TITLE 27 CFR CHAPTER II
§ 479.11 Meaning of terms.
Firearm. (a) A shotgun having a
barrel or barrels of less than 18
inches in length; (b) a weapon made
from a shotgun if such weapon as
modified has an overall length of
less than 26 inches or a barrel or
barrels of less than 18 inches in
length; (c) a rifle having a barrel or
barrels of less than 16 inches in
length; (d) a weapon made from a
rifle if such weapon as modified has
an overall length of less than 26
inches or a barrel or barrels of less
than 16 inches in length; (e) any
other weapon, as defined in this
subpart; (f) a machine gun; (g) a
muffler or a silencer for any firearm
whether or not such firearm is included
within this definition; and (h)
a destructive device. The term shall
not include an antique firearm or any
device (other than a machine gun or
destructive device) which, although
designed as a weapon, the Director
finds by reason of the date of its
manufacture, value, design, and
other characteristics is primarily a
collector's item and is not likely to be
used as a weapon. For purposes of
this definition, the length of the barrel
having an integral chamber(s) on
a shotgun or rifle shall be determined
by measuring the distance
between the muzzle and the face of
the bolt, breech, or breech block
when closed and when the shotgun
or rifle is cocked. The overall length
of a weapon made from a shotgun
or rifle is the distance between the
extreme ends of the weapon measured
along a line parallel to the center
line of the bore.
