Frames: Rifle/pistol - pistol/rifle

[c_thunter]

I currently own 'a' Contender with an octagon barrel in 22 hornet. Since it's not normal to have only one I am buying an Encore. I found several at local gun shops all new and most have buttstocks. My intention is to put together a lightweight carbine for my daughter to shoot and have all the caliber choices that come with an Encore. The gun dealers tell me if doesn't matter which one I buy because they can be converted between rifle and pistol. Is there any reason I shouldn't buy the frame that is originally a rifle set-up? Thanks.  :?

[12ring]

I just posted a similar thread.  I don't think you can legally convert a rifle/shotgun to a pistol, but you can convert a pistol to a rifle/shotgun.  Stupid law, in my opinion.  I'm not positive on this so I hope to get some answers from the pro's on here.  Good luck.........  Derek.

[southern utah]

12ring is right, Register the frame only as  " frame only" or pistol or you own a rifle only frame.

[c_thunter]

Thanks for the replies. So if the gun store will register these as frame only, I can then convert them legally. I wonder if that will be an issue for them? All I can do is ask. Thanks.

[Keith L]

You may want to do a search on this topic here on GBO.  I am not a lawyer, but it seems less important how the frame is regestered, and more in how T/C reported it to the feds.

[Graybeard]

Guys the ONLY way we'll ever know is after someone is arrested and tried for doing it. Until then it's speculation and a matter of who you want to believe. There is no court precedent yet.

TC's official stance at least used to be all frames were reported to BATFE as handgun production. Yet these days they do ship complete rifles. So do they in fact report production as handguns? I dunno. That really should be the determining factor. All firearms manufacturers must report production numbers to BATFE regularly by type firearm produced. I am not sure if serial numbers are submitted.

Basic federal law says you cannot make a handgun from a rifle. SO if it is in fact a rifle how could it be legal to make it a handgun? The old TC Lawsuit did not cover this particular issue.

Some feel it's how it's listed on the yellow sheet. I'm not one of them. Who's right will one day be determine by the courts. In the mean time it makes a good point for argument but there is no answer to take to the bank until the courts settle it.

[southern utah]

12ring askes me if he could rerigister a frame. Reregister a rifle as a pistol. Below is my answer. Anyone knowing more and or guessing better jump right in.


Here is my thoughts, If you have already done the fed form it is pretty well done. If they were to follow the rifle from the manufacture forward they would ( In my opinion) go by manufacture description and first fed form. If you have not done the form just register as frame only ( If dealer will do this) as all frames  are interchangeable. Dealer invoice could be- T/C Encore and a seperate shotgun rifle kit being same total price. I understand most frames are sold seperate by manufacture but I could be mistaken. Dealer could contact manufacture to be sure.

Worst situation-- you would have to do something stupid to get the ATF to start tracking a frame to see if it started as a pistol. They would of had to confiscate the frame and start back at the maunfacture as they do not have a data base showing manufacture and how it was assembled with barrel and stock. I am guessing there are frames out there somewhere sold as rifles and later sold parted out as frame only now wearing pistol stocks and barrels.  The only time I could see a problem arising would be a rifle with a short pistol barrel ( less than 16" ) or again doing something stupid. I have seen pictures of pistols wearing rifle barrels and rifles with 16" barrels. I am not suggesting you do any wrong I just don't think you would ever have a problem unless you brought attention to yourself.

[Graybeard]

I would have to agree that the chances of it coming back to bite you in the butt are slim. But I don't agree you'd have to do something stupid for it to bite you.

All you need is the proper LEO to see you in possession of it and decide to do a check. Could happen when you have a wreck and he sees it in the vehicle. Could be a routine traffic stop for a busted light or even to check driver's license in places where they still do this. All it takes is an LEO who don't like guns to start the ball rolling thru no fault of your own.

Unlikely for sure but not out of the question.

[Keith L]

I agree with Greybeard.  I don't want the feds looking up my pantslegs with a microscope.  While I have nothing to hide they can absorb way to much of my time for nothing..  Best to color within the lines.

[c_thunter]

Well I certainly understand the dilemma much better. I will likely make a purchase this weekend with all of your comments in mind. I must confess however that I don't know what a 'LEO' is but I could guess.

Liberal Enforcement Officer
Liberal Establishment Owner
Lawyer of Equal Opportunity
Leftwing Extremest Observer

Am I close? :grin:

[Curtis]

LOL, close counts here I guess.  LEO = Law Enforcement Officer

Curtis