Confused on overall length

smince · December 23, 2004, 08:10 AM

I have posted this on other forums, and gotten pretty much the same answer, but it doesn't really make sense to me.

The semi Uzi has a 16" barrel, legal minimum. Also, I know that legal minimum for a long gun is 26". However, the Uzi carbine, according to my measurements and the manual, is only around 23-24" with stock folded.

I have been told that BATFE lets minimum be measured with the stock extended, making overall around 31". I guess this doesn't make sense to me, like a lot the Gov't does.

Can someone please explain this in English?

shaggy · December 23, 2004, 09:19 AM

I think you pretty much answered your own question; unless its registered as a MG or SBR, a rifle has to be at least 26" OAL with the stock extended, and have at least a 16" barrel.

smince · December 23, 2004, 11:39 AM

I had always thought it was 26" minimum, period. I mean, some actions wouldn't allow less than 26", even with stock folded. But the Uzi can be fired(though inaccurately) with the stock folded(or removed) and this is under the 26".

Trapp · December 23, 2004, 01:00 PM

The overall length is the "designed use" length. This means that it would be measured with the stock extended, giving you the "correct length" of the weapon. This is the standard for (Federal) LEO's to enforce. Not sure about state laws though.

Greenfurniture · December 25, 2004, 10:39 AM

Trapp is correct. If you check many AR15 and AK carbine with folders or tele-stocks you'll notice that many of them fall just shy of the magic 26" when collapsed. When extended they meet the requirement, which of course is the purpose.

December 23, 2004, 08:10 AM	#1
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	Confused on overall length I have posted this on other forums, and gotten pretty much the same answer, but it doesn't really make sense to me. The semi Uzi has a 16" barrel, legal minimum. Also, I know that legal minimum for a long gun is 26". However, the Uzi carbine, according to my measurements and the manual, is only around 23-24" with stock folded. I have been told that BATFE lets minimum be measured with the stock extended, making overall around 31". I guess this doesn't make sense to me, like a lot the Gov't does. Can someone please explain this in English?

December 23, 2004, 01:00 PM	#4
Trapp Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: KTN Posts: 1,221	The overall length is the "designed use" length. This means that it would be measured with the stock extended, giving you the "correct length" of the weapon. This is the standard for (Federal) LEO's to enforce. Not sure about state laws though. __________________ HDR Ban!? It's a shame all of my guns sank with my boat last week... Time to catch up.....like mayonnaise

December 25, 2004, 10:39 AM	#5
Greenfurniture Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2004 Location: Knoxville, TN Posts: 209	Trapp is correct. If you check many AR15 and AK carbine with folders or tele-stocks you'll notice that many of them fall just shy of the magic 26" when collapsed. When extended they meet the requirement, which of course is the purpose. __________________ Drink your Kool-Aid, follow me.

December 23, 2004, 09:19 AM	#2
shaggy Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Posts: 1,519	I think you pretty much answered your own question; unless its registered as a MG or SBR, a rifle has to be at least 26" OAL with the stock extended, and have at least a 16" barrel.

December 23, 2004, 11:39 AM	#3
smince Junior member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Northeast Alabama Posts: 2,580	I had always thought it was 26" minimum, period. I mean, some actions wouldn't allow less than 26", even with stock folded. But the Uzi can be fired(though inaccurately) with the stock folded(or removed) and this is under the 26".