Is Cutting a Rifle Barrel Illegal? Understanding Legal Regulations

The legality of shortening a rifle barrel can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. This article aims to clarify the regulations in different countries, focusing on Canada and the United States. Understanding these laws can help firearm enthusiasts remain compliant and avoid legal issues.

Canada: Specific Regulations and Legal Ramifications

In Canada, the regulation pertaining to rifle barrel length is found in Section 84 of the Criminal Code. According to this section, any firearm with a barrel shortened to less than 660 mm (approximately 26 inches) is classified as a prohibited firearm. This means that if you cut a non-restricted firearm down to a barrel length of less than 18 inches, it becomes a prohibited firearm. Engaging in such an action would place you in legal jeopardy. Conversely, if the barrel is cut to 18 inches or longer, the firearm retains its original classification as either restricted or non-restricted.

It is noteworthy that there are firearms with barrel lengths under 18 inches that are not considered prohibited or restricted due to their pre-existing status.

United States: National Firearms Act and Short Barreled Rifles

In contrast to Canada, the rules regarding rifle barrel length in the United States are laid out by the National Firearms Act (NFA), passed in 1934. The NFA initially required a 200-dollar tax and registration for rifles with barrels shorter than 18 inches. In 1968, this threshold was lowered to 16 inches. These regulations are quite stringent, but they still allow for some flexibility.

According to U.S. law, it is illegal to cut a rifle barrel such that it falls below 16 inches if it is intended for use on a rifle, unless you have the proper paperwork and have paid the required tax. Specifically, a firearm with a barrel shorter than 16 inches is considered a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR).

To engage in such modifications legally, you must either purchase an SBR already created by submitting an ATF Form 4, or if you decide to manufacture one yourself, you need to submit an ATF Form 1. This process ensures that the firearm is registered and you have paid the necessary tax.

Furthermore, if a rifle is modified so that it does not fall below 16 inches due to a permanent attachment at the end of the barrel or a modified design, it may not need to be registered as an SBR.

It is also important to note that the overall length of the rifle matters as well. Rifles and shotguns must be 27 inches or longer in total to avoid classification as short barreled rifles or shotguns.

Conclusion: The legality of cutting a rifle barrel depends on the specific regulations in your region. Whether it is legal or not varies from country to country, and even within different states or provinces. Always consult the local laws and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues.