Shortest Barrel Shotgun Legal7 min read
Shortest barrel shotguns are legal in the United States, and there are a few things to consider when purchasing one.
The first consideration is barrel length. The minimum legal barrel length for a shotgun in the United States is 18 inches. This means that any shotgun with a barrel shorter than 18 inches is considered a Short-Barreled Shotgun or SBS.
The second consideration is barrel type. Most shotguns have a smooth bore barrel, which is legal in the United States. However, a few shotguns have a rifled barrel, which is not legal in the United States.
The third consideration is overall length. The minimum overall length for a shotgun in the United States is 26 inches. This means that any shotgun with an overall length shorter than 26 inches is considered a Short-Barreled Rifle or SBR.
The fourth consideration is licensing. In order to possess a Short-Barreled Shotgun or SBS in the United States, you must have a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF. In order to possess a Short-Barreled Rifle or SBR in the United States, you must have a license from the ATF and be a resident of the United States.
Table of Contents
What is the shortest shotgun that is legal?
When it comes to owning a shotgun, there are a variety of different factors to consider – including barrel length. The shortest shotgun that is legal in the United States is the IZHMASH Saiga-12, which has a barrel length of just 10.5 inches.
This shotgun is classified as a “sporting shotgun” by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), meaning that it is legal to own in all 50 states. The Saiga-12 is a gas-operated shotgun that is available in both semi-automatic and pump-action versions.
It is important to note that while the Saiga-12 is the shortest shotgun that is legal in the United States, it is not the shortest shotgun that is available on the market. There are a number of shotguns that are shorter than the Saiga-12 that are available in other countries, such as the IZHMASH Saiga-20 – which has a barrel length of just 7.5 inches.
However, because these shotguns are not classified as “sporting shotguns” by the ATF, they are not legal to own in the United States.
Is a 14 inch shotgun legal?
In most states, a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches in length is considered a short-barreled shotgun (SBS) and is illegal without a special license. However, there are a few states that have different laws governing the minimum barrel length for shotguns.
In Louisiana, a shotgun with a barrel length of 14 inches or less is considered a long gun and is not subject to the same restrictions as an SBS. This means that a 14-inch shotgun is legal in Louisiana without a special license.
In California, a shotgun with a barrel length of 18 inches or less is considered a short-barreled shotgun and is subject to the same restrictions as an SBS in most cases. However, there are a few exceptions. A shotgun with a barrel length of 18 inches or less is not considered a short-barreled shotgun if it has a stock that is at least 26 inches in length, a barrel that is at least 18 inches in length, or both.
In Connecticut, a shotgun with a barrel length of 18 inches or less is considered a long gun and is not subject to the same restrictions as an SBS. This means that a 14-inch shotgun is legal in Connecticut without a special license.
In Texas, a shotgun with a barrel length of 18 inches or less is considered a short-barreled shotgun and is subject to the same restrictions as an SBS.
How short can a 12 gauge barrel be?
How short can a 12 gauge barrel be?
The answer to this question largely depends on the purpose for which the barrel will be used. For example, a shorter barrel may be more appropriate for using in a home defense situation, while a longer barrel may be more desirable for use in a hunting situation.
In general, however, a 12 gauge barrel can be as short as 18 inches in length, and still be able to fire a shell. However, as the barrel length decreases, the accuracy of the shot may also decrease.
Additionally, when a shorter barrel is used, it may be more difficult to keep the gun steady, and the recoil may be greater. For these reasons, a shorter barrel should be used only if it is absolutely necessary, and if the shooter is comfortable with the increased recoil and decreased accuracy.
Why is the Mossberg Shockwave legal?
The Mossberg Shockwave is a pump-action shotgun with a pistol grip that is designed to fire birdshot, buckshot, and slug rounds. The gun has a 14-inch barrel, and it is classified as a pistol by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The Shockwave is legal because it meets the requirements of the National Firearms Act (NFA). The NFA regulates the sale and possession of certain firearms and devices, such as machine guns, suppressors, and short-barreled shotguns.
To be classified as a shotgun under the NFA, a firearm must have a barrel length of less than 18 inches, and the gun must be capable of being fired from the shoulder. The Shockwave does not meet these requirements because it has a barrel length of 14 inches and it cannot be fired from the shoulder.
The Shockwave is classified as a pistol because it has a barrel length of less than 16 inches and a shoulder stock. The shoulder stock is not required to be collapsible or adjustable for length, and the gun does not need to be registered with the ATF.
The Mossberg Shockwave is a great option for anyone who wants a shotgun that is easy to transport and doesn’t require a license.
Is a slam fire shotgun legal?
There is no one definitive answer to the question of whether or not a slam fire shotgun is legal. The answer may depend on the specific laws of the state or country in which the shotgun is being used. In some cases, a slam fire shotgun may be considered a type of machine gun, which may be illegal to own or use. However, in other cases, a slam fire shotgun may be considered a type of regular shotgun, and may be legal to own and use. It is important to check with local authorities to determine the legality of using a slam fire shotgun before doing so.
Can I cut my shotgun barrel down?
Yes, you can cut your shotgun barrel down, but there are a few things to consider before doing so.
First, make sure that the barrel is not threaded. If it is, you will need to remove the threads before you can cut it down.
Second, be aware that you will need to re-chamber the barrel if you cut it down. This means that the barrel will no longer be compatible with the original shotgun shells, and you will need to use new shells that are compatible with the shortened barrel.
Finally, be sure to have a qualified gunsmith do the cutting for you. Cutting a shotgun barrel down is a dangerous procedure, and if it is not done correctly, it can result in serious injury or death.
Is it legal to put a pistol brace on a Mossberg Shockwave?
A pistol brace is a device that is attached to the receiver of a firearm to act as a stock, improving the accuracy and handling of the weapon. The use of a pistol brace is not regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), and is therefore legal.
The Mossberg Shockwave is a firearm that is classified as a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act of 1968, meaning that it is subject to all of the same regulations as other firearms. The Shockwave is a 14-inch barreled firearm that is designed to be fired from the shoulder. The addition of a pistol brace does not change the classification of the firearm, and it is still legal to fire the Shockwave from the shoulder.
Some states have additional regulations regarding the use of a pistol brace. For example, California prohibits the use of a pistol brace to increase the magazine capacity of a firearm. It is always important to check with your state’s Attorney General’s office to ensure that you are in compliance with all state regulations.
The use of a pistol brace is a great way to improve the accuracy and handling of a firearm. It is a simple, inexpensive modification that can be done to any firearm. The addition of a pistol brace to a Mossberg Shockwave is a great way to improve the overall functionality of the weapon.