collapsible/folding stocks and avoiding nfa?

[troy_mclure]

if you have a collapsible, or folding stock the rifle must be a minimum of 26" with the stock collapsed/folded correct?

 

[ogree]

26" with stock open/fully extended.
The collapsible or folding stock has to be attached, a quick detach stock does not count.

 

[Willie Lowman]

But don't forget about your barrel length.

Also some states, like Michigan, measure with the stock closed.

 

[wagonicfolding]

Only because in order to "operate" a rifle it needs to be fired from the shoulder - ATF measures the rifle with the folding stock extended because that is the form in which it is considered a rifle by the GCA definition. Whereas a pistol only needs to be able to be operated by one hand, per the definition in the GCA, so the brace is an unnecessary addition and therefore doesn't impede the user's ability to operate the firearm technically/legally speaking if it is folded. It may conflict with prior opinion letters stating otherwise, but I can absolutely see the logic behind this determination.

 

[FrankenMauser]

Federal level:
Stock fully extended.
16+ inch rifled barrel. (Or shorter barrel with additional length of permanently attached muzzle device.)

State level can vary.