Winchester 1873 Question
I've been looking at an 1873 carbine that has a barrel under 16 inches. According to Cody it was received in the warehouse in 1886 and is an antique. Cody records only list it as a carbine with no barrel length specified. Does this need to be registered with BATF to be legal? Can it be registered without a factory verification of barrel length or best to pass on this one? Thanks for any help on this!
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The ATF as part of their approval process is to check the with Cody and examine the gun. What is the serial number? It also has something to do with if the ammo readily available and it being antique. I haven't done much with short rifles so I can't say for sure. 0 -
There are No stipulations about the ammo if the firearm in question is a bona fide "Antique"
Where the "rub" exists is with the current barrel length. Per the factory ledger record for that serial number, it implies that the barrel was originally 20-inchs long. I am unsure what the BATF's position is on an altered "antique". If it can be proven to be factory original or factory modified, the BATF will permanently remove it from the NFA list due to it being classified as "antique", and no exemption letter is needed.0 -
Bert, thanks for the info. If I understand correctly the "carbine" designation automatically means 20" barrel? If Cody shows only "carbine" then it looks like an uphill battle to get it cleared with ATF. 0 -
1873man thanks for your information, very much appreciated! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by johnpar2
Bert, thanks for the info. If I understand correctly the "carbine" designation automatically means 20" barrel? If Cody shows only "carbine" then it looks like an uphill battle to get it cleared with ATF.
Yes, the "Carbine" designation does imply that it originally had a 20-inch barrel. That stated, does the CFM letter make any mention of an "R&R" ?
If I were in your shoes, I would contact the BATF Technical Branch and ask them what their position is on this situation. There is at least a 50/50 chance that because it is a bona fide "Antique" (no longer a firearm per their definition), that the barrel length is of no consequence.0 -
Thanks Bert, I'll give them a call tomorrow. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! 0 -
Would love to know what they say, if you don't mind. Especially if they give you a citation to some regulation or ruling. I've passed on some "trappers" I'd love to have, but have just steered clear not knowing the rules on such. 0 -
I haven't been able to get a yes/no answer from ATF with phone calls and have decided it's best to pass on buying this particular carbine. I've read a number of articles stating that even with a written opinion, it's exactly that; an opinion, and not a document that would stand as a legal ruling that would keep you from legal entanglements with a "by the Book" agent. Just not worth the risk! Thanks to all for your help! 0
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