Author Topic: Caliber limitations? (Read 783 times)

S.B. · « **on:** December 27, 2004, 08:42:53 AM »

On a different website a poster suggested that any caliber over .500 is not legal in America? I've never heard this before, has anyone here? I know there is a limit to what any given handgun frame can endure but, does the government have limtations on the caliber? And if so, I assume it's only on modern pistols, while allowing the older antique pistols to still be purchased and sold?

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2004, 09:46:55 AM »

i believe the p.r.k. recently passed legislation outlawing 50 and over. as for the rest of the u.s. it is bull-o- knee.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #2 on:** December 27, 2004, 11:00:47 AM »

It was probably me from the T/C Rifle section maybe? I should clarify. It is illegal to CREATE any new rifle or pistol round with a bullet diameter greater than .500" (could be a few thousandths leeway up, but I dont think so.) Any bigger and it gets a "destructive device" classification from our good friends at the BATF(E). What this means is that guns can be chambered for greater than .50 caliber, but the chambering itself must be of prior conception since the law passed. So, if there were actually someone crazy enough, you could have a handgun chambered in 600 nitro express. Same with a rifle. But it is not legal to make a brand new 60 cal chambering (say a 600 Smith and Wesson Magnum, for example.) Of course California has different rules and regs.
Brian M.

S.B. · « **Reply #3 on:** December 27, 2004, 12:10:58 PM »

Interesting and thanks. I learn something today, thanks to you guys. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks?

knight0334 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2004, 04:57:19 PM »

Isn't there a loophole clause for "sporting" firearms??

http://www.atf.treas.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/nfa.htm
Title 26, Chapter53, § 5845(f)

"Destructive device. -- The term "destructive device" means (1) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas (A) bomb, (B) grenade, (C) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, (D) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, (E) mine, or (F) similar device; (2) any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell which the Secretary finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes; and (3) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into a destructive device as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. The term "destructive device" shall not include any device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10 of the United States Code; or any other device which the Secretary finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, or is an antique or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting purposes."

S.B. · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2004, 05:04:20 PM »

Thanks, knight0334. That's got to be what the conversation was about.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2005, 05:31:46 PM »

Its not illegal to own them you just shouldn't build new one or somethimg like that because there are still .600 and .700 nitros out there. why? I don't know. :shock: