TargetTalk

JJJJJJ · Joined: 18 Aug 2010 Posts: 27

I'm thinking a .22 shoulder fired rifle with a barrel < 16" is illegal even if its a bolt action right?

mtncwru · Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 122 Location: San Diego, CA

According to the US BATFE's FAQ page, an SBR is any rifle with a barrel less than 16". I take that to mean that neither the type of action, nor whether the weapon is chambered in a rimfire vs. centerfire cartridge, has any effect on whether it is an SBR and thus regulated under the NFA.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/national-firearms-act-short-barreled-rifles-shotguns.html

sbrmike · Joined: 04 Mar 2011 Posts: 145 Location: Potter County, PA

Less than 16 inches is not illegal, but it must be registered through the BATFE as a Short Barreled Rifle. There are many restrictions with SBR's; among them you must submit a form to transport it across state lines; also some states do not permit SBR's at all.

There are some notable exceptions to the less than 16" requirement, but they are listed by name and or serial number range, i.e. some Steven's Crackshots and early Marlin model .22's, etc.