Short-Barreled Shotgun
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UNITED STATES v. MICHAUD
United States Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit
Id. § 921(a)(5). As used in section 924(c)(1)(B)(i), the statute defines a "short-barreled shotgun" as:
a shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length and any weapon made from a shotgun (whether by alteration, modification or otherwise) if such a weapon as modified has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches.
Talking Points =
- Federal Law defines a legal shotgun as having a minimum barrel length of 18" (not 18½ as some people claim) and an overall length (including buttstock) of at least 26".
- To possess a shotgun below the lengths define in the previous talking point, you must apply for and receive a Class III tax stamp (it is like a special permit issued by the BATF). You need one stamp per short barreled shotgun.
- Often manufacturers, such as Mossberg, will not manufacture a shotgun barrel shorter than 18½" as to have a "legal safety buffer" or to meet minimums in certain more restrictive states.
- Your state may have further restrictions superseding federal law. A shotgun legal in one state may be illegal in another jurisdiction.
- Other legal restrictions apply (such as on Felons and so on.)
"Short" Answer
18" Barrel
26" Overall Length
