does cutting a barrel down keep it C&R?

[budprop]

So, I just came across an add here on calguns for a winchester model '97 that has had the barrel cut down. Does this modification remove it from C&R eligibility?

[dotalchemy]

Probably, although it would depend on if the ATF viewed that as a minor modification or not.

I suspect they wouldn't.

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/curios-relics.html#modifications

[TheExpertish]

It's still C&R so it'd be fine. Also unless you know for fact that it was done recently it adds to the history. Basically if you think it's a C&R it is. If you don't, then it's not. When buying it's up to the seller or convincing them. Had to do it many a time.

[littlejake]

So, I just came across an add here on calguns for a winchester model '97 that has had the barrel cut down. Does this modification remove it from C&R eligibility?

It's sort of a gray area. Really need a lawyers opinion; but in my non-lawyer opinion, the "original configuration" language applies only to mil surp C&R guns. ATF gives some specific examples, in a letter of memoranda, of what takes a mil surp out of "original configuration" -- drill and tap for scope mounts does not; but, sporterizing a stock does.

[jrr]

My understanding is "yes, and no". Modifying the gun may take away its status as a collectors item (I.e. C&R ). However, if the gun is more than fifty years old it is a C&R regardless of what modifications are made to it.

So, a sporterized 03A3 or cut down Winchester 1897 made before 1961 is a C&R, but asporterized Yugo SKS made after 1961 may not be C&R anymore because its C&R status is dependent on it being in original military configuration.

Since I think they had stopped making Win 1897s prior to 1961, it should still be a C&R regardless of condition.

Thats how I read the rules anyways.