I am trying to find out what kind of hassles are gone through to build a rifle over 50 caliber in the USA. When I talked to the BATF they said I had to send the Firearms Technology Branch a proposal with the exact details of what I wanted to build including photos. I know people on this list claim to own various 577 caliber and larger rifles, have you gone through this procedure, if not how do you know your weapons aren't destructive devices by law? Thanks in advance for the info.
Jason

Who said they went through anything to build a .577 T-Rex or .585 Nyati? Or a .600 OK? I haven't. Ever.

Try a google search for batf and look at the regs of the '68 anti-civil rights act. "Sporting exemption".

[ 05-04-2003, 11:00: Message edited by: Roger Rothschild ]

Just picked up my 577 NE,no hassle at all,it is clasifeied as a sporting arm!

I found where The term "destructive device" shall not include any device which the Secretary of the Treasury finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, is an antique, or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting, recreational or cultural purposes. I guess my question is is there a list of exempted things or is everyone acting under the principle of "it is better to beg forgiveness then to ask permission." That is in assuming that their ultra big bore is automatically under the above provision. I am not doubting these rifles can be legally built I am just making sure I am not violating anything by doing so, the fact the AFT wants a packet sent for approval prior to making the rifle makes me wonder. Of course the fact that it took an assistant department head to answer my question doesn't install confidence in the AFT either... Thanks for the info, I guess a little more research is needed on my end.
Jason

How big of a rifle are you wanting to build?

I am planning on building a repeating rifle in .585 caliber, I haven't decided which flavor yet as I am still in the early research stages. The .577 Tyrannasaur is the most attractive except that I have found A-Square's service to be erratic at best, at least Nyati cases are avaliable from other sources or can be made.
Jason

Hello Mr. 54 !!

I think you should build a custom .577 Tyrannosaur. Get a synthetic stock from mcmillan,,,barrel from Pac-nor,,25 inches,,action from Vektor, granite mountains, prairie gun works or the new MRC something with a bolt face measuring 0.800 which is quite large. The others measuring .750 and is satisfying enough.
You could get ammunition from Horneber in Deutschland.
Just my advice for a rifle set up,,and don't forget to add weight to the rifle,,and perhaps a KDF MUZZLEBRAKE !

You should as well fit your stock with a F990 recoilpad,,which is said to be ugly but effective as hell !!Then you will be ready for launching 750 gr. bullets to 2600 fps !!

Thanks for the advice! I am still doing my research but am definately leaning toward the T-Rex, especially if I can get cases somewhere other then A2. Right now I am trying to ID the right action to use and then will go from there. Since I am working my way through school at the moment it takes a little longer for me to do things but depending on suppliers and lead times I should be able to finance the venture in 6 months total, including reamer, barrel and action. Most of the work will be done in house. I am leaning toward not using a break, my .458 Lott and the .500 Jeffery we did on a VZ24 mauser action don't have breaks and are fine to shoot. Thanks again,
Jason

I recently spoke to Jim at A-Square and their ammo line is up and running on a limited basis. I am buying some 338-06 brass for my Hammilcar rifle. Before anyone starts their tirades about A-Square, I am aware of their history and have hade some difficulties myself. With that said, I was told all of their ammo manufacturing equipment has been refurbished and modernized to ensure tight tolerances and quality control. I am going to try them out and give them another chance with 100 pieces of 338-06. They are currently producing 500 A-Square, 577 T-rex and 505 Gibbs to meet back orders. More cartridges are on the agenda. I would definitely recommend you give them a call for information before you begin a project like this, more information is always better. Just my $0.02

Redleg,
I'm not bad mouthing A2, heck the gunshop I manage does business with them regularly but they have their "challanges." When I talked to Art today he said the 577 T-Rex brass was in "draw 3" and would be ready soon. He also confirmed what I had learned about building over .50 cal rifles, you have to have an exemption letter from the ATF to build a certain caliber and type of rifle. You can ask for a one off or a blanket (to mass poduce T-Rexs for example) but you need the letter. Your request should include good info on the round (photo copy the page out of Any Shot You Want or Cartidges of the World, explain that military ammo cannot be used, you will only be firing inert lead rounds or like, and give information on the platform you are building (double rifle, bolt gun, ect.) I have the address to send it too if anyone is interested.

Redleg,

What were you quoted for the cases if I may ask?

Sharps54,
Sounds like we are on the same sheet of music. I was just trying to discourage the dismisal of A-Square as an information source based on past performance. It sounds like they may finally get their act together, let's hope so.

Roger,
I was given an initial quote of $50/100. This is a little high, but I am hopeful of good quality. A-Square is currently the only place that even offers 338-06 headstamped brass. If the quality is good, I don't mind paying for it. Jim talked about a lot of prices dropping some based on effeciency, we'll see what happens. The 338-06 should be available mid-July based on current production schedules.