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How is OAL of a gun measured

Nwcid
Of course we all know minimum OAL length on a gun is 26". It is also known that Federally this size is measured with the stock in the open/extended position. Problem is I can not find and actual reference to this. I can find lots of people saying it is measured this way. Does anyone have an actual reference to the way OAL is measured.

I have done a few web searches and can find tons on how to measure OAL of brass. Also tons on how to measure barrel length.
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  • givette
    quote:Originally posted by Nwcid
    Of course we all know minimum OAL length on a gun is 26". It is also known that Federally this size is measured with the stock in the open/extended position. Problem is I can not find and actual reference to this. I can find lots of people saying it is measured this way. Does anyone have an actual reference to the way OAL is measured.

    I have done a few web searches and can find tons on how to measure OAL of brass. Also tons on how to measure barrel length.

    So, if you were to close the stock, and it falls under the minimum OAL, it would be Okay? Don't get me wrong, as I also can't cite the source, but it doesn't seem to make sense..am I all wet on this?? Thanks, Joe
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  • mark christian
    There is no actual regulation, it is all based on the definition of a rifle in the 1968 Gun Control Act. In order to be a rifle a firearm must have a rifled barrel over 16 inches and of a design which allows it to be fired from the shoulder, and this means that it must be fitted with a butt stock. The butt stock can be folding or retractable, but it must be there, otherwise you have a pistol or you have a weapon made from a rifle (which is a no-no). Since the butt stock is the key issue in the definition of a rifle you measure the firearm with the stock extended in order to check the OAL and it must be greater than 26 inches. A SBR is any rifle with a barrel under 16 inches or any firearm made from a rifle that measures under 26 inches. You can fold the stock of a rifle and, as is the case with the M1A1 carbine, get an OAL below 26 inches, but this makes no difference since the OAL with the stock extended is over 26 inches and the carbine was not modified in any way. Now if you remove that stock from that same M1A1 you are under 26 inches and because the stock is gone in trouble!
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  • Nwcid
    quote:Originally posted by givette
    quote:Originally posted by Nwcid
    Of course we all know minimum OAL length on a gun is 26". It is also known that Federally this size is measured with the stock in the open/extended position. Problem is I can not find and actual reference to this. I can find lots of people saying it is measured this way. Does anyone have an actual reference to the way OAL is measured.

    I have done a few web searches and can find tons on how to measure OAL of brass. Also tons on how to measure barrel length.

    So, if you were to close the stock, and it falls under the minimum OAL, it would be Okay? Don't get me wrong, as I also can't cite the source, but it doesn't seem to make sense..am I all wet on this?? Thanks, Joe


    Correct, the ATF ie Federal rules measure the OAL of a gun between the greatest distance. So if you have a semi auto IMI Mini Uzi with a 16" barrel and a folding stock it measures over 26" with the stock open and is legal Federally. If the Mini Uzi with 16" barrel is measured with the stock folded it come in around 24" long but is still Federally legal since they dont measure closed.

    Some States (2 I think) measure from the shortest configuration so the example above would be illegal in those states. They make a 18" Mini Uzi barrel just for places like that.

    Better example. 10/22 with a 18" barrel and a Butler Creek or Ramline folding stock come in at 27" folded. If you put a 16" barrel on then you would have a closed length of 25". Again Feds measure with the stock in the extended/open position so it is not an issue.

    I am just trying to find the reference to that. It is one of those things everyone knows is legal but I am trying to prove it.
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  • Nwcid
    Thanks Mark. I know it is harder to prove something is legal then if it is illegal.

    I had a guy on another board say it is measured closed 3 times now so it must be true even though he can not prove it. Base on his screen name he is an LEO of some kind so that must make it even truer [V]
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