I was discussing this in another thread here and it seems as though, for instance, a modern .600NE would be a "destructive device", or for than matter any modern rifle with a bore above .50. Is that correct?

[This message has been edited by Gatogordo (edited 09-09-2001).]

BATF website will answer your questions.

Well, gee, what a helpful response. As far as I can tell the ATF web site does not answer that question except in the negative, that is that they would be classed as "destructive devices" and thus Firearms under the Fed Firearms Act of 1934. There is some wiggle room in the "commonly available ammuntion" clause and in the following from the Act:

"Firearm. (a) A shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (b) a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length; (c) a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (d) a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length; (e) any other weapon, as defined in this subpart; (f) a machinegun; (g) a muffler or a silencer for any firearm whether or not such firearm is included within this definition; and (h) a destructive device. The term shall not include an antique firearm or any device (other than a machinegun or destructive device) which, although designed as a weapon, the Director finds by reason of the date of its manufacture, value, design, and other characteristics is primarily a collector's item and is not likely to be used as a weapon. For purpose of this definition, 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 rifle is cocked. The overall length of a weapon made from a shotgun or rifle is the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore."

End quoted text.

As far as I can tell, 600 doubles, etc are NOT listed as Curios and Relics, which I assume they would be if the Director has determined them not to come under the act, and thus may be classed as firearms in the legal sense of the term.

I don't know the answer and I thought some of you guys might. Surely someone has gotten a determination of this over the years and surely the Feds did not hold that a .600 NE Rigby was a firearm, but I don't know if that is the case or not. Does anyone else?

They are under the "not likely to be used as a weapon" exception. However, since this is not the same as the definition for "curio or relic", they are not listed as such.

John

John:

Thanks, I assumed as much, where is there any verification of that fact?

If you look at SSK's web site they imply that the over .50's require BATF approval, which they claim to have.

http://www.sskindustries.com/rifle.htm
This of any help?
C.G.B.