Using handgun frame as shifter?

Hi:
I’m in the process of building my 29 roadster. The drivetrain includes a T5 behind a Dwight Bond adapter and a 59AB mated with a Navarro blower. In fitting with the “hot rod” custom theme, I’d like to use a junked Smith and Wesson Model
29 44 magnum frame as a shifter knob for the T5. The frame has been deemed “junk” because the amount of wear and fracturing you can’t readily see. It was going into a project before the gunsmith deemed it unsafe for further use. I don’t want to waste this otherwise fine looking decorative art. I plan on welding all movable parts to make the revolver totally inert and unusable. Just the same, anyone know the legalities behind this? I’ve seen something similar on another rat rod project where a defunct 357 magnum wheel gun was rendered unusable and also used as a stick shift topper. Thanks.

 

I'm not going to comment on the artistic nature of using it, but if i ever sat in a car that had that as a shifter, i'd be thoroughly disappointed to find that it was welded up tight and wouldn't cycle. If you want to make it so that no one slips a round in and ventilates your dash, shave the firing pin.


-rick

 

I would be afraid to be pulled over with that.

 

^Same and this is with our "milder" Austrian cops

 

. . . be careful to not kill the synchros.

(I think you might be attracted by not-needed sources.)

 

Here in Sweden that would as far as I know still require a license, and probably to be kept locked up in an approved gun safe.
If you are in the US gun laws are probably far less strict, but just because it's legal in one state doesn't mean it is somewhere else. Would be a major headache to go for a long road trip and find out along the road you're driving through an area where it's illegal.

 

Not sure this is the right forum for that sort of ‘artistic’ expression.

I wasn’t around then but I’m fairly certain Hot Rod drivers from the eras appreciated here wore their firearm on their belt not welded to part of their car.

you do you though

 

Its fine as long as you find a way to lock a gun safe around it.

 

Can you spell Rat Rod?

 

Not a good choice in these times IMO.

 

Indeed. Thinking about it, it's the same in Austria... And again, even if it were one of those replicas I would not want to be stopped by the police for a routine check and have the whole thing escalate due to a misunderstanding.

 

so long as you don't mind being asked to get out of the car at gunpoint by a police officer I don't see any problems.

 

A quick Google says "using a non functional handgun as a shifter for a car is a complex legal issue as it still may be considered a firearm under the law, even if disabled"

I'd p*** because of that, and also as other dude says, it stinks of rat rod Imho....

If you really wanted to use it you could probably do some work on the grip and cut all the gun looking stuff off? Turn grip upside down and use it as a shifter handle?

 

I’m glad I live in Florida and not in Europe, even though putting this on the shifter carries some risk. Just the same, I’ll give it some thought. Putting a Crown Royal sack over it while traveling but showing it off at car shows would be an alternative.

 

From a retired law enforcement officer you NEVER ***ume what looks like a gun isn't.

 

Your car, do what you want but from my point of veiw it seems like something a rodent rodder would do. HRP

 

I’d think the useable parts of the gun would be worth more.

 

I guess I'm weird but what's the point, these have worked just fine for like.............. forever!

 

If you need the pistol grip...

 

Roy Rogers beat ya to it

 

It has a serial number, the BATF considers the frame/receiver as a firearm, depending on where you drive you may need a concealed carry permit depending on the mood of the officer or agent, they may site you or confi****e because they can, after thousands in lawyer fees the judge decides if its operable.

 

I've actually used one of those Hurst pistol grip shifters in a Mustang. Not bad if the shift does not involve a lot of movement.

 

No. I’m in Florida so you’re wrong because it depends on the state.

 

My thoughts exactly .

legal or not , why even give authorities an excuse to pull you over and ask questions .

years ago I owned a low Ryder blazer , all black with chrome , lowered to an inch of its life with 16” polished wheels , blacked out windows .

I got pulled over at least twice a week, in the 2 years I owned it. Twice I was pulled over by the tactical team ( a van full of big scary cops )

I have no criminal record .
Never been charged with any thing .
Minimal , minor driving infractions .


From the outside the truck had no “ gang colours “ no logos , stickers , underglow , nothing stupid looking

other then one police officer stated when I asked him why I was pulled over …… “ This looks like a drug dealer or gang bangers car “

sold it that summer , bought my 53 Chrysler and have never been pulled over for “ su****ion “ again .

you could be the Pope ! Drive around wanting negative attention you will get it from all angles .

im to lazy and impatient to deal with self inflicted problems .

 

As others have said it probably depends on the state regarding legality.
Also as others have stated if pulled over it could lead to issues even if legally ok.

That said i did something similar for a friend on his side shift Harley. Only thing we used was the grips which sandwiched a piece of 3/8 stainless cut to the grip profile with a nut welded on the front. The nut retained it and a jamb nut held it in position. It was quickly identifiable as not a firearm.

 

Looks like a bad idea to me! If you want it to use at shows, just make it so you can change it out while at any shows you go to.