[MrEG62U]

Im just wondering if it is legal for me to cut the barrel on my shotgun myself as long as I leave the barrel at 18 1/2 " and the whole gun over 26? I dont want to do it and then get in trouble for taking it to the range. please help

[Rob62]

Yes. Just remember that the barrel is correctly measured from the face of the bolt with the bolt closed to the muzzle. (Federal *minimum* lengths without an AOW/NFA tax stamp for shotguns is 26" overall, with 18" barrel).

Many people, including law enforcement do not know this, and will measure the barrel from where it joins the receiver to the muzzle.

FWIW - this is how I would measure the barrel when cutting it down myself - it will leave the barrel actually well over the needed legal minimum 18". Plus if some unknowledgeable person measures the barrel it will be at least 18".

Also if you cut down a non ribbed barrel and re-install a bead directly into the barrel the shotgun will most likely shoot high for you. Short, 18" barrels, should have a ramp under the bead to best hit point of aim.

Check here for some further info.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawed-off_shotgun

BTW - I'm just down the road from you outside Villa Rica.

Regards,
Rob

[mierda]

:) what type of shotgun is it? maybe you can buy a shorter barrel. then you will have the best of both worlds.

[357phase]

I taped up the end of my new england single shot and used a pipe cutter to cut mine down.The tape kinda helps keep from messing up the bluing to bad.Take it easy and don't tighten the cutter to much at one time.I got a battery drill and used a large stone type grinding wheel to reem out the burr left in the barrel end.Bought a kit from brownell's that came with a bit,tap and two beads and used this to install the front sight.Also some cold blue to touch up the bare metal.Make sure you get the front sight straight or you will notice it being off.Might take a yard stick and draw a line from the hammer to the end of barrel or try some putty stuck on end to get idea where to drill hole.Mine came out good so it's not that hard to do.Bluing didn't match up that good but it's only a hundred dollar gun new.Nice behind the truck seat shotgun.Also may need to punch the mark for drilling for bead or bit will run.:p

[The Deer Hunter]

If you dont understand, just cut it at like 20" to be safe.

[MrEG62U]

thanks for the help

[357phase]

I'm from south georgia so I got that much right.I answered a question you didn't ask.Sorry.Must be a lack of concentration thing.:o

[GeorgeR]

Good advice from Rob 62 and 357phase! I might add that I usually drill and tap for the new bead before I cut the barrel. It gives you another guide to make sure the new bead is where it should be.