Any legal issues converting a revolver to a single shot?

[techdude]

Just what the title says. Are there any legal reasons not to convert a revolver to a break action single shot pistol?

Basicly cut the frame just behind the cylinder and reuse the grip, hammer and internals. Welding a new front half of the frame on it and replacing the barrel.

[raxar]

Just what the title says. Are there any legal reasons not to convert a revolver to a break action single shot pistol?

Basicly cut the frame just behind the cylinder and reuse the grip, hammer and internals. Welding a new front half of the frame on it and replacing the barrel.

Provided you don't mess up the serial number I don't know why it would be a problem. Not sure what the point is though, there are easier ways to turn it into a single shot than doing all that.

[techdude]

Serial is on the grip portion of the frame. Serial untouched for this.

There may be easier ways but this is what I want. Its an obsolete cartridge and not working properly. This would make it usable again and be a fun project.

[hog45]

Sounds interesting.

You should post some pictures of it, and take new pics at each step of the process.
I would be interested in seeing how this develops.

[McSull]

Welding changes the heat treat on the frame, weakening it.

[knight0334]

Welding changes the heat treat on the frame, weakening it.

^ this.

And if the gun is that old, chambered for obsolete cartridges, the steel is probably low grade to begin with.

What make and model gun is it? I'm not ruling anything out, but if we know what we're dealing with it may help sway from "oh hell no" to "it's possible".

[Delkal]

Like others have said. Legally your OK as long as the serial number is not messed with.

Now I know you didn't ask......but its the "should you even be thinking about this" part that I am concerned with........And I am in the Oh Hell No camp (and I don't need to know many more details).

I assume your not talking about a vintage Colt cowboy revolver (in any condition) and you have an old / common / no name turn of the century pocket gun. Revolvers like that are usually cheap and the weakest design possible and you want to try your luck at welding one up? The internals don't work but instead of fixing it you want to fabricate your own design? I assume its an obsolete low power (even black powder) cartridge......you thinking about a modern higher pressure one? Not even going to comment on the time / cost involved.

Find the internal part that needs replacing and learn to reload........Still a fun project and much easier and much safer. Or sell it.

[USMC3531]

I wouldnt really chamber it for more than rimfire to keep it safe, here is a factory made teargas gun based on a revolver frame 2013-01-14_21-06-41_584_zps86f0721e.jpg

[Bang]

.22LR should be safe. Hell, we used to make zip guns out of auto antennas when we were kids.

ETA....22short would be even safer.

But that rises another question. What will you do with it? Hang it from a lanyard beneath your shirt as a last-ditch BUG?

[techdude]

I wouldnt really chamber it for more than rimfire to keep it safe, here is a factory made teargas gun based on a revolver frame 2013-01-14_21-06-41_584_zps86f0721e.jpg

I have been thinking of getting one of those. I saw some at a local place I think were German 26.5mm if I remember right.