Is it true all I have to do is Change the stock and put a longer barrel on it. I know you can't leave the pistol barrel on it as it's against the law(SBR). Is the Contender pistol frame is the same as the rifles?? If I ever feel like shooting a.45-70 rifle then I could easily do it.

If you buy the firearm as a handgun, it is legal to convert to a rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader, as log as the barrel length is greater than 16". What determines the classification of the weapon is the serial number (how it was registered). If it was registered as a rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader, it can't legally be converted to a handgun. I know it's stupid but, that's it.

can you buy a rifle and have the registration changed to a pistol registration?

Not sure, but, if you can, you'll probably have to go through alot of red tape and money. But don't take that to the bank.

NO.......you can register it as an NFA regulated short barreled rifle if your state allows possession of NFA firearms and you want to go through the hassle, but once a firearm leaves the factory in rifle configuration, it is always legally a rifle......

Here is an interesting article that might give some more explaination.

http://www.bellmtcs.com/store/index.php?cid=239

Yes, by federal law a handgun can be converted to a rifle as long as the barrel is 16" or more and the over all lenght is 26" or more. BUT, check you state regulations. Some states like NY do not allow this. So it is illeagle to take a Contender or Encore that started life as a handgun and add a butstock and long barrel.

You can take a rifle and make into a handgun after you file with the BATF and get a class 3 certificate. Lots of red tape and I belive the fee is $200.00. You also need to see if it's legal to own a class 3 firearm in your state. Again, NY will not allow class 3 weapons.

safe and leagal thing seems to be two frames one a rifle only other pistol only.stay on the good side of the man with the badge.we do not need to give them an excuse to ban more of our guns.

Or, as was correctly stated above, just buy the pistol frame and use it for whatever you want (with the appropriate bbl length, of course).

i am in NY that does not allow changeing so to be leagal i must have 2 frames to have a rifle and a pistol.

ATF position seems to be it is illeagal. This debate sounds like a money maker for lawyers. I would rather spend my money on a second frame than lawyers.

pter1020k, I'm sorry. I think I confused you with my response. I responded to your post but intended it to be advice for piwonka who originally asked this question. He needs to check the laws in his state to be sure, but I feel pretty safe in saying that in Texas he won't need 2 frames. Texas doesn't have alot of stupid restrictions like our communist states do.

Regarding federal law, an Encore pistol frame can be made into any configuration as long as it has the appropriate bbl length attached. When it has a buttstock attached, the bbl must be 16" or longer. A rifle frame must always stay in rifle configuration unless registered as a "short barreled rifle" with the ATF.