Shotgun Reciever... what is it?

[kayak-man]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a quick legal check on a potential project.

Short Version: What is considered the "receiver" of a shotgun. do the internals count, or is it just the metal that contains the internals, like on an AR or AK? Anything different, from a LEGAL stand point, about what is considered the receiver of a break action shotgun vs a pump or autoloader? My project is single and sxs specific.

Long Version: I live in Washington state, where we can't have any Short Barreled Shotguns or Short Barreled Rifles, but AOWs are ok. I've always wanted a Lupara style "sawn off" shotgun, but in order for it to be an AOW, I need to start with a receiver that has never had a stock on it.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a standard side by side shotgun, manufacturing my own receiver, and then using the factory made gun for parts to make it work.

Does my plan hold water from a legal stand point?

Thanks guys,
Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[dogtown tom]

kayak-man ....What is considered the "receiver" of a shotgun. do the internals count, or is it just the metal that contains the internals, like on an AR or AK?

ATF determines what part is considered the "receiver" and it will always have the serial# marked on it. (pre '68 firearms not inc)

Some firearms have internal fire control groups that are considered "receivers", but I know of no shotgun with that feature.

Anything different, from a LEGAL stand point, about what is considered the receiver of a break action shotgun vs a pump or autoloader? My project is single and sxs specific.

Well..........the receiver IS the receiver. On a typical SxS it is not the barrel, not the buttstock, not the forearm.....its the big part with a serial# thats left over

I'm toying with the idea of buying a standard side by side shotgun, manufacturing my own receiver, and then using the factory made gun for parts to make it work.
Does my plan hold water from a legal stand point?

Simply replacing the factory receiver with a homemade receiver does not make it an AOW.........you need to read what the ATF definition of an AOW is.

You plan sounds waaaay more expensive than just buying a ready made AOW. (AOW's transfer for a $5 tax stamp, manufacturing an AOW is a $200 stamp)

 

[Jim K]

The receiver of a single or double barrel shotgun is the part that has the standing breech and water table. I am not sure about the legal standpoint, but making your own shotgun receiver is simply not feasible unless you are a highly skilled machinist and have plenty of time.

Jim

 

[TRX]

As I read the ATF regs, you need the $200 stamp to create an AOW, $5 to transfer one already made.

 

[Prince Yamato]

There are AOW SxS available. They run $800-1000. A number of years ago, a shotgun company (Ithaca, I think) sold off old inventory and a couple companies bought their bare receivers and converted them.

 

[justashooter in pa]

agreed that a short barreled shotgun on a virgin receiver can be titled as either an SBS or an AOW. agreed that machining a receiver from a double would be difficult, and expensive.