Crawfish hit it on the head. After numerous conversations with the BATF about this, their bottom line was, "how was it manufactured." T/C can tell you if you call them and give them the serial number, but BATF does NOT have a list that they can refer to (I asked them to tell me how my frame was made and they said they would have to have probable cause to run the Serial Number and then they would have to ask T/C for information on how it was made). Even though there is absolutely nothing different in the frames, the rules are a rifle is a rifle forever and no matter what you do to the stock the barrel better never be less than 16" or it qualifies as a "short-barreled rifle" and as the maker of that regulated firearm you are subject to pay the $200 registration fee and have to get permission before "making" it. How you bought it or registered it when you filled out the paperwork makes no difference to BATF, they go by how it was manufactured. So bottom line, don't put the carbine stock on with a less than 16" barrel EVER, don't own a carbine stock without owning a barrel over 16", and don't give the BATF a reason to check your serial numbers. Personally, I'm not worried. Just don't give BATF a reason to care.
Helicopter Bill
