Barrel measuring question

[breacher]

I know the OP related to a rifle barrel - I was just discussing examples.

Yes, I understand that as soon as firearm barrel is chambered, but its a component how do they classify it ?

If its subsequently fitted to a certain receiver its sec 5 but if fitted to another its sec 1. So, until its fitted, how do they pick a classification ??

[TattooedGun]

I know the OP related to a rifle barrel - I was just discussing examples.

Yes, I understand that as soon as firearm barrel is chambered, but its a component how do they classify it ?

If its subsequently fitted to a certain receiver its sec 5 but if fitted to another its sec 1. So, until its fitted, how do they pick a classification ??

I dunno. Perhaps it's classed as the lowest classification it can be, until fitted to something otherwise.

I see what you're saying. an AR-15 barrel could be sec 1 or sec 5 depending on whether it's fitted to a full-auto receiver or not.

I could see it being a case of intent. if you intend from outset to put it on a section 5 firearm, then it will be classified as sec 5. If intended for sec 1 then it's section 1.

Presumably until you fit it to a sec 5 it stays as a sect 1 barrel. once fitted to sec 5 however it would become and stay sec 5. (So an AR dealer could have a rack of chambered barrels ready for fitting and they could all be registered as section 1, but until such time as they choose one and put it on a sec 5 rifle, they all stay sect 1).

Since the only thing a short chambered barrel can be fitted to is a section 5 firearm, it can only be classified as sec 5. However a rifled "tube" (unchambered barrel) is not restricted and can be cut to any size, have the amendments (mod/muzzle break) taking it over the limit for sec 1, and THEN chambered, at which point it becomes registered as a sec 1 barrel.

This is of course only my understanding of the law, and is not to be taken as red.

Someone with more experience is welcome to set me straight if I don't have the understanding right.

[polemass]

Me think-as a technician-first chamber,then cut to lenght,in case you messed up.But RFD/gunsmith must unswer this for us,so HOW DO THAY DO THIS?Ok,why the question?-imagine sec1 vz58 or Saiga,straight pull,cal.7.62x39.Intention is to use surpluss ammo on ranges with restrictions to muzzle velocity/energy.From 10" barrel all is below limits-according to google...so maybe a letter to FLO or local plod first to inform them-and explain where the cath is?-and wait for answer?Or somebody done it already/before?-thnx,JB

[TattooedGun]

Me think-as a technician-first chamber,then cut to lenght,in case you messed up.But RFD/gunsmith must unswer this for us,so HOW DO THAY DO THIS?Ok,why the question?-imagine sec1 vz58 or Saiga,straight pull,cal.7.62x39.Intention is to use surpluss ammo on ranges with restrictions to muzzle velocity/energy.From 10" barrel all is below limits-according to google...so maybe a letter to FLO or local plod first to inform them-and explain where the cath is?-and wait for answer?Or somebody done it already/before?-thnx,JB

I'm not sure your aim here, but you cannot have a 10" barrel.

Perhaps a 10" barrel with a 2" muzzle break always attached. but it could not be the same barrel, as mentioned if you cut the barrel down it becomes sec 5, even if you then add(weld) the muzzle on to make up the length.

My understanding is, by the letter of the law, you would have to start with a barrel blank to cut down to 10", add the muzzle break/shroud/suppressor then chamber the rifle.

yes, it's arse-about-face. but show me some firearms legislation that is not.

[polemass]

Yes,8-10" barrel extended back to 12" by welding muzzle brake-with barrel so short probably it is a must to havet it ?JB

[Mattnall]

I know the OP related to a rifle barrel - I was just discussing examples.

Yes, I understand that as soon as firearm barrel is chambered, but its a component how do they classify it ?

If its subsequently fitted to a certain receiver its sec 5 but if fitted to another its sec 1. So, until its fitted, how do they pick a classification ??

A barrel is just a component part of a firearm and subject to control. Once it is fitted to a firearm it becomes a S1 or S5 or whatever of the firearm in question. Until that time it can take the lowest classification.
There are no S5 parts only parts of S5 weapons. There is a distinction. (BTW a blank becomes a barrel if it is chambered or threaded depending upon the use.)

A short barrel with a permanently fitted muzzle device to take it over the 12" minimum is still a S1 barrel if the weld breaks and the owner gets it fixed. It doesn't become S5 just because for a short while it had malfunctioned/broke. Now if you leave it like this then you are committing an offence.
The same thing with SGCs LR9s that went FA, that was a malfunction and was fixed. These rifles are still S1.
Most of us have seen a malfunctioning or dirty 22LR semi double or fire more than one round per trigger pull when they have malfunctioned. As long as they are removed from service and fixed (or cleaned most most likely) they will still be S1.

[AR15]

''There are no S5 parts only parts of S5 weapons.''

I'm not following that.

A part of a Sec5 weapon like a barrel under 12'' would be a Sec5 component or part when its off the weapon or on it, its always Sec5. I have to lock all mine away.

I have a limit to the amount of prohibited component parts to which 5(1)(a) and 5(1)(aba) apply too.

[AR15]

Another example - you take a barrel blank - unchambered so its not a component. You cut it to 10" and its still not a component. You chamber it. What classification is it ?

Section 5 The minute you chamber it, is the minute it gets classified as a rifle barrel and a 10" rifle barrel is classed as Sec 5.

If its a blank just been chambered, who says its a rifle barrel ? If it has never been fitted to a rifle receiver ?

As I said in my previous example, it would be sect 1 if fitted to a black powder pistol.

The instant you form a chamber that can take a round its a barrel and subject to licensing, if its shorter than 12'' then its a Sec5 barrel.

[polemass]

I am still no wiser(barrel shorter then 12"-for the moment only!),looks like letter to HO in the short future ....JB

[ovenpaa]

Ok,Ovenpa-what about 8" barrel with 4" muzzle break ,tig welded.Pass or troubles?-thnx,JB

On the subject of shotguns I was advised by the manager of a firearms licensing department (End of last year) that a shotgun barrel itself it not a licensable item, I have not put this to the test.

Regarding an AR15 barrel, you could either do the muzzle brake work prior to chambering or consider profiling a blank to include a brake as part of the barrel. You could even machine a bird cage on the end as long as you exceed 300,0mm finished length.