BP Short Barreled Shotguns???

[EmGeeGeorge]

Can anybody tell me the legality of a muzzleloading bp shotgun with "too short" barrels??? (like 10 inches...)

I want to get a SBS for fun, but don't want to go through the hassle... from what I've heard, blackpowder muzzle guns dont have to meet the same requiremnts as modern guns...

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Muzzle loading black powder firearms are exempt from the NFA.

"An antique firearm as defined in both the GCA and NFA is exempt from all of the provisions and restrictions contained in both laws. Consequently, such an antique firearm may be bought, sold, transported, shipped, etc., without regard to the requirements of these laws."


- General Information, Section 8 "Antique Firearms", Federal Firearms Reference Regulation Guide 2005

http://www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/2005/p53004/index.htm

 

[wdlsguy]

Make sure you don't run afoul of any state laws. You might want to get a letter from BATFE beforehand, confirming what you intend to do is legal. Sounds like a fun toy to me!

 

[EmGeeGeorge]

not a bad idea...

thanks,

Matt

 

[DutchmanDick]

I wouldn't think there'd be a problem. If there was, then they couldn't sell all the replicas of "musket caliber" smoothbore pistols that are out there (British "Tower" flintlock, French M1777 flintlock, etc.)

 

[bigbore442001]

That is true. There are a lot of large smoothbore BP handguns made without a problem. As others have stated,it really depends on the state you are in. One thing that I thought of, if you called up the police to ask such a question would they know what the law is. Some police do not know such oddball things like short barreled BP smoothbores, ect.

You may have to do some research on your part at a court library to find out.