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12/30/2006 8:39:52 AM EDT
I'm thinking about buying a Dixie Consolidated bullpup stock for a 10/22 build.  According to the manufacturer, the OAL is just over 26" with an 18" barrel.

Here is a photo: http://www.bullpup22.50megs.com/images/dc3.jpg

Here is a rough diagram of the system: http://www.bullpup22.50megs.com/images/diagram1b.jpg

I've read the relevant sections of the NFA and regs , and came to the same conclusion as James O. Bardwell did in his NFA FAQ:

"A short barreled rifle is a rifle (which is defined as a shoulder fired, rifled bore firearm) with a barrel length of less than 16", or an overall length of less than 26", or any weapon made from a rifle falling into the same length parameters (like a pistol made from a rifle).  In measuring barrel length you do it from the closed breech to the muzzle, see 27 CFR sec. 179.11.  To measure overall length do so along, "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore." 27 CFR sec. 179.11."

My question pertains to the bold text, above:  If I ordered the Dixie Consolidated stock with a longer handguard tube, so  the distance between the extreme ends of the stock (and thus the weapon) measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore, would I have an SBR is I used a 16" barrel?  My reading of the law and regs suggests it would be, but if I removed the forend tube from the Dixie stock, I'd instantly have an SBR.

I suppose one could weld the barrel clamps and forend mount to one side of the stock.  That way you could still remove the barreled action for maintenance, but the minimum OAL would always be over 26"

The reason I ask is I would like to use a 13 oz. Magnum Research Magnum Lite Graphite barrel.  I'm in WA, so it's not just a matter of not wanting to do the paperwork.  The easiest way for me to avoid SBR status, is probably to use a fluted and compensated 18" Whistle Pig barrel instead (18 oz. IIRC).
12/30/2006 6:24:47 PM EDT
[#1]
hello. i dont really get what you are trying to say. any rifle is legal, as long as the barrel is 16 inches and overall length is 26 inches. doesnt matter how short the stock is. you measure from the end of the barrel to the end of the stock. doesnt matter what kind of handguard you have on it. if you can take a tape and measure 16 inches on your barrel, your good to go on the barrel. if you measure from barrel to the end of stock ( the part that goes on your shoulder ) and its at least 26 inches, you are good to go. it really doesnt get much simpler than that. kirk
12/31/2006 12:19:02 PM EDT
[#2]
If I'm understanding the question and the design correctly, your concern is that the stock adds so little to the rear of the weapon that it won't make the 26" OAL requirement when using a 16" barrel.  I'm I correct on this?
12/31/2006 3:22:09 PM EDT
[#3]
You got it, Hoplophile.  I'll try to clarify for others...

FACTS: A Ruger 10/22 barreled action with the 17" barrel I want in a standard Dixie Consolidated stock will have an OAL of under 26" and be an SBR.

ISSUE:  What can be done (besides using a longer barrel) to avoid SBR status?

RULE: To measure overall length do so along, "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore." 27 CFR sec. 179.11."

ANALYSIS & CONCLUSION:  Increase "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore" by lengthening the stock (1) at the butt end, using a permanently attached extension or (2) at the front end by lengthening the handguard tube beyond the muzzle and permanently attaching it to the rear portion of the stock so the OAL of the stock (and thus theweapon) cannot be less than 26"

You may need to see the stock to understand the question.  Here it is:



Either option (1) or option (2) could be easily implimented by anyone who can weld aluminum or otherwise premanently attach a butt extension or longer handguard tube to one side of the main stock assembly.

I may just contact BATFE to see if I can get them to confirm that these solutions would be accebtible to them.  They should be.

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