I know federally-speaking that pin&welding a muzzle device onto a barrel lengthens the barrel.

Is it the same as far as Hawaii state is concerned?

Because I'm about ready to have a 18.5" barrel cut down to around 15.5" and then have a muzzle brake welded on. I know it's fine federally but want to make sure I don't accidentally make a Hawaii assault pistol, since HAR talks about barrel lengths, but not pin&welds.

Is the overall length more than 30 inches?

yes, as long as it's pinned and welded and 18.5"

I know federally-speaking that pin&welding a muzzle device onto a barrel lengthens the barrel.

Is it the same as far as Hawaii state is concerned?

Because I'm about ready to have a 18.5" barrel cut down to around 15.5" and then have a muzzle brake welded on. I know it's fine federally but want to make sure I don't accidentally make a Hawaii assault pistol, since HAR talks about barrel lengths, but not pin&welds.

Is the overall length more than 30 inches?

No, overall length will be 26".

Note that how HPD typically measures barrel length is via a "scale" on the backside of the firearms window.  I've been fine with ARs that were from 14.5" barrels and muzzle devices (PA AFAB 2.225") pinned and welded.  Just that the barrel length measurement points aren't "fixed", and some would argue not accurate. . .

 

yes, as long as it's pinned and welded and 18.5"

check your focus. . .

check your focus. . .

no focus
minimum 16 inches
call it 16.25 to be sure...

no focus
minimum 16 inches
call it 16.25 to be sure...

No worries, we'll let it slide since you own no ARs.

Check YT. Brownell's has a couple of good videos on the proper method to measure barrels in all types of firearms.

For an AR (or any rifle), close the bolt, then run a dowel or cleaning rod into the barrel from the muzzle end until it makes contact with the face of the bolt.

Mark where the rod exits the barrel (tape, Sharpie, ...), and remove it.  Measuring the rod gives the accurate, ATF-approved barrel length.

If HPD uses an external measurement and believes the barrel is too short, you should be able to explain the above procedure and how it's the ATF accepted method.

HPD was on camera measuring a barrel incorrectly a few years ago.  They measured on top the barrel with a yard stick. So the above is good info to know in case they do hassle you.

Also when I reg my shotgun, it looks less than 18 inches. The cop didn't even measure, he asked if it was 18 inches or longer and I said yes. He took my word for it.

HPD was on camera measuring a barrel incorrectly a few years ago.  They measured on top the barrel with a yard stick. So the above is good info to know in case they do hassle you.

Also when I reg my shotgun, it looks less than 18 inches. The cop didn't even measure, he asked if it was 18 inches or longer and I said yes. He took my word for it.

Consistency, or lack of it, is an indicator of any individual, agency, or organization.

did mrs cmo take your word for it?

HPD was on camera measuring a barrel incorrectly a few years ago.  They measured on top the barrel with a yard stick. So the above is good info to know in case they do hassle you.

Also when I reg my shotgun, it looks less than 18 inches. The cop didn't even measure, he asked if it was 18 inches or longer and I said yes. He took my word for it.

did mrs cmo take your word for it?

I tricked her and once she found out, it was too late.

"she didn't even measure, she asked if it was 1.8 inches or longer and I said yes. she took my word for it."

I tricked her and once she found out, it was too late.

I don't know why guys are going for the bare minimum length. bullets don't shoot as far, velocity loss, performance decrease...

I don't know why guys are going for the bare minimum length. bullets don't shoot as far, velocity loss, performance decrease...

Close quarters use is improved -- as in home defense use. 

In such a scenario, distance and velocity are not concerns.

Just a guess.

Yup close quarters.  Can maneuver better in tight spaces, better for entering corners and doorways, and less weight on the front reduces fatigue when holding the rifle up for long periods of time.  Which is why M4s, bullpups, and sbrs are popular.  One inch less of barrel length doesn't do much and I wouldn't spend the extra money to do it.

For most people it's because they can.

I don't know why guys are going for the bare minimum length. bullets don't shoot as far, velocity loss, performance decrease...

I've never did CQB with an exact 16 inch barrel, as mine is 16 inches + what ever the break adds.  I doubt there's a huge difference in CQB performance, but IDK.  I have CQB'd with a bullpup and it's a noticeable difference.  But was I just used to the longer barrel?

Maybe they're just doing it because they can/trying to buck the system.

IMO, training helps reduce this issue.  Train with what you got.

emasculated

I don't know why guys are going for the bare minimum length. bullets don't shoot as far, velocity loss, performance decrease...

So if I add a couple of inches it will shoot farther, and increase performace?