Difference between revisions of "Short-Barreled Shotgun"

Revision as of 10:15, 9 December 2012

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