legal barrel length
shotgun, 18 or 18 1/2 ? thanks
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I know the legal length for a shotgun barrel is 18" (18 1/4' to be safe). I have an old Remington 870 barrel with a poly choke. I would like to have it cut down as short as possible but don't know exactly what that would be because part of the poly choke can be removed and I'm sure that cannot be counted as part of the length. I'm assuming that portion of the choke which is permanently attached to the barrel (silver soldered in this case) can be counted as part of the length but am not sure. We may be talking about a 3" difference in length depending on what is considered legal and best case appears to be a 20" barrel (with screw on portion installed). Any experts that can give me some direction? FWIW dispite being ugly I like the versatility of the poly in field situations where it can be quickly "dialed in" for a particular situation, without tools. 0 -
18 inches is the minimum barrel length for a shotgun, but leaving a little extra is never a bad idea [:o)] 0 -
thanks, thats all i need to know. just couldnt remember. i do know that you are to measure by putting the tape down the barrel till it hits the bolt face. thats something few people know? thanks, redman 0 -
quote:Originally posted by redman.com1
thanks, thats all i need to know. just couldnt remember. i do know that you are to measure by putting the tape down the barrel till it hits the bolt face. thats something few people know? thanks, redman
Yes, and congrats on being one of the few. But it is still good to leave a little extra for the ones that are not as smart as us.[:o)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by redman.com1
thanks, thats all i need to know. just couldnt remember. i do know that you are to measure by putting the tape down the barrel till it hits the bolt face. thats something few people know? thanks, redman
Well technically you should use a dowel just slightly under bore size so that no tipping can be done. Also make sure the bolt is closed when measuring. But overall good info.0 -
For checking barrel length the BATFE will have a set of devices which are slightly smaller than the bore diameter of the shotgun in question and are certified (I believe by the FBI Lab) to be EXACTLY 18 inches in length. When the time for the big moment arrives an agent will close the action of the shotgun, or close and lock the bolt, place the gun upright on a solid surface and then insert the measurement gauge into the muzzle. As we hold our collective breaths we have to hope that the device disappears below the muzzle and if it does we are home free. On the other hand if it protrudes beyond the muzzle then you are in a heap of trouble. Don't play games with tape measures because he BAFTE won't and that extra half inch of barrel length can save you a long stretch in prison. 0
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