Firearms Facts Episode 2: Legal Lengths of Shotguns and Rifles

Published on June 29, 2012
Duration: 6:29

This video clarifies the minimum legal barrel and overall lengths for shotguns (18" barrel, 26" overall) and rifles (16" barrel, 26" overall) in the US to avoid NFA classification. It demonstrates proper barrel measurement techniques and discusses the 'dime trick' for checking cut shotgun barrels. The content also touches on the practicalities of NFA tax stamps and how manufacturers build in safety margins.

Quick Summary

To be legal without NFA registration, shotguns require a minimum 18-inch barrel and 26-inch overall length, while rifles need a 16-inch barrel and 26-inch overall length. Measure barrel length by closing the bolt and measuring to the bolt face.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro to SBR & SBS Laws
  2. 00:51Legal Shotgun Lengths
  3. 01:23How to Measure Barrel Length
  4. 02:08Manufacturer Safety Margins
  5. 03:01The Dime Trick for Chokes
  6. 03:39Legal Rifle Lengths & Kel-Tec SU-16
  7. 05:32Practicality of Tax Stamps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum legal barrel length for a shotgun in the US?

To be legal without requiring NFA registration, a shotgun must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. Falling below this limit classifies it as a Short Barreled Shotgun (SBS), subject to federal laws and a tax stamp.

What are the minimum legal dimensions for a rifle to avoid NFA classification?

A rifle must have a minimum barrel length of 16 inches and a minimum overall length of 26 inches to be legal without NFA registration. Exceeding these dimensions requires ATF paperwork and a $200 tax stamp.

How do you properly measure a firearm's barrel length for legal compliance?

The correct method is to close the bolt of the firearm. Then, insert a measuring device (like a rod or tape measure) down the barrel until it touches the face of the closed bolt. This ensures an accurate measurement.

What is the 'dime trick' for checking shotgun barrels?

The 'dime trick' is an old-timer method for 12-gauge shotguns. If a US dime (approx. 0.702 inches) fits into the muzzle, it often indicates the barrel has been cut, as factory full chokes are typically too tight for a dime to pass.

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