Thread: ar15 upper receiver length

Originally Posted by Banana

PolHQ says from extended stock to the muzzle.

Originally Posted by Glycerine

yep, to where the rifling ends, and muzzle devises do not count as added length even if said device is pinned/permanently attached

Is there some written reference to this? I believe you both, but it would be great if we could see the original document. "Because X and Y on the NZHS forum said so" probably won't fly if someone ever gets pulled up on this.

Originally Posted by stretch

Is there some written reference to this? I believe you both, but it would be great if we could see the original document. "Because X and Y on the NZHS forum said so" probably won't fly if someone ever gets pulled up on this.

Sorry no direct reference.. but I have a quote with an AOs email.

Originally Posted by roger on sportshooter forum

While getting my annual review done, the subject of interpretations of the measurement rule regarding stocks being open or closed when measured was brought up and the letter that is presented on the IMAS website.

I received this today and this is the official response from the police armorer and Paul Gatlin's office and is suppose to be sent to all of the A/O's to clarify what is or not permitted.

I already know what some of you are going to say, but this is good enough for me

Folding Stocks

New Interpretaions

Thanks to a recent court ruling decision that came from a new Crown Law Office interpretation of MSSA’s. Folding stocks are part of what makes an MSSA Always have been, so there has been new clarification as to how the minimum length of an ‘E’ category firearm is measured. Previous interpretations had been confused and contradictory, depending on the Arms officer involved. This is unfortunate.

Some measured the stock open, some closed. Some would not measure any muzzle break that had been fitted, even permanently Correct – the barrel length is measured against the rifled barrel, in the case of a rifle, and does not include any attachments, no matter how attached. This is standard practise used by the Police Armourer. Some ignored a permanent suppressor tube, even when the ported barrel prevented the weapon being discharged without it fitted. Correct.

Now the minimum legal length of 762mm will be measured when the folding or collapsing stock is OPEN Correct in the case of an E-cat firearm. Our understanding is that this only applies to ‘E’ category arms Yes, they are a special case. So if you have a pump action shotgun with a folder then minimum length will be measured when folded Yes. A standard (“A-cat”) firearm cannot be reduced to pistol length or below at any time.

Regards.

Vaughan Watson

Arms Officer

New Plymouth Police Station

Powderham Street

PO Box 344, DX NX 10048, New Plymouth 4340

( (06) 759 9753 § Mobile 021 192 3920

Email: Vaughan.Watson@police.govt.nz