How to permanently render a shotgun inoperable

[Ducky's Dad]

The 621 was/is a fairly ordinary 12 ga pump bird gun made in the 20's and 30s.

[superhondaz50]

ATF, not only will it be inoperable, it will no longer be a title 1 firearm (if it isn't an antique).

Permanently inoperable.
A firearm which is incapable of discharging a shot by means of an explosive and incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition. An acceptable method of rendering most firearms permanently inoperable is to fusion weld the chamber closed and fusion weld the barrel solidly to the frame. Certain unusual firearms require other methods to render the firearm permanently inoperable. Contact ATF for instructions.

[I Swan]

I have a feeling this a shotgun with barrel under 18in. If so I don't think just removing the firing pin will make it legal and considered inoperable by the ATF.

[sealocan]

Well since the Stevens Browning 621 is just your average old-school pump shotgun I'm wild guessing you're running into a problem with the California and federal regulations about length of barrel and / or overall length.
they are both basically somewhat similar (or so I believe but I'm not a lawyer claiming to be current on all regulations )

"a shotgun with a barrel length shorter than 18 inches (46 cm) or an overall length shorter than 26 inches (66 cm))"...is a big no-no.

I don't see how that could be historically or monetarily high in value unless it was proven to be owned by someone famous or infamous like Bonnie and Clyde etc. if that's the case you may be hurting its value by doing any alterations that are permanent.

but if it's something like that I do see your problem.

You might be able to keep it as a display piece if you replace a short/ cut off barrel with a mocked up and painted piece of solid wood rod of the correct diameter with shotgun bead screwed into the front and maybe even counter sunk hole drilled into the front end to give the illusion of a short barrel. But if you go that route you want to make sure that old short barrel is nowhere near the receiver/ rear part of the gun And might be even best to be destroyed, unless a good gun lawyer says otherwise.
(again I'm not a lawyer).

So might I suggest you talk to a firearms attorney if it's something that potentially has value just to make sure you're always in the legal safety zone.

Maybe someone here can recommend someone you could call about this and if you don't want to discuss the details further here we understand.



*Edit, while I was writing my long reply another member ISwan also is guessing that you might be in the same predicament.

[kdsd731]

Thank you all for the suggestions. My issue is this. The firearm was Al Capone's and I have a written letter stating how it was acquired from my family member. It has not been authenticated but not sure how to go about that due to legalities. Before I receive it, I will be consulting a specialized attorney for advice. In California, my hands are tied legally. My options that I'm aware of is disabling it or put a legal length buttstock and barrel and discarding the rest. I hate to do anything to it but in the configuration, I'm pretty limited unfortunately. Can someone suggest an attorney?

[sealocan]

Geraldo Rivera?

I'm just joking.

The first piece of advice, as a non-lawyer who tries to always wants to remain 100% legal,
is don't bring it into this state or mention anything else about its current condition or location until you've talked to one of the attorneys listed below and this older thread about California firearms attorneys. ...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=522128

or possibly someone will recommend you one in this thread now.

[-hanko]

Well, it sounds like he wants to make it completely inoperable to display in like a living room.

That way, if someone were ever to break in and steal it, he would not be liable. That is just my assumption from what he posted. Unfortunately, with the way California laws are, he would be better off to go that route. Maybe he just wants to see it everyday for memories sake, never plans to sell or shoot it.

Does California penalize the owner of a shotgun if it's stolen?

The 621 was/is a fairly ordinary 12 ga pump bird gun made in the 20's and 30s.

The 621 is simply a ribbed barrel of a 620, and the 620 was an "improved" version of the 520. They're all designed by JM Browning. My old 620 (1935 dom iirc) is as smooth as glass.

ATF, not only will it be inoperable, it will no longer be a title 1 firearm (if it isn't an antique).

Permanently inoperable.
A firearm which is incapable of discharging a shot by means of an explosive and incapable of being readily restored to a firing condition. An acceptable method of rendering most firearms permanently inoperable is to fusion weld the chamber closed and fusion weld the barrel solidly to the frame. Certain unusual firearms require other methods to render the firearm permanently inoperable. Contact ATF for instructions.

It's definitely not an "antique".

The first piece of advice, as a non-lawyer who tries to always wants to remain 100% legal,
is don't bring it into this state or mention anything else about its current condition or location until you've talked to one of the attorneys listed below and this older thread about California firearms attorneys. ...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=522128

or possibly someone will recommend you one in this thread now.

OP, if it's truly an Al Capone gun with provenance, you might want to discuss the weapon with a dealer licensed to buy / sell Title II weapons, if the coast is clear following a discussion with your attorney.. I guess I'd also expect a museum to be VERY interested in the gun.

[NapalmCheese]

The answer has already been posted and is quite simple:

The shotgun, if operable, is a legal problem in CA (if not federally) and as such, needs to be rendered inoperable according to CalDOJ and/or ATF (or federal law if that's the configuration).

Contact CalDOJ and/or ATF and say you want to display the piece before and render it inoperable before receiving it.

ORRRRRRRR

If it's of historical significance then store it out of state or sell it to someone that can own it, why destroy a historically significant piece just to show it off in this state? Not only will you be destroying it's history by purposely damaging the firearm, you will be devaluing it significantly.

[kdsd731]

I can easily get it authenticated with the letter given I assume. Just need to speak with an attorney. I hate to modify it in anyway for multiple obvious reasons. But that is my last resort.

[NapalmCheese]

I can easily get it authenticated with the letter given I assume. Just need to speak with an attorney. I hate to modify it in anyway for multiple obvious reasons. But that is my last resort.

I would think that selling it after authentication would be your last resort.

[M1NM]

Bring it in as parts. Transfer the receiver to yourself. Constructive intent might apply though.

[kdsd731]

I have currently made sure the firearm is in parts and the parts are stored in completely separate locations. I've been in contact with an attorney and am waiting for a returned call. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

[user name]

Barrel at another Family members house?

[kdsd731]

Not even the same zip code

[Mayor McRifle]

I'm not understanding why it's illegal to possess. Can someone please enlighten me?