Hamilton Model 27

[MaHoTex]

My grandfather has an old model 27 that he used when he was a young boy. Based upon the serial number, I think it was one of the models that was made in Japan. Anyway, to determine if it is legal, all that matters is the length of the barrel, correct? If greater than 16" GTG. Shorter then you are SOL?

[Capybara]

Don't know how this applies to our idiotic state firearm laws but this could provide a clue:

From this website - http://www.nrvoutdoors.com/HAMILTON/HAMILTON%2027.htm

"Barrel lengths on Model 27’s vary from just under 15” to 16”. For many years the Model 27 came under the provisions of the National Firearms Act of 1934 as a “short barreled rifle,” but present day collectors can heave a sigh of relief: in a rare burst of good sense, the BATF eventually decided that the Model 27 does not, after all, represent much of a threat to the peace and stability of the American Republic. All Hamilton 27’s have long since been exempted from the NFA. And of course all qualify as “Curio & Relic” guns by virtue of age."

If not, weld on a Flaming Pig to the end of the barrel and you are GTG!

[TRAP55]

Don't know how this applies to our idiotic state firearm laws but this could provide a clue:

From this website - http://www.nrvoutdoors.com/HAMILTON/HAMILTON%2027.htm

They did this with the Winchester "Trapper" carbines too. They had to be submitted to make sure they were made with a short barrel for exemption, and not a bad experience with bubba and his hacksaw.
The Marbles Game Getter is another story.

[MaHoTex]

Thanks for the tip Capy. I took your info and did more digging at the CA DOJ and it appears it is ok simply because it is C&R.

[Capybara]

So they made an exception for the under 16" barrel? Have you measured the barrel length on yours? (don't confirm or deny here). That would be an interesting exception if they did let that avoid California's SBR laws, although we do know that you can own a C&R SBR here but I think it had to be acquired as a papered SBR on a Form 4?

[MaHoTex]

So they made an exception for the under 16" barrel? Have you measured the barrel length on yours? (don't confirm or deny here). That would be an interesting exception if they did let that avoid California's SBR laws, although we do know that you can own a C&R SBR here but I think it had to be acquired as a papered SBR on a Form 4?

A short-barreled rifle means a rifle having a barrel length of less than 16 inches or an overall length of less than 26 inches;"