

Show me one arrest I'll give you a crisp $100 DOLLAR BILL  to your cup of coffee and dough-nut

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,154467.120.html
read a page in either direction if you wish

In todays sue you sue me world  TC would not be here if it where Illegal

Get real folks Its for your own good

Tommyt

[Keith L]

Look at my 6 page post but this link
I have a letter that it's legal But still here there where folks to say different

Show me one arrest I'll give you a crisp $100 DOLLAR BILL  to your cup of coffee and dough-nut

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,154467.120.html
read a page in either direction if you wish

In todays sue you sue me world  TC would not be here if it where Illegal

Get real folks Its for your own good

Tommyt

If this thread moves into name calling it will be locked and the inflamatory posts removed.

FYI lawsuits have nothing to do with the legality of things.  One is criminal, one is civil.  I see nothing from TC that discusses switching from rifle to pistol and vice versa with Encores.  While they did at one time with Contenders I don't see that happening now either.

The best advice I can offer is to read the posts on the subject, read the Supreme Court Ruling on Contenders, and make up your own mind.  I choose not to take the risk for the minimal cost of having another frame. 

[russ69]

TommyT,

I sure could use a nice crisp 100 dollar bill, can you send it to me anyway? I agree, I don't think the chance for a conviction is very high. Most of us are law respecting older folks, that don't have many interfaces with law enforcement. I was just helping the guy get a new frame.........I'm that kind of a guy!

Thanx, Russ

[pumpgear]

Thank you to all who replied to my post. I respectfully appreciate all of your comments. I had no idea of POSSIBLE legal issues. I really don’t need nor want to be a test case for some prosecutor. I look forward to following along and learning from you all.  Thanks again, Vic

[dakotashooter2]

As I understand the court case in question specifically involved the conversion of a gun, frame registered as a pistol, to a carbine. While the court said this was legal it did not specifically address the issue of a gun, frame registered as a rifle, to a pistol. It appear sthe BATF and some states may view this as an entirely seperate issue and many feel the legallity is really still in question until that specific issue goes thru the court system. I really defies common sense but that is government for you. I have to think a hunting accident or other shooting would have to occur before an in depth investigation to the origin of the frame would occur. I have never worried about it because my frame started life as a pistol.

[Graybeard]

Actually the court case merely determined that it was legal for TC to sell "carbine kit's" consisting of rifle length barrel, butt stock and fore arm for use in converting hanguns/frames to rifles.

The scope of that case was very very narrow and that is all it determined. It did not address whether it was legal to then convert that rifle so made using the kit back into a handgun again. There is no case law so far in that regard and opinions vary widely as to what is and is not legal. Until case law or statue are established it will remain a very gray area.

I do agree your chances of being caught and prosecuted are slim but slim doesn't mean it ain't gonna happen. If for some reason BATFE gets on your butt you can bet they'll use everything they can dig up to burn you. In such a situation I'd sure not want them to be using this against me.