Minium legal barrel length

[coov1]

I have a friend with an old pump gun that someone cut with a pipe cutter and ruined the end of the barrel. He wants to shorten it to make a trench gun, and contends that 16 inch is the legal min. length. Unless something has changed, I believe that 18 inch is the min. on a scatter gun, of course 16 inch for a rifle. Who is correct?

[Windustsearch]

18" for shotguns. And I don't recall whether there are overall length restrictions for shotguns or not.

[flopshot]

he'd be a fool to go less than 18 1/4" from the breech. there is a minimum overall i think at around 26" probably not a worry for an 18" pump even with a PG. it's the 18" SXS you might get close with if you cut the buttstock.

[Tsm002]

it's 26 inches OAL for any longarm. 18 inch barrel for shotguns.

You can go under 26 inches easily with, say, a single shot nef shotgun with the pistolg rip that choate sells for it. Have to use a 22 inch or longer barrel to get the proper length with that.

[MWAG]

Originally posted by Tsm002
it's 26 inches OAL for any longarm. 18 inch barrel for shotguns.

You can go under 26 inches easily with, say, a single shot nef shotgun with the pistolg rip that choate sells for it. Have to use a 22 inch or longer barrel to get the proper length with that.

INDEED.......

[gunplumber]

Just ask Randy Weaver

And folks, measure the barrel with the action closed and an 18" (SG) or 16" (rifle) rod. Distance is measured from the bolt face and guns with barrel extensions and recessed bolts can be misleading.

[coov1]

Thanks guys, I'll relay the info. Sorry about the typo, I should proof read the header, not just the post!