"legal" length for shotgun's ?

[shannonavah]

I have a single, and a double barrel and need to know what the length has to be if i shorten them. Also does it make a difference between a single, or a double do they have to be the same ,or can i shorten one more than the other? Do the measure the barrel from the breech face side of the barrel? Or is it measured from the end of the stock, or from the length of pull?  thanks guy's for all the help

[Alias DW]

The total length,end to end has to be 18" for your shotgun barrel,with an overall total length of gun at 26"       
                             
                                              Alias

[cwlongshot]

The total length,end to end has to be 18" for your shotgun barrel,with an overall total length of gun at 26"       
                             
                                              Alias

YUP!!  BUT go a bit longer so that there is no "issues" when and if your ruler don't match Johnny laws..
 That's likely the reason for the question as most just say 18 1/2 and 26 1/2.. The extra 1/2" is for security and makes little difference.
CW

[STUMPJMPR]

Mine has a 19" barrel with a regular length stock with a recoil pad added and it is still super short.

[jlwilliams]

The total length,end to end has to be 18" for your shotgun barrel,with an overall total length of gun at 26"       
                             
                                              Alias

YUP!!  BUT go a bit longer so that there is no "issues" when and if your ruler don't match Johnny laws..
 That's likely the reason for the question as most just say 18 1/2 and 26 1/2.. The extra 1/2" is for security and makes little difference.
CW

 Keeping half an inch or more over the 18" minimum also allows you to fix a damaged muzzle crown in the future.  If your shotgun has an 18" barrel and 26" OAL, it's legal; but if you drop it and need  to get the muzzle recrowned you would be out of luck. 

[Joe S.]

Keeping half an inch or more over the 18" minimum also allows you to fix a damaged muzzle crown in the future. 

or if you do like we did and cut it crooked the first time...

[SHOOTALL]

The bbl is 18in from breach face so check from inside bbl with action closed .

[SHOOTALL]

Something el;se interesting is if the action never had a butt stock attached it is a smooth bore pistol , if the bbl is rifled it is a destructive device .

[zackyholdem]

in Michigan anything under 31" in total overall length is considered a pistol