I want to get started on my next project. I going to scratch build a 10/22 carbine with an AC556 style folding stock. My current design calls for a 16.5" barrel. The OAL with the stock folded will be 24.25". The OAL with the stock extended will be 35.5". My question is, does the ATF measure OAL with the stock folded or open? I want to keep this build short as possible but I will bump it up to a 18.5" barrel if I have to.


Fixed.

26" OAL for a rifle or else it is a Short Barreled Rifle. OAL is the maximum length from the muzzle to the farthest point. If the farthest point is not in a straight line from the barrel, you extend a line from that point so it is perpendicular to the line of the barrel. In other words, you can't measure a diagonal line like a tv screen. The line is measured with any folding or telescoping stock extended to its maximum length, but you will be short at 24.5".

Stock open or extended.

Oops, I just notice an error in my first post. The barrel will be 16.5". The OAL with the stock folded will be 24.25". The OAL with the stock extended will be 35.5".

Absolutely legal.