Author Topic: Shortest legal barrel? (Read 1438 times)

jpuke · « **on:** January 30, 2004, 07:07:04 AM »

Does anyone happen to know the shortest barrel length allowed by the BATF?

pinduck · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2004, 08:09:10 AM »

Check this out http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/2000_ref.htm
if I remember correctly it is 16" for rifle and 18" for shotgun, however by digging thru the site listed it will tell you.

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2004, 08:21:48 AM »

That's correct.

The National Firearms Act of 1934 specifies that a shotgun have a minimal barrel length of 18", a rifle minimal barrel length of 18", and an overall length of 26".

During the early 1960's, the law was amended to 16" minimum rifle barrel length to allow surplus M1 Carbines to be released for DCM sales.

HTH
John

jpuke · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2004, 10:08:28 AM »

Thanks for the info guys, I was thinking of cutting down an old single shot NEF 12 ga. for fun.

Lazarus Longshot · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2004, 03:03:08 PM »

Don't forget that, in addition to minimum barrel length, the overall length of a modified rifle or shotgun cannot be less than 26".

lik2hunt · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2004, 02:47:01 PM »

jpuke, I have a Pardner 12 ga. that I had cut back to 23" removing the Mod. choking. It is a fine little slug slinger. Loves the Federal Classics and the Remington Slugger 3" Mags which will reach out and touch game at 60 yd. BUT.... Be sure to remove the buttpad and fill the bolt hole with something for extra weight before trying the 3" mags
:biggun:
I used #6 shot in mine.