Cutting Down (Shortening) Rifle and Shotgun Barrels

[Cat Brules]

NOTE:  This is NOT legal advice, but simply something to consider and research on your own before you act..  You must check the legalities of that yourself.
 

Just a note of advice for you to check on, before you cut a barrel down.

 

Do not ever cut a rifle or shotgun barrel (or any other barrel) to the exact legal limit.  Never buy a gun with the barrel trimmed right down to the exact legal limit either.   Same reason (below).

 

if you are off a 16th of an inch or an 8th of an inch, etc., you will get a ticket and a fine and, depending on the attitude of the agent, he may toss you in jail.  Your weapon will be confiscated as well, if it is determined that your weapon’s barrel is too short.
 

 If you cut a barrel down, always cut it off leaving at least a half inch extra over the legal limit....... 1 inch might be better.  Also, leaving the extra length will leave you enough barrel length to square off the barrel in case you cut it crooked.

KNOW where the law says the barrel for the weapon you intend to work on begins and ends for the gun.  Sometimes it’s at the beginning of the chamber and sometimes not.

 

I suggest you do not buy a gun that has been trimmed exactly, right down to the legal limit.  Then, “they” could claim the saw kerf put the gun under the legal limit.   Also, leaving the extra length will leave you enough to square off the barrel in case you cut it crooked.

Leave an easily-defined extra length to the barrel as I noted.

 

You might want to check with your gunsmith to verify what I’ve said above, so you will feel better about it.  Better yet, call the Federal Alcohol Tobacco And Firearms department (ATFE) closest to you and chat with an agent there.  They will give you the legal limits for barrel lengths for various types of firearms.  Be sure to get that person’s name.

 

if you are going to do it yourself, then do it yourself properly
 

 Cat Brules

[PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L]

Quote

The ATF procedure for measuring barrel length is to measure from the closed bolt (or breech-face) to the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device. Permanent methods of attachment include full-fusion gas or electric steel-seam welding, high-temperature (1100°F) silver soldering, or blind pinning with the pin head welded over. Barrels are measured by inserting a dowel rod into the barrel until the rod stops against the bolt or breech-face. The rod is then marked at the furthermost end of the barrel or permanently attached muzzle device, withdrawn from the barrel, and measured.

SOURCE

[Barry Sloe]

Good advice.   I purchased a sawed off SG at a BATF auction years ago.  Barrels are 18 3/8" long.  

 

Take care, 

BS

[Goody, SASS #26190]

Another caveat is check what the OAL limit is for the firearm.