Would this be illegal?
If one had a single shot shotgun. And wanted to fabricate an interchangeable rifle barrel to fit the action?
Yes I know you can buy guns already made with interchangeable shotgun/rifle barrels. Just curious if such a project would be legal.
Yes I know you can buy guns already made with interchangeable shotgun/rifle barrels. Just curious if such a project would be legal.
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As long as it's over 16", it would be legal.
BUT, many single shot shotgun frames are not designed to handle the pressure of a centerfire cartridge. Plus the firing pin is not designed to work properly with rifle primers.
You need to ask some specific questions and even then, you're treading on questionable ground.0 -
Mobuck, i disagree, many years ago when i was a partner in a gun shop, a fellow who was machinist came in with a Winchester single shot shot gun that he made a barrel insert for in 30-30 caliber, we could not deal with him because when the insert was removed the shotgun became illegal, but as far as function is concerned it worked perfectly. 0 -
Perfectly legal to do (on Fed level) - just keep out of the NFA area. Some states like California, New Jersey, etc. may have issues.
That said, I agree about the pressure issues. Although you could certainly go to a low pressure pistol round, etc.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Fatstrat
If one had a single shot shotgun. And wanted to fabricate an interchangeable rifle barrel to fit the action?
Yes I know you can buy guns already made with interchangeable shotgun/rifle barrels. Just curious if such a project would be legal.
I'm not aware of any jurisdiction that specifically bans guns with interchangeable barrels. In some jurisictions EVERY gun has to be registered, and I think having two calibers on one frame might require multiple registrations. So as mentioned, the issue, if any would be at a state or local level, and it would be wise to check the rules in your particular state, especially if you're in one with restrictive gun laws (eg NJ, MA, NY, CA, MD, HI, etc).
But on a Federal level and in most jurisdictions, I think this should be legal so long as the gun was independently legal in each configuration.
In other words, when assembled as a rifle, it would have to be legal as a rifle (at least 16" barrel, 26" overall length, etc).
When assembled as a shotgun, it would have to be legal as a shotgun (ie 18 inch barrel length, 26" OAL, etc).0 -
there are makers out there of barrel inserts for shotguns 0 -
quote:Originally posted by USN_Airdale
Mobuck, i disagree, many years ago when i was a partner in a gun shop, a fellow who was machinist came in with a Winchester single shot shot gun that he made a barrel insert for in 30-30 caliber, we could not deal with him because when the insert was removed the shotgun became illegal, but as far as function is concerned it worked perfectly.
Airdale, if the shotgun was legal originally, how could returning it to the original configuration make it Illegal??0 -
The shotgun Airdale is referring to had been rendered illegal by shortening the barrel to 16" before the insert was installed.
A totally different situation from the OP who intended to make a new barrel for the rifle caliber.
My contention that the frame may or may not be strong enough to handle centerfire rifle pressures stands.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mobuck
The shotgun Airdale is referring to had been rendered illegal by shortening the barrel to 16" before the insert was installed.
A totally different situation from the OP who intended to make a new barrel for the rifle caliber.
My contention that the frame may or may not be strong enough to handle centerfire rifle pressures stands.
Well, he doesn't mention it being shortened, and why would that be done for use of an insert?0 -
quote:Originally posted by USN_Airdale
Mobuck, i disagree, many years ago when i was a partner in a gun shop, a fellow who was machinist came in with a Winchester single shot shot gun that he made a barrel insert for in 30-30 caliber, we could not deal with him because when the insert was removed the shotgun became illegal, but as far as function is concerned it worked perfectly.
This scenario is different than the OP's because it uses one barrel only. The legal barrel length for a shotgun is 18", for a rifle it is 16". Had the "insert" and shotgun barrel length been 18" the insert would be legal.0 -
If one makes and/ or does something and does not SAY ANYTHING ABOUT IT, who cares???? 0
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