shotgun barrel " - The Firearms Forum

whitefeather · 05-19-2003, 10:26 AM

Hey, I'm new. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew the law on short barrel shotguns? Are there any kind of restrictions on them (does it vary by state)?

05-19-2003, 11:14 AM

18 inches is as short as can be, most people cut them off no shorter than 18 1/2 to play it safe. That is federal law. South Dakota has a state law that says the same thing.

I don't know about other states but places like California might have a 25 or 30 inch limit

welcome to TFF

whitefeather · 05-19-2003, 11:49 AM

Thanks...well the reason I am asking is because I was looking to get a short barrel shotgun for home defense ( and use non lethal ammo...until I get my own place

)

I took a liking to the benelli M1 entry (14" barrel) but it says only for law enforcement or to holders of a special tax stamp (can anyone acquire a tax stamp?)

wuzzagrunt · 05-19-2003, 02:07 PM

...your state's laws permit it and you meet the federal requirements. Short barreled shotguns and rifles may be purchased on the "Form 4" which requires an individual to jump through some hoops but it is doable.

I know several non-LEOs who have successfully navigated the proccess and they report that the ATF agents are generally helpful and courteous.

Check the ATF Online website for FAQs and more info than you thought you needed.

Smokin Guns · 05-19-2003, 08:36 PM

Welcome to ya whitefeather!!!...What ya wanna go less than 18"...fer?...

whitefeather · 05-20-2003, 09:29 AM

Well some of the doorways and hallways aren't to wide in my house...thats why I figured a short barrel would be best. My brother in law tells me just to get a 18.5 inch barrel and get a short stock.

I was reading up on the steps to get a automatic (most of the same restrictions apply) and it sounds like a big inconvience. Besides that you have to pay 200 and wait for everything to be approved before you take possession which can take months.

Kinda starting to think twice about it...maybe i will just get a handgun and shoot simunitions

bigboom338 · 05-20-2003, 11:33 PM

Welcome Whitefeather, 18 inches and a folding stock or a pistol grip would give you the desired results I think, and 18" is Federal I learned that the hard way a long time ago. Charges were reduced lucky for me.

dirtyjap · 05-20-2003, 11:37 PM

What would the rules be for concealed carry of a 14" shotgun.Kinda like Chuck's rig in Hitman

dirtyjap · 05-20-2003, 11:39 PM

Assuming that you had the proper papers for ownership and concealed carry

whitefeather · 05-21-2003, 11:11 AM

Hell thats a good question...i know as far as your vehicle goes...Lousisana (where I am from) sees your car as an extension of your home... so they have no law coving firearms inside motor vehicles. Since there is no law anyone who can legally possess a firearm can carry a loaded firearm inside a vehicle.

But as far as walking around with it...got me...might have to go see if i can find some info on it.

05-19-2003, 10:26 AM	#1
whitefeather Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 42	shotgun barrel " Hey, I'm new. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew the law on short barrel shotguns? Are there any kind of restrictions on them (does it vary by state)? -->

05-19-2003, 02:07 PM	#4
wuzzagrunt V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 369	It's legal if... ...your state's laws permit it and you meet the federal requirements. Short barreled shotguns and rifles may be purchased on the "Form 4" which requires an individual to jump through some hoops but it is doable. I know several non-LEOs who have successfully navigated the proccess and they report that the ATF agents are generally helpful and courteous. Check the ATF Online website for FAQs and more info than you thought you needed.

05-19-2003, 08:36 PM	#5
Smokin Guns Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: "Gun Culture Members Clubhouse"... Posts: 4,463	Well now!... Welcome to ya whitefeather!!!...What ya wanna go less than 18"...fer?... __________________

05-20-2003, 11:33 PM	#7
bigboom338 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Dakota Posts: 399	Welcome Whitefeather, 18 inches and a folding stock or a pistol grip would give you the desired results I think, and 18" is Federal I learned that the hard way a long time ago. Charges were reduced lucky for me. __________________ "Aim Small Miss Small"

05-19-2003, 11:14 AM	#2
warpig Adnanced Senior Member Posts: n/a	18 inches is as short as can be, most people cut them off no shorter than 18 1/2 to play it safe. That is federal law. South Dakota has a state law that says the same thing. I don't know about other states but places like California might have a 25 or 30 inch limit welcome to TFF

05-19-2003, 11:49 AM	#3
whitefeather Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 42	Thanks...well the reason I am asking is because I was looking to get a short barrel shotgun for home defense ( and use non lethal ammo...until I get my own place ) I took a liking to the benelli M1 entry (14" barrel) but it says only for law enforcement or to holders of a special tax stamp (can anyone acquire a tax stamp?)

05-20-2003, 09:29 AM	#6
whitefeather Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 42	Well some of the doorways and hallways aren't to wide in my house...thats why I figured a short barrel would be best. My brother in law tells me just to get a 18.5 inch barrel and get a short stock. I was reading up on the steps to get a automatic (most of the same restrictions apply) and it sounds like a big inconvience. Besides that you have to pay 200 and wait for everything to be approved before you take possession which can take months. Kinda starting to think twice about it...maybe i will just get a handgun and shoot simunitions

05-20-2003, 11:37 PM	#8
dirtyjap Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 27	What would the rules be for concealed carry of a 14" shotgun.Kinda like Chuck's rig in Hitman

05-20-2003, 11:39 PM	#9
dirtyjap Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 27	Assuming that you had the proper papers for ownership and concealed carry

05-21-2003, 11:11 AM	#10
whitefeather Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 42	Hell thats a good question...i know as far as your vehicle goes...Lousisana (where I am from) sees your car as an extension of your home... so they have no law coving firearms inside motor vehicles. Since there is no law anyone who can legally possess a firearm can carry a loaded firearm inside a vehicle. But as far as walking around with it...got me...might have to go see if i can find some info on it.