making a pistol from a rifle?

[Minuteman]

I have cheep( read that CHEEP!)rifle with a hollow plastic stock that I hate with a passion. What can I say. Its killed some deer so it ain't all bad. Getting a good one soon and I know I'll never get what I got in it out of it.
What I'm wondering is can a guy take a barrel and lock from a rifle and cut the barrel down to make a pistol? Maybe get the stock inlet for the barrel from TOTW or Dixiegunworks?
Anybody ever done that?
Its a CVA by the way.

 

[Joe Yanta]

Minuteman I am sure you could find a stock for you pistol project. I would suggest you try Pecatonica. But don't be surprised if your stock runs over $50 or even higher. How about trying your hand at making your own. You might find a wood store or perhaps a forum member that could get you a piece of Maple 2" x 6" x 8" and make you own stock. Think of how our early pioneers, trappers and native Americans did this work with little tools. Now assuming this project does not involve a modern firearm. You can cut the barrel down, square and recrown the barrel using a hacksaw, file and a ball bearing larger than your bore. Buy a coping saw to shape your stock, use a big knife to scrape the wood. Chisels and scrapers to make the channel. Remember you not making a rifle stock and your channel is only going to be 6 to 10 inches. You can get plenty of help from other builders right here on MLforums. Even if your project falls short of store bought item it will be your first and homespun with real character like found on original guns. I think you could also finish your project inless time than finding a stock provider, ordering it and shipping time. Good luck on your project and be sure to let us all see how it turned out.

Joe

 

[Wes/Tex]

The conversion would be easy enough as stated above but be sure to check local and state rules about making a pistol out of a rifle. Technically, muzzleloaders aren't covered by the federal rules concerning shortening cartridge guns but you may have to try to explain that to a judge and jury if they want to make an example of somebody. I got into a pretty intense argument with an BATF agent about the legally of shortening shotgun barrels below 18"...never mind that 14" shotgun were then currently on the market with federal O.K. Sometimes it's just what the local agent feels like prosecuting!! Just be careful.

 

[John Taylor]

The twist in the barrel will be to slow for a pistol but if you are only shooting 25 yards you probably won't be able to tell the differance. I think CVA used the same lock on pistols as they do on rifles. The hardest part will be the barrel channel in the wood and crowning the barrel. You will need a few hand tools, hacksaw, files, and chisles. Also a power drill comes in handy. Have fun.

 

[Claude Mathis]

The conversion would be easy enough as stated above but be sure to check local and state rules about making a pistol out of a rifle. Technically, muzzleloaders aren't covered by the federal rules concerning shortening cartridge guns but you may have to try to explain that to a judge and jury if they want to make an example of somebody. I got into a pretty intense argument with an BATF agent about the legally of shortening shotgun barrels below 18"...never mind that 14" shotgun were then currently on the market with federal O.K. Sometimes it's just what the local agent feels like prosecuting!! Just be careful.

Good point. Sometimes it doesn't matter what the laws are on the books, if they want to prosecute anyway. You'll spend a fortune in court to prove yourself innocent. The burden of proof is on them, but the burden of cost is on you.

There are state laws that say you can't "alter" a firearm. In other words, you can purchase a factory gun of certain specs, but you can't alter an existing weapon to meet the specs of the factory made gun.