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Legal Minimum Shotgun Barrel Length


tn hp

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The Federal Statute indicates that to be legal, a shotgun barrel must have a minumum length of 18 inches and the firearm itself (shotgun) must have an overall length of 26 inches.

So, when considering the shortening of a shotgun barrel, where do you measure from in order to achieve the 18 inch legal minumum?

I was under the impression that one had to measure from the end of the chamber but, the Federal Statute is not entirely clear on that issue. So, if you know or have had exerience in this area, please advise but, do not speculate. Otherwise, its back to the statutes and case law.

Thanks,

tn hp

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First call the ATF, it is not illegal to cut a barrel and anybody can do it. Well, maybe not right but they can do it. But all the sources I have ever heard from state from the bolt face with the bolt closed. Run a rod down the barrel with the bolt closed. I would always add a half inch to that to be safe and leave a little trim room if the muzzle was ever dinged.

Edited by glockster157
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The BATF&E measures barrel length (to determine legality), by running a dowel rod down the barrel, action closed, until the rod contacts the breech face. They then mark the rod at the end of the muzzle, remove the rod, and measure. Kinda complicated, but that's how they do it.

DanO

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TN HP, sorry I could not reply sooner. We just concluded a thread on this issue in the gunsmithing forum, which includes cites of the relevant federal laws. In brief, the measurement is made from the breech face, with the action closed and cocked. Not sure why cocked would make a difference, but it is in the statute.

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