Thread: WE LOST

Originally Posted by Oli1102

My question is how far do you go? The receiver of a bolt action rifles meets the legal definition of a firearm and is considered the part, by NZPHQ understanding, that is recorded as being a firearm.

Ask: "Can it be fired in that state?" It MAY be an essential part of a firearm, and therefore restricted, and you are not allowed to have it unless you have a firearms license. But no-one measures length in non-fireable state, even the NZPHQ agrees on that one. Thus a break barrel shotgun is measured closed. Along the same lines, an AR-7 is measured assembled as it cannot be fired disassembled (barrel and chamber unscrews from the receiver).

AR-7 survival rifle.

Originally Posted by Oli1102

Therefore, would the two situations see me in possession of a pistol, that is not registered on my B endorsement.

Originally Posted by Oli1102

- If I was to have a barreled action with a 24” barrel, waiting for a stock to be manufactured and shipped from McMillan.

Maybe not the best example, as the definition of pistol is <762mm. I reckon a 24" barreled action will total 762mm (30") or more and you can legally take it to a rifle range and fire it two handed without any stock (but it might, just might get you in trouble with the range official!).

If the hypothetical action had a 15" barrel however, without stock it would likely be <762mm. A weak defense might be to store it without bolt and without pistol handle, but I can't see it being a ready defense against a hateful police officer out to get you for owning any evil black gun. Stronger option: keep it assembled with its original boat paddle or whatever other stock used to be on it, and swap once the McMillan item arrives.

Originally Posted by Oli1102

- If I was to have a bare receiver, outside of the stock, waiting for a barrel to be fitted, before being reassembled.

As for the AR-7 - length is only measured in a shootable state.

Outstanding question, possibly being appealed, is whether MSSAs, such as folding stock AK's, should be measured in the folded state and therefore be classified as pistols. The cops admit that doing so is a new policy on their part, and it is arguable nonsensical since MSSAs are subject to the same controls and storage requirements as pistols are, only difference being E vs B FAL endorsement required.

Someone please correct me. I am not a lawyer.