Proprietary BP ammo SBR

[David Drake]

I had a thought the other day that I haven't been able to work out a straight answer for. Let me first make some points:

1. If a person makes a short barreled rifle without ATF paperwork, that is illegal.

2. A black powder firearm would be exempt from this rule.

Here's where my question comes in. What if you made an SBR chambered in a proprietary black powder cartridge? I was thinking a double barrel coach style gun in 50 cal would be pretty slick at about 10 inches. The ammo would be completely custom, and the weapon unable to chamber ammo with smokeless powder.

I should mention I have two tax stamps, and I'm not looking to lose my rights for a gun, no matter how slick. Would a letter to the ATF be a waste of time? Any thoughts on this?

 

[GRIZ22]

I don't think that would fly. You are manufacturing a new cartridge firearm. BP exemptions in the law only apply to replicas not firing fixed ammuntion IIRC. How would you prevent smokeless powder from being used in your cartridge. You could try a letter to ATF.

 

[1911 guy]

I think GRIZZ22 is correct. The exemption isn't actually for black powder, it is for fixed ammunition.

 

[David Drake]

Thanks for the replies guys. And I suppose the ATF would have to take a man on his word that it was only black powder being loaded. At any rate, this was just a curious bug biting at me. Should a full size version manifest, I'll be sure to follow up.

 

[Frank Ettin]

... And I suppose the ATF would have to take a man on his word that it was only black powder being loaded.....

No, ATF wouldn't have to take your word for it.

In any case, the OP is out of luck. So there's nothing more to discuss.