TCA pistol Question

[Pugster]

I am interested in getting a TCA Encore or another similar model and I did a quick check on the California approved pistol list but did not see TCA as a manufacturer on that list.

I am under the impression that, at least for the TCA pistol, it would be illegal for me to get the .45 LC barrel since I could also shoot the .410 and it would constitute as a short barrel shotgun. With that aside, it's legal to own a TCA pistol here in California, right? And the only way to have it transferred to me is through PPT?

[scarry scarney]

Single shot Pistol

Please see http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/infobuls/2006FD-06.pdf for details on the Single Shot exemption, which covers the Thompson Singel Shots.

[ar15barrels]

You can NOT have pistol length smoothbore barrels for your TC.

TC's single shots are exempt and will not need to be listed.

Buy a pistol, not a rifle.
You can always install a rifle barrel and stock afterwards, but you can never install a pistol grip and pistol barrel on a rifle receiver.

[mike452]

I was looking to get one too. You can get them from anywhere. The few FFLs I talked to wanted me to have the complete pistol for DROS and not just the receiver.

I think you can get any barrel from here including the 45LC.

http://www.tcarms.com/firearms/encorePistolCharts.php

[Rumpled]

The law is complete pistol since it mentions 6 or 6 1/2" barrel.

Even though they might ship it to you; I'd stay away from any barrell that can chamber a shotgun shell and is pistol length.

[aplinker]

There's a DOJ letter from Lockyer that says FFLs are required to DROS full pistols and not just receivers when using the single shot exemption.

[CSACANNONEER]

You can NOT have pistol length smoothbore barrels for your TC.

TC's single shots are exempt and will not need to be listed.

Buy a pistol, not a rifle.
You can always install a rifle barrel and stock afterwards, but you can never install a pistol grip and pistol barrel on a rifle receiver.

He was refering to the 45LC/.410 barrel. It's rifled but, has a choke that you use when firing .410 shells. It is legal to have and use these barrels in 49 states. Unfortunately, Ca. is not one of them.

[dfletcher]

Is there any reason why I can't "sell" one of my existing barrels to the gun store and they can then "sell" it back to me when I pick up the gun?

[ar15barrels]

Is there any reason why I can't "sell" one of my existing barrels to the gun store and they can then "sell" it back to me when I pick up the gun?

Technically, the gun would need to be complete when it entered the state.
Perhaps you can send one of your barrels to who-ever you buy the frame from and have them install it.

That's what I will be doing when we start importing 1911 lower halves using my single-shot 1911 upper half.

[dfletcher]

Technically, the gun would need to be complete when it entered the state.
Perhaps you can send one of your barrels to who-ever you buy the frame from and have them install it.

That's what I will be doing when we start importing 1911 lower halves using my single-shot 1911 upper half.

Actually, that's something I hadn't thought of and I wonder if the T/C Encores are being sent to dealers without barrels.

From what I've seen, there sits the Encore frame with pistol grip & forend - in its cardboard box that holds frame only - in the dealer display case. There's a sign posted to the effect that "you have to buy a barrel" with the gun. So I've always presumed the gun shows up as frame only, the dealer sells a barrel of the buyer's choosing.

You've raised the prospect that the gun comes in state with barrel included, which of course makes sense. But I wonder if that is actually happening.

[ar15barrels]

Actually, that's something I hadn't thought of and I wonder if the T/C Encores are being sent to dealers without barrels.

From what I've seen, there sits the Encore frame with pistol grip & forend - in its cardboard box that holds frame only - in the dealer display case. There's a sign posted to the effect that "you have to buy a barrel" with the gun. So I've always presumed the gun shows up as frame only, the dealer sells a barrel of the buyer's choosing.

You've raised the prospect that the gun comes in state with barrel included, which of course makes sense. But I wonder if that is actually happening.

If they order the frame and barrel seperately, the FFL would also be liable to pay FET as they are "manufacturing" a gun.
Before a TC frame has ever had a barrel on it, it's just a receiver.
No different than a stripped lower or a 700 action.

[dfletcher]

If they order the frame and barrel seperately, the FFL would also be liable to pay FET as they are "manufacturing" a gun.
Before a TC frame has ever had a barrel on it, it's just a receiver.
No different than a stripped lower or a 700 action.

I've had occasion to call T/C regarding whether or not a particular receiver was manufactured as a handgun or rifle - bought an Encore frame only 2nd hand & wanted to ensure I could use it as a handgun - and T/C informed me their "receivers" are manufactured specifically as either handgun or rifle, even when sold without a barrel.

I know T/C sells receivers only in every state other than CA, MA & NY - if a fellow (or dealer) in NH buys a receiver only, then mounts a barrel on it have they "manufactured" a firearm? I don't think that's the case.

I think the ease with which T/C barrels & frames can be interchanged causes some confusion.