Legal barrel length
- Thread starter Ned
- Start date
Dfariswheel
New member
The minimum Federal length (which most states also follow) is 18" inches.
To measure:
Close the action (EMPTY) and insert a cleaning rod or dowel rod down the bore until it contacts the breech face.
Mark the rod even with the muzzle, remove the rod and measure it from the end to the mark.
That's the actual barrel length.
There's also a Federal standard that says the overall length of the gun must be at least 26" inches.
This means you measure the gun from the butt or back end to the muzzle.
To measure:
Close the action (EMPTY) and insert a cleaning rod or dowel rod down the bore until it contacts the breech face.
Mark the rod even with the muzzle, remove the rod and measure it from the end to the mark.
That's the actual barrel length.
There's also a Federal standard that says the overall length of the gun must be at least 26" inches.
This means you measure the gun from the butt or back end to the muzzle.
RevolverLover
New member
I thought that only appied to rifles?
V4Vendetta
New member
I'm not sure but it's better to err on the side of caution. Although I hear Leavenworth has lovely weather this time of year.
It applies to shotguns too.
And if you have a folding/telescoping stock, that's with the stock extended. Or at least federally, anyways. Some states have different laws about that.
It's also best to have your barrel just over 18", just in case the BATFE's rulers are just a little bit shorter than yours.
And if you have a folding/telescoping stock, that's with the stock extended. Or at least federally, anyways. Some states have different laws about that.
It's also best to have your barrel just over 18", just in case the BATFE's rulers are just a little bit shorter than yours.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Wrong!
Minimum barrel length on a shotgun is 18", per federal regulations.
Folding stock guns must be 26" OAL minimum with the stock folded.
Take it to the bank.
Bill
Minimum barrel length on a shotgun is 18", per federal regulations.
Folding stock guns must be 26" OAL minimum with the stock folded.
Take it to the bank.
Bill
Dfariswheel
New member
Yes.
You measure from the breech face or bolt face.
Also, the Federal standard for overall length of 26" inches is with any folding or collapsing stock folded into it's shortest length.
You measure from the breech face or bolt face.
Also, the Federal standard for overall length of 26" inches is with any folding or collapsing stock folded into it's shortest length.
flatfender
Inactive
ATF says the overall length is 26" or more with the folding stock extended. Federal law.
You may be shorter than 26" with the stock folded EXCEPT in states that have laws that require that the folded measurement is 26"+.
For instance, Uzi carbines with the 16" barrels and a folding stock is 24" folded and 31-1/2" extended. Legal by ATF regs. YOUR state law may say different.
Michigan and California requires a 18" rifle barrel instead of Federal laws 16" requirement which would bring the above Uzi to the 26"+ folded length.
You may be shorter than 26" with the stock folded EXCEPT in states that have laws that require that the folded measurement is 26"+.
For instance, Uzi carbines with the 16" barrels and a folding stock is 24" folded and 31-1/2" extended. Legal by ATF regs. YOUR state law may say different.
Michigan and California requires a 18" rifle barrel instead of Federal laws 16" requirement which would bring the above Uzi to the 26"+ folded length.
Bill DeShivs
New member
Flatfender
Show me facts to support your comment. The Uzi carbine and a few other firearms may have been exempted from the OAL ruling, but the general ruling is that minimum OAL (with the stock folded) is 26 inches.
Bill
Show me facts to support your comment. The Uzi carbine and a few other firearms may have been exempted from the OAL ruling, but the general ruling is that minimum OAL (with the stock folded) is 26 inches.
Bill
flatender is correct. The measurement is made with the stock extended.
ATF P 5300.4 - Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide 2005 (Revised - 9/05)
Bardwell's NFA FAQ
ATF P 5300.4 - Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide 2005 (Revised - 9/05)
Bardwell's NFA FAQ
Dfariswheel
New member
I stand corrected, at least on rifles:
"To measure overall length do so along, "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore." 27 CFR sec. 179.11.
On a folding stock weapon you measure with the stock extended, provided the stock is not readily detachable, and the weapon is meant to be fired from the shoulder.
I'm going to assume this is good for shotguns also.
"To measure overall length do so along, "the distance between the extreme ends of the weapon measured along a line parallel to the center line of the bore." 27 CFR sec. 179.11.
On a folding stock weapon you measure with the stock extended, provided the stock is not readily detachable, and the weapon is meant to be fired from the shoulder.
I'm going to assume this is good for shotguns also.
Bill DeShivs
New member
I, also stand corrected. My apologies.
Bill
Bill
flatfender
Inactive
No apologies needed.
All these gun laws and regulations are hard to get your head around.
Title II stuff is actually easier. You can do most anything as long as you have ze correct paperwork from der government.
All these gun laws and regulations are hard to get your head around.
Title II stuff is actually easier. You can do most anything as long as you have ze correct paperwork from der government.