PPSH-43

[randyfrancis]

I recently purchased a PPSH-43 at a gun show. I have to say it a fun little gun to run. But I have questions and I hope someone out there can answer them: My PPSH-43 came with a folding stock that was spot welded to the receiver. I think this was only done in order to import it legally into the US. It is in a pistol cartridge (7.62x25) and I'm sure that there is no Federal law prohibiting pistols (once in this country) from having a shoulder stock. Ii can see if it's in a rifle caliber and would be classified as a short barreled (under 18 ") rifle. So does anyone know if I can remove the spot weld and open up and use the stock as intended? And if I can't does anyone know what specific Federal statute that doesn't allow it? Thanks.

[Hazcat]

I am sure that you cannot put a shoulder stock on a pistol (got a .45 Redhawk I would love to do that to) and you cannot have a rifle (carbine) shorter that 'x' inches so, no you cannot remove that spot weld.

Some of the guys here will provide the 'laws' but I am 99.9999999% sure I am correct (unless maybe you can get an other weapons stamp for it).

[BAC]

Putting a shoulder stock on a pistol is a no-no.  It then becomes an SBR, which requires a BATFE (and really big fires) anal probe.

[Solus]

Putting a shoulder stock on a pistol is a no-no.  It then becomes an SBR, which requires a BATFE (and really big fires) anal probe.

What happens if you put a long barrel on it?

[Big Frank]

To be a legal rifle it has to have at least a 16" barrel and be at least 26" overall. That's the federal law. If you bought it as a pistol you can legally convert it into a rifle with a 16" barrel and a fixed stock. Maybe not so with a folding stock. If the folded length of a rifle or shotgun is less that 26" and it can fire with the stock folded than it's a SBR or SBS, at least in Michigan. In my silly state any rifle or shotgun under 30" with the stock folded or without a stock needs a pistol permit too. You need to check the laws in your state.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct883.aspx

If the above is what you got you will have to go through all kinds of hassle with ATF.

[BAC]

Which is why in the description it says:

This firearm is an ATF approved pistol. The stock has no function and is permanently fixed in its folded position.

So it is a pistol and cannot have a shoulder stock.  I would recommend leaving the stock the way it is.  Incidentally, caliber doesn't really matter much as to whether ATF considers the firearm a pistol or rifle.

On a recent episode of Top Shot they had a challenge using the Corner Shot stock with a Glock 18 attached.  They were using it in semi-auto.  I thought that was weird until I read this from Iain Harrison:

Finally, in case anyone was wondering why the armorers chose to use a Glock 18 on semi-auto, instead of the much more commonly available G17, your answer can be found in the wording of the National Firearms Act. The G17 becomes a short barreled rifle if placed into the Cornershot stock, subject to a $200 tax and other restrictions regarding transfer. If you use a registered machine gun, no such complications ensue.

Same thing would apply with this PPSH-43 if you release the stock.

[TAB]

pretty much what you have to do, is put a 16" longer barrel on it, then a stock, in that order, once done, you can't undo it out a stamp.


I'm sure things were done to that gun to import it, might make a intresting gun for plinking, but I don't think its worth the head ache.

[BAC]

It does come with 4 35 round magazines.  That sounds like a party.

[Hazcat]

Tab, It would be more than a 'plinker. I would like to convert my non-GI 30 carbine to 7.62x25.  It would make a hell of a brush/hog gun.  Out of a 16 or 18 inch barrel at 100 yards it would be about 1450 fps with a muzzle energy in the 600 ft/lb range.