Short barreled rifle question
With the AWB over, could I buy, for example, one of those goofy-looking MP-5 clones with a 16" barrel and then get it cut down to a "normal" size? I know I would have to register it as a Class III weapon, but does doing that require a "pre-ban" rifle or are "no bans" okay?
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I'm no expert in this, but I'm guessing you would have to have it reclassified by a Class II firearms manufacturer as a pistol with a shoulder stock. If I recall, Class III covers machineguns and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches.
Now, where are all the real experts to correct me...
Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.
--General George S. Patton, Jr.0 -
Any rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches requires an SBR tax stamp and is class III. As far as modifying a gun to this extent, I do not believe there is any legal avenue.
Save the seals-club a liberal instead.0 -
Here is another question: Is length measured just by the bbl or does it include the flash suppressor? I found an AR kit I like with a 11 1/2" bbl and a 5 1/2" flash suppressor for a total of 17". The suppressor is permanently welded on,does that make it legal? Here is the one I'm talking about.
http://model1sales.com/item-detail.cfm?ID=KCEXM7&storeid=1&image=carxm177.gif&CFID=8599299&CFTOKEN=28799107&jsessionid=84306f7981dcm$E4$20$
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rimfire,
If I'm not mistaken, a permanently attached extension does count for barrel length. I think that's why a lot of MP5-type "rifles" have those ridiculous looking fake suppressors permanently affixed to them.0 -
It's unlikely.
In general, you can convert a rifle to a SBR if you first request permission to manufacture an SBR from ATF, & pay the $200 "making" fee. However, it is illegal to "manufacture" any gun whose importation would not be approved; since they are unlikely to approve importation of a SBR MP5-clone, they will not give you permission to make one.
I believe that's why you won't find any semi-auto Uzi's with a short barrel, either.
Neal0 -
EMM, it is perfectly legal for you to buy a MP5 clone and then shorten the barrel. Bobcat makes an MP5 clone with a fake suppressor that is "permenently" attached to make the barrel the legal length. They will sell you the firearm, and then you send in a Form 1 to the ATF saying that you want to manufacture a SBR. When the ATF sends you approval, then Bobcat will give you the directions for removing the "permenently" attached suppressor. I believe the suppressor is soldered on. IT will cost you $200 to do the Form 1.
"My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks
Jess Hoffman
Mooseyard Precision
LE Supply & Firearms
NRA Certified Instructor
Shawano, WI 541660 -
Mooseyard and co.,
Thank you much for your responses. They were quite helpful.0
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