A hypothetical NFA question

So I want to start by saying that I have zero practical plans connected with this question, it's just a hypothetical "what if." That said...

I understand that there are minimum barrel lengths for both rifles and shotguns as mandated in the National Firearms Act. I also understand that for legal purposes, muzzle-loading black powder devices do not meet the definition of a firearm, i.e. do not require a background check, can be shipped in the mail between non-FFLs, etc., etc..

But. Let's say that Bubba takes his hacksaw to a CVA flinter and cuts it down to a 14-inch barrel.

Does that suddenly make the CVA flinter an NFA short-barreled rifle, or an NFA destructive device, or an NFA Any Other Weapon, etc., etc....?

AaronB (wondering what the actual law says)

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Those rules do not apply to muzzleloaders. There have actually been commercial sales of SxS caplock shotguns with 14” barrels, and the building of flintlock “canoe” guns and “blanket” trade guns is quite common amongst reenactment aficionados. Those can have barrels anywhere from 10” on up, in a variety of gauges.

I have seen short barreled muzzleloading rifles meant for stalking game in tight circumstances, or to pack into high country more easily, but typically those aren’t as common as shortened smoothbores.

Otony

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You could buy 12" or 14" leverguns from the factory!

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Ele era velho.
Ele era corajoso.
Ele era feio.

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the 12" (IIRC) Winchester 25-35 Model 1885 singleshot bull barrel rifle in the museum in Craig, Colorado. Short, handy package. I don't know the story behind this particular 1885, but wish I did. I'd love to know the reasoning behind short bullbarrel singleshot. It seems like it'd be handy for horseback packing. I'm guessing the bullbarrel was to put a bit more weight out front for steadying one's aim a bit.

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Check this out!

Shooting Patched Round Balls in a Baker Cavalry Shotgun

It's a one of these:

The Pedersoli Baker Cavalry Shotgun

-AaronB

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Looks cool but an easy way to blow one's foot off with a slight handling mistake.

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I have listed over those for years since seeing them (short ML shotguns) in the Dixie catalog many moons ago! As has been stated, totally legal as far as NFA. Some guys will talk/write about carrying a C&B revolver in areas where ‘normal’ carry isn’t legal and that can get into issues where even though it’s ‘not a gun’ it’s still a deadly weapon and can land you in hot water whether you have to use it defensively or not.

In a similar vein is a thought I have had for years, but never wanted to be a Guinea pig to find out…. Pre-98 antiques. They are also technically ‘not a gun’ and if you buy one say online, out of state, it can legally be shipped directly to you. So, say a fella buys a Remington 1889, a shotgun with provable pre-98 manufacture dates. Cuts it down to say 12” and has fun with it. Legal? Should be! Do I want to lose my life savings defending that theory in federal court against a fancy lawyer that is better than I can afford, even though my tax dollars are paying for him? Nope. Makes much more sense to jsut pay the $200 and jump through the hoops and have a ‘legal’ SBS. Now, in a few months, the $200 part is going away, not that has been a huge barrier to me in the past, but for some reason, I’ve not yet got a SBS, but once things settle down and wait times hopefully get lower again, I’ll probably go ahead with the process.

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To the point of buying guns (muzzle loaders) to cut down. But I just don't trust anyone enough to risk it. ("Anyone" being state/county police, conservation officers and the like.) Couldn't see risking ruining my life for 6" of barrel on what would be a very occasional toy.

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