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Sawed off shotgun
- Thread starter Overhill
- Start date
This would be better in the NFA Guns & Gear section
Or the shotgun section, but I'll post this.
Measure with a rod down the barrel from the bolt face when the bolt is closed. You want to be absolutely sure of the measurement - there are no gimmies, if you're short by 1/32" you're in serious trouble.
You are OK with OAL because the smallest allowable is 26" and you're 28 - although I'd double check that too if I were you.
http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5320-8/atf-p-5320-8.pdf
.
Or the shotgun section, but I'll post this.
Measure with a rod down the barrel from the bolt face when the bolt is closed. You want to be absolutely sure of the measurement - there are no gimmies, if you're short by 1/32" you're in serious trouble.
You are OK with OAL because the smallest allowable is 26" and you're 28 - although I'd double check that too if I were you.
http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5320-8/atf-p-5320-8.pdf
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Those dimensions meet the Federal requirements.
Check YOUR STATE LAWS carefully! They can be different! One state I know has a 20" minimum for barrels, unless the original factory made barrel was shorter.
its foolish, but its the law. If it came from the factory with an 18", its fine, and legal. If someone (including a licensed gunsmith) cut down a longer barrel, 20" is the legal minimum.
Check the laws where you live, its important!
Check YOUR STATE LAWS carefully! They can be different! One state I know has a 20" minimum for barrels, unless the original factory made barrel was shorter.
its foolish, but its the law. If it came from the factory with an 18", its fine, and legal. If someone (including a licensed gunsmith) cut down a longer barrel, 20" is the legal minimum.
Check the laws where you live, its important!
The measurement is from the face of the bolt to the end of the barrel. Google 5320.8 for the NFA Handbook published by the BATF.Overhill said:Than, the chamber (forcing cone) is included in min. barrel measurment? That leaves me with a problem if it is.
Unloaded, empty shotgun...
Bolt CLOSED...
With the barrel pointed straight up in the air, take a rod and drop it down the barrel, allow the rod to rest on top of the closed bolt.
If 18" or more of the rod protrudes from the barrel, your shot gun barrel is legal (as far as the Federal regulations are concerned).
If less than 18" of the rod protrudes from the barrel, (even by 1/32" your shot gun may be an NFA weapon or AOW.
Bolt CLOSED...
With the barrel pointed straight up in the air, take a rod and drop it down the barrel, allow the rod to rest on top of the closed bolt.
If 18" or more of the rod protrudes from the barrel, your shot gun barrel is legal (as far as the Federal regulations are concerned).
If less than 18" of the rod protrudes from the barrel, (even by 1/32" your shot gun may be an NFA weapon or AOW.
When measured properly this barrel is approx. 1/16 short. If i was to tap the barrel and install an extended choke tube, would it be legal. i have looked at all the data i could find and this (tube) is not mentioned, I would even be willing to solder the tube in as i would have no desire to change it. Any thoughts?
Is there an age at which this shotgun could have been grandfathered? Depending on how old the shotgun is? I could find no indication that the 1934 NFA allowed any kind of grandfathering, so my guess is No.
If not, page 5 in the atf publication linked by C0untZer0 defines the approved methods for adding length to meet minimum requirements.
If not, page 5 in the atf publication linked by C0untZer0 defines the approved methods for adding length to meet minimum requirements.
Technosavant
New member
If i was to tap the barrel and install an extended choke tube, would it be legal. i have looked at all the data i could find and this (tube) is not mentioned, I would even be willing to solder the tube in as i would have no desire to change it. Any thoughts?
It would have to be permanently attached. Just screwing on wouldn't do it.
oneounceload
Moderator
Since your name area says NJ, you might want to investigate those laws as well before going to any great lengths about anything.
I know what you meant, but it's not what you said:
The critical measurement is how much of the rod is covered by the barrel. How much protrudes from the barrel is irrelevant.
Unloaded, empty shotgun...
Bolt CLOSED...
With the barrel pointed straight up in the air, take a rod and drop it down the barrel, allow the rod to rest on top of the closed bolt.
If 18" or more of the rod protrudes from the barrel, your shot gun barrel is legal (as far as the Federal regulations are concerned).
If less than 18" of the rod protrudes from the barrel, (even by 1/32" your shot gun may be an NFA weapon or AOW.
The critical measurement is how much of the rod is covered by the barrel. How much protrudes from the barrel is irrelevant.
war_elephant
New member
I would still get rid of it, not worth the trouble it can cause in today's legal climate. At least buy a replacement barrel from Numerich Arms or H & R. For a single barrel shotgun, not worth the legal defense fees to prove it was ok. 1/16 of an inch is not worth 10 years. My .02. Being in NJ, No one will take the time to do what is right at the prosecutor's office. Remember Brian Atken, did everything right, legal, still ended up in prison. Still a convicted felon who cannot own or posess firearms untill the conviction is set aside. Is 1/16 either way worth it? Not in NJ.
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