handgun barrels

[CYANIDEGENOCIDE]

Is there a minimum barrel length for pistols? I vaguely remember it being 2 and 1/16 inches but I am not sure. On that note if there is a minimum would this be illegal http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=156504435 ? It's obviously the work of some hack.

 

[Jim K]

No, there is no minimum barrel length on handguns, only on firearms with shoulder stocks.

"The finish has had heavy buffing..." That is like describing Hurricane Katrina as washing the streets.

Jim

 

[GRIZ22]

No minimum length for a pistol barrel. The older S&W J frames are 1 7/8". NAA minis are 1 1/8.

 

[Jim K]

There is not even a requirement that there BE a barrel. Some of the old timers removed the barrels from solid frame revolvers and just fired from the cylinder. At least no barrel-cylinder gap to complain about.

Jim

 

[jad0110]

Some locales put asinine restrictions on minimum barrel lengths for CCW. IIRC, Chapel Hill NC is just one such place. Don't remember the exact restriction.

As others said, the vast majority of locations don't place any such restriction. I sometimes CCW a 1 7/8" J Frame.

 

[Elvishead]

CYANIDEGENOCIDE

Member
Join Date: February 20, 2008

That's a pretty easy one considering you've been a member since 2008.

GRIZ22

The older S&W J frames are 1 7/8".

Your right but the most new ones do to.

 

[ljnowell]

Elvishead, what exactly do your posts mean? Quite confusing.

 

[JellyJar]

Here in the US there are no "legal" minimum length for handgun barrels. Other countries and some state/local jurisdictions may have legal minimum lengths.

For practical purposes you need enough length of the barrel to impart a spin to the bullet so it will be at least somewhat accurate. That length varies with the caliber and bullet used in each caliber.

 

[rmfnla]

"Elvishead, what exactly do your posts mean? Quite confusing."


There needs to be a ROFLMAO icon; that was funny!

 

[Elvishead]

If he's (OP) been coming on the board for two years, I would have expected him to know the answer to the question already.

 

[rmfnla]

Expectations are the best way to be disappointed.

 

[ljnowell]

If he's (OP) been coming on the board for two years, I would have expected him to know the answer to the question already.

Believe it or not, I would imagine that there are plenty of people that frequent these boards that know nothing about minimum barrel lengths on rifles, shotguns, etc. Lots of people simply never had reason to care, so they come here to ask. If you wanted to know about cars, you would go to a car forum, wouldnt you?

 

[Elvishead]

Believe it or not, I would imagine that there are plenty of people that frequent these boards that know nothing about minimum barrel lengths on rifles, shotguns, etc. Lots of people simply never had reason to care, so they come here to ask. If you wanted to know about cars, you would go to a car forum, wouldnt you?

You want to know about car's? Just ask me, or even motorcycles to, just don't ask me about airplanes.

 

[ljnowell]

I think I am cool on cars, being an ASE master Tech and having taught auto at the college level. The point, as you so easily dodged, is that people who seek information come here. People arent born knowing, as you were, most have to seek out the knowledge.

PS I dont know anything about airplanes either. And I dont like snakes.

 

[CYANIDEGENOCIDE]

Elvishead being as you know so much about firearms (after all you have been on this forum for 2 years) can you explain "sporting use" as defined per ATF with specific citation to "ref. C1ST minimum size prerequisites referring to the Factoring Criteria for Weapons ATF Form 4590", and applicable import regulations?

There are size minimums for pistols if they are to be imported. My question specifically is WHAT are the size minimums based on if not barrel length? weight? receiver size? the thread form of the grip panel screws?