Minimum barrel lenght for S12

[WA-Tom 0]

OK I have been tasked with shortening a couple S12's to their minimum legal length without going NFA. I think theres only 1/2" I can trim off to make it 18.5" and thats not worth the effort. I am being told otherwise. So the question is where does the chamber face or measuring point begin on a S12? I would say it's from the bolt face on a closed bolt in the receiver. My boss says it's from the extension. I need to please my boss, but don't need to break the law. Because in the end, I cannot tell ATF that I did it just because I was told to. They would still come after me.

[madmax4x4 68]

It is from closed bolt to the end of the barrel not the extension. 18 inches or it is an sbs. If the extension is welded then it would be from closed bolt to extension but if you cut it less then 18 for just a short time it is a no no. You could take it to a smith, sot but keep in mind if you cut it down you will lose gas and it my not run low brass.

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

Minimum non NFA barrel length is 18", measured from the closed bolt face to the end of the barrel. Unless you have the correct federal licensing, or NFA tax stamp for an SBS for the specific shotgun you are working on, by cutting the barrel down below 18" even temporarily, you have made and are in possession of an unlawful SBS.

 

Splitting hairs over barrel length is a fools game. An indisputable 18 1/4" beats a questionable 18" length any day. Even if they are mistaken, all it takes to ruin your day, and lose your firearm permanently is the attention of an overzealous county mounty with a $1.50 Chinese made tape measure and bad depth perception.

 

I am not a law enforcement officer, or an attorney - but its a pretty good bet that a boss who compells or coerces their employees into crossing the line with regard to firearms laws is committing a crime.

 

If someone asks (or instructs) you to do something you believe to be unlawful, just say no.

[vinnivanhood 17]

It is from closed bolt to the end of the barrel not the extension. 18 inches or it is an sbs. If the extension is welded then it would be from closed bolt to extension but if you cut it less then 18 for just a short time it is a no no. You could take it to a smith, sot but keep in mind if you cut it down you will lose gas and it my not run low brass.

I can attest to that, had all three ports opened and it still wont cycle the cheep stuff - YET

[WA-Tom 0]

Just so were clear, the boss I speak of is a class 2 SOT so NFA is possible, but he insists the the guns be non NFA. I dissagree with the instructions I am getting. I was pretty sure it was from the bolt face on a closed bolt, so your statement is pretty much confirmation.

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

Just so were clear, the boss I speak of is a class 2 SOT so NFA is possible, but he insists the the guns be non NFA. I dissagree with the instructions I am getting. I was pretty sure it was from the bolt face on a closed bolt, so your statement is pretty much confirmation.

 

A quick call to a specialist at ATF NFA branch will quickly resolve any questions with regard to what is within the law and what is not. I have found the specialists there to be extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They would much rather have you call to get valid information from them before proceeding, than (for them) to have to testify about the law, rules and regulations as expert witnesses after the fact. When I have a question about NFA and firearms laws, rules, and procedures I call them.

 

Best regards,

 

Mike Rogers, 07FFL/SOT

Lone Star Arms