Barrel length limit?

[zachomega]

As most of us know, a rifle is limited to a minimum barrel and overall length or else it becomes an sbr.

Is there any limit going the other direction? Is there anything stopping you from using an 18" barrel on an ar pistol?

I know, you are thinking, that seems entirely impractical.

My question is leading to, what is to stop somebody from having a rifle length barrel, a brace, and still being allowed to keep their rifle loaded in their car? My understanding is that you can never have a loaded long gun in your car legally (even with a ltcf).

-Zach

[knight0334]

For federal law - Handguns can have a barrel 10+ miles long, and as short as what is needed to impart rifling marks and rotation on a projectile.

The definition of a pistol/handgun is: A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand. ...that is it.

For a PA defined firearm: A pistol or revolver with a barrel less than 15", a rifle with barrel less than 16", a shotgun with a barrel less than 18", or any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun with an overall length less than 26".


So, if you want to carry/transport it loaded in a vehicle and it is a "pistol" or "revolver", it better be at least under 26" OAL.

For a rifle/shotgun, it must fall under SBS/SBR/AOW and be properly tax stamped. Anything that isn't a PA defined "firearm" cannot be transported in a vehicle loaded.

[zachomega]

Thank you! That makes more sense of it legally. But it hardly makes sense logically.

Laws are goofy regarding what you can and cannot transport loaded. Loaded 10/22 and you are breaking the law. Loaded ar pistol with a brace and you are not.

-Zach

[Sgt.K]

For federal law - Handguns can have a barrel 10+ miles long, and as short as what is needed to impart rifling marks and rotation on a projectile.

The definition of a pistol/handgun is: A firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand. ...that is it.

For a PA defined firearm: A pistol or revolver with a barrel less than 15", a rifle with barrel less than 16", a shotgun with a barrel less than 18", or any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun with an overall length less than 26".


So, if you want to carry/transport it loaded in a vehicle and it is a "pistol" or "revolver", it better be at least under 26" OAL.

For a rifle/shotgun, it must fall under SBS/SBR/AOW and be properly tax stamped. Anything that isn't a PA defined "firearm" cannot be transported in a vehicle loaded.

All of the above in mind:

Lets say a standard AR lower with a basic pistol buffer tube. From y'all's personal experience, what's the longest barrel that will stay under 26"?

[ArmyVet]

Bizzare...

So, a pistol with a barrel length of less than 15" but an overall length of greater than 26" is legal to own in PA but must be transported unloaded?

[Mr_Gixxer]

Bizzare...

So, a pistol with a barrel length of less than 15" but an overall length of greater than 26" is legal to own in PA but must be transported unloaded?

Incorrect

[ArmyVet]

Incorrect

What is incorrect? Is it legal to own?

[Xringshooter]

The definition on the SP4-113 (Application/Record of Sale) is: "Does this purchase involve a pistol or revolver with a barrel length of less than 15 inches, a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, a rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a firearm with an overall length of less than 26 inches.

The ATF is taking the position that because a stabilizing brace is not an integral part of the firearm, it is not relevant to the overall length measurement.

Here is the long, thorough explanation (from the Prince Law Offices) and it is very good and worth reading: https://blog.princelaw.com/2019/07/0...ilizing-brace/

[knight0334]

Bizzare...

So, a pistol with a barrel length of less than 15" but an overall length of greater than 26" is legal to own in PA but must be transported unloaded?

The key word is "or".

If the dimensions meet any one of those criteria, it is a PA defined "firearm".

It is the reason why the Mossberg Shockwave and similar guns were defined as a "firearm" even though they exceed 26" OAL to pass NFA muster.

However, not every LEO or DA is fully educated to gun laws, and you may still have to prove your case in front of a judge/jury.


The 26" OAL is kinda a catch-all for "firearms" in PA regardless of barrel length. If you have an AR pistol with a barrel over 15" and a AOL over 26" - it isn't a "firearm", thus must be transported unloaded. If you want to transport loaded and have a LTCF, I recommend trying to be under 15" barrel AND 26" OAL just to cover your ass.

[ArmyVet]

The key word is "or".

If the dimensions meet any one of those criteria, it is a PA defined "firearm".

It is the reason why the Mossberg Shockwave and similar guns were defined as a "firearm" even though they exceed 26" OAL to pass NFA muster.

However, not every LEO or DA is fully educated to gun laws, and you may still have to prove your case in front of a judge/jury.


The 26" OAL is kinda a catch-all for "firearms" in PA regardless of barrel length. If you have an AR pistol with a barrel over 15" and a AOL over 26" - it isn't a "firearm", thus must be transported unloaded. If you want to transport loaded and have a LTCF, I recommend trying to be under 15" barrel AND 26" OAL just to cover your ass.

Understood...thanks