08-14-2018, 09:50 PM
A barrel with a 12" barrel should easily exceed 26" when measured from the end of the rec. ext to the end of the barrel threads, only measure with a muzzle device if it has been permanently attached, at least that was how it was to be considered the way to measure back in the day but times are charging. ATF doesn't list a length on pistols that I've ever seen, the 26" verbiage comes from being able to conceal an AOW from what I recall. If you place a VFG on a pistol that meets or exceeds 26" it then is consider a "Firearm" in the eyes of the ATF, remove the VFG and it becomes a pistol again. Also to add do not conceal a pistol that is 26"+ with a VFG as that "firearm " would then be considered an AOW and would need a stamp.
Recently have seen the ATF make two different measurements that have been posted. One concerns using a brace and they stated at the time to measure as you would a rifle (stock fully extended) with the brace extended, not all are on board with this way to measure and wonder if they measured in that particular instance on a whim to self serve themselves.
Another instance involved using a LAW Tactical folding brace, in this case they measured with the brace/folder closed to the backside of the folding attachment to the end of the barrel threads. That caused quite the stir as in this case the firearm had a VFG and that ATF agent declared it an AOW as it fell short of the 26"+ OAL. This was the first time ATF had measured a firearm not fully extended, I assume partly due to the firearm being able to be fired "One Time". This has yet to play out in court but surely it is coming. Had the firearm in question not have a VFG on it at the time of confiscation it would have been a non-issue for most unless that item would have then been breaking some state law.
The real issue is that pistol measurement has yet to be codified so there is a gray cloud that looms. My safe bet is to measure from the shortest possible configuration to be on the safe side so I measure as I first mentioned, end of the tube to the end of the barrel threads. I don't own any LAW folders and generally do not use VFG's and live in a fairly free state for now, so I just go for the minimum to play it safe.
Recently have seen the ATF make two different measurements that have been posted. One concerns using a brace and they stated at the time to measure as you would a rifle (stock fully extended) with the brace extended, not all are on board with this way to measure and wonder if they measured in that particular instance on a whim to self serve themselves.
Another instance involved using a LAW Tactical folding brace, in this case they measured with the brace/folder closed to the backside of the folding attachment to the end of the barrel threads. That caused quite the stir as in this case the firearm had a VFG and that ATF agent declared it an AOW as it fell short of the 26"+ OAL. This was the first time ATF had measured a firearm not fully extended, I assume partly due to the firearm being able to be fired "One Time". This has yet to play out in court but surely it is coming. Had the firearm in question not have a VFG on it at the time of confiscation it would have been a non-issue for most unless that item would have then been breaking some state law.
The real issue is that pistol measurement has yet to be codified so there is a gray cloud that looms. My safe bet is to measure from the shortest possible configuration to be on the safe side so I measure as I first mentioned, end of the tube to the end of the barrel threads. I don't own any LAW folders and generally do not use VFG's and live in a fairly free state for now, so I just go for the minimum to play it safe.