I'd get that BATF info in writing before proceeding.
View Quote
The only person I know personally that has writen to the BATF about a firearm had it taken away, and he is still facing possible charges. This was over a beat-up, rusted $60 SKS. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of their accusation that my pile of parts is a small machine gun. I don't have the money to defend myself (that's why I'm building something cheap in the first place), and I'm 73, so 10 years in Club Fed would probably be the rest of my life.
You're saying that on an open-bolt weapon the barrel length is measured from the bolt face in the OPEN position?
View Quote
Yes, I have been told that over the phone by three different BATF agents. Each time, I asked if they were sure, and I got a positive response.
From the National Firearms Act:
"the length of the barrel on a shotgun or rifle shall be determined by measuring the distance between the muzzle and the face of the bolt, breech, or breechlock when closed and when the shotgun or [b]rifle is cocked[/b]."
Notice that you measure between the muzzle and the bolt face while it is cocked. On an open-bolt, you can legally have a barrel (as measured from chamber to muzzle) much shorter than 16".z