answer a question on short barreled rifles please

[TedBeau]

I bought an AK-47 a year ago and when I got it I noticed that the barrel lenght measures about 17 inches if I recall correctly. It originally had a simple muzzle nut on it. I ordered a Tapco muzzle brake that added an extra inch and a half so it now measures over 18 inches. My question is from what I understood a barrel needs to be 18 inches to be legal unless you have the federal paperwork for a short barreled rifle. Are AK's with less than 18 inch barrels legal because thats the way they were manufactured, and does adding a muzzle break really count towards the overall length anyways?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[CJM]

Minimum legal rifle length is 16". Shotgun is 18".

[ANGLICO]

The other issue you might want to consider, if it matters where you are, is different states have different laws on the minimum overall length of semi-auto rifles (left over from the AWB). For example, in CA the minimum overall length of the semi-auto rifle is 26 inches. So, certain Bull Pup stock designs are not legal, regardless of the barrel length.

[atctimmy]

Minimum legal rifle length is 16". Shotgun is 18".

^^^^ This.

[OPFOR]

The FEDERAL minimum overall length for a rifle, with any collapsing or telescoping stock extended, is 26". This is applicable in ALL states. Some states may have stricter restrictions (though I have never heard of any), but the 26" minimum is a part of the National Firearms Act and cannot be made less stringent by any state.

[ANGLICO]

The FEDERAL minimum overall length for a rifle, with any collapsing or telescoping stock extended, is 26". This is applicable in ALL states. Some states may have stricter restrictions (though I have never heard of any), but the 26" minimum is a part of the National Firearms Act and cannot be made less stringent by any state.

Thank you for the education on that. I have to read more.

Edited: I get it now. Thanks.

Semper Fi

[Smitty901]

Minimum legal rifle length is 16". Shotgun is 18".

May wish to check that , they sell a lot of them
Huldra » Rifles » Huldra Mark IV Tactical Evo 14.5

[IAm_Not_Lost]

May wish to check that , they sell a lot of them
Huldra » Rifles » Huldra Mark IV Tactical Evo 14.5

The barrels on the Huldra are 14.5 + a permanently affixed flash hider, making the total length 16".

[JaySkiBum]

May wish to check that , they sell a lot of them
Huldra » Rifles » Huldra Mark IV Tactical Evo 14.5

Read the description. It says "permanently affixed flash suppressor". Yes, the barrel is 14.5", but the flash hider is 1.5" and tacked on with a weld (most likely) making the complete length of the 'barrel' 16".

[CJM]

May wish to check that , they sell a lot of them
Huldra » Rifles » Huldra Mark IV Tactical Evo 14.5

Uh, no, you should check them out again. As already pointed out, those barrels have permanently attached flash hiders putting them over the 16" minimum, which is Federal law and can't be superceded.

[TedBeau]

Thanks for the replies. So my AK with the 17 inch barrel is OK even if I decided to take the muzzle brake off. I am leaving it on though because I think it looks better and it may help with recoil control.

[blitzburgh]

Glad I read this thread, learned something new. Thanks guys.

[ghost tracker]

And remember, overall rifle length is +26" EXTENDED! As long as the barrel +16" it can be as short as mechanically possible with the stock folded or retracted. There is no folded minimum rifle length.