Thread: Minimum legal barrel length and overall length for firearms

Hi guys,

I just wanted your advice on whether there exists any current legislation in New Zealand relating to the minimum barrel length for either rifles, pistols or shotguns and OAL for shotguns? Having looked into this, all the information that I can find is that a pistol is defined in part as having an OAL of less than 762mm and a rifle as more than 762mm, but nothing specific to barrel length - and nothing at all relating to shotguns. Any advice you could offer would be gratefully received.


Cheers,

A.J.P.

There is no law regarding barrel length. The overall length of the firearm is the deciding factor. As I understand it there is an agreement between pistol NZ and the police that pistols below a certain barrel length are not to be shot and are classified as "C" category. Somebody better informed can elaborate on that. There is no distinction between rifles and shotguns here.

Beavis is right - although some will dribble on that min barrel is 16" which is bollox

Minimum barrel length of 16" is a US law, perhaps why some think it applies, but it doesn't. As long a the rifle or shotgun is over 762 mm all is well.

Aussie also has a minimum barrel length of 16" for rifles.........Kiwi

Do you think this will change anytime soon?

No reason to.

Digit asked PNZ if they would be interested in working something out with the cops to bring in short barrel AR's (below legal length) on B cat, but they weren't interested in pursuing it.

Some kind of SBR/SBS category would be neat. Allow MSSA to be SBR/SBS, they're already registered etc

Be sweet if MSSA's didn't have a legal length full stop. I want a short AR for reasons.

Like these http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2012armamen...590Silvers.pdf

I am a short skinny man and I like short guns.

Dan Hardy is building short 300blks with pinned can. I think he iis using sbr length barrels built by truflite?
I'm putting together a little 12.5" with an Oceania defence can that slips under a Samson rail back to the gas block. Will be 556 though.

Originally Posted by Beavis

Digit asked PNZ if they would be interested in working something out with the cops to bring in short barrel AR's (below legal length) on B cat, but they weren't interested in pursuing it.

PNZ put the question to nz police but they said no. It's a pity as it would have been a very affordable 3 gun option at the time. It's fairly irrelevant now as you no longer need a hand in for importing a e-cat for target shooting.
.

This thread inspired me. This is by no means an ar15 sbr but still a hell of alot of fun



overall length is bang on 800 mm or just a tad shorter so well over the legal length. jut did this a few hours ago cant wait to take it for a blast to see how it goes.