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Shotgun and Pistol, What is legal?

Le_Dom_Frix
I hope this is the right forum for this question.

I do know there are "pistols/revolvers" and "Derringers" available that use .410 cartridges that also use .45 Long Colt.

What I wish to know about is: Can a "pistol" be clasified as a pistol, using any gage shotgun ammunition, if "shotgun" ammunition is what it is chambered for?

If "it" would be considered a "pistol", are there any specific parameters "it" must conform to?

Can you help me understand?
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • Laredo Lefty
    Frix.... Yes a handgun can be chambered to use shotgun ammo, but I believe it must have a rifled barrel, which would make it impractical for anything but very close targets as the rifling would cause the pattern to open very fast.

    The derringers you mention are chambered for .45 colt and also shoot the .410 shells. However the other shotgun gauges like 12,20,16 etc have no corresponding pistol or rifle cartridge that would fit .
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  • Ampersand
    State law must also be considered. CA bans (now there's a surprise) pistols that take shotgun ammo. Other do so as well but I don't know for sure of other states that ban these guns.

    &
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  • Le_Dom_Frix
    Thank you Lefty and Amper.
    It may be silly but, one of the things I've been wondering about is this: Hypothetically, if you have a revolver chambered for 20 gage- are there restrictions still imposed as to barrel length such as those legally defined for pump/auto loader or break breach?
    I am not looking for State-by-State laws, looking for a more general answer/overview.

    As this is "Ask the Experts", I thought someone might know.

    Would be an awfully big cylinder even to hold 4 20 gage rounds. (snickering)

    Thanks for the input,
    Lee
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  • mark christian
    A Short Barreled Shotgun by definition is any shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18" and any weapon made from a shotgun if it has a modified length of less than 26". Your 20 gauge revolver would have to meet those two specs to avoid the National Firearms Act SBS classification and the $200 tax.

    Mark T. Christian
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  • Le_Dom_Frix
    Hello Mr. Christian,
    Thank you for a concise answer, I appreciate it.

    Sir, if I may impose on you a bit further...
    I am a Master Machinist having been employed in many diverse positions- from Millwright to AeroSpace positions- and have quite a fine hand at machining with conventional and CNC equipment with almost all types of metals. The new AluminumSC (SC=Scandium, most recently employed by Smith & Wesson in their lightweight revolvers) intrigue me and, as yet, elude me. For more on this go here http://www.smith-wesson.com/Products/Firearms/airlitesc/index.htm

    I believe a more poignant question is in order.
    If I were to build a shotgun-shelled revolver, for my own use exclusively, from the ground up, not using ANY parts from existing firearms, are there any criteria that I would have to (must) follow or adhere to, to stay within legal boundaries (gun laws)?

    Any input is greatly appreciated.
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  • mark christian
    You may build any type of firearm for your personal use other than a machinegun- the manufacture of new machineguns for private use ended in 1986. Of course state laws must be taken into consideration but from a Federal stand point you are on solid ground. You are also free to manufacture a National Firearms Act weapon for your own use by using ATF Form 1 and paying the $200 NFA Tax. This does however involve a sign off by your local law enforcement agency and of course your revolver becomes registered with the BATFE.

    If you wish to build a conventional shotgun revolver in say 20 gauge and you keep it above the NFA limits for Short Barreled Shotguns you need do nothing but build the firearm and enjoy yourself- if firing such a monster could indeed be enjoyable! If you would prefer to make the firearm smaller and go below the NFA limits than you must file the Form 1 FIRST. Include a description (some detailed plans would be a nice touch) of what exactly you intend to build along with the completed Form 1 so the the BATFE has an idea what you are planning. With your level if experience as a master machinest I don't think that the ATF will have any trouble accepting your plans and you should be approved without incident- although it will take many months to process the papers.

    After you have constructed your engineering master piece you MUST BY LAW put your name (you are after all the maker), city and state and serial number on this new NFA weapon. (non- NFA weapons need not be marked with any information if you so choose). The regulations for these markings are covered in depth in sec. 179.102 which went into effect last year. The serial number must be placed on the receiver with a depth of at least 0.003- inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16th of an inch. Other marking can be placed where ever you choose but must still meet the same size and depth requirements. The BATFE wants a minimum of 5 digets for a serial number and will NOT accept 00001- be creative! I hope this answers your questions.

    Mark T. Christian
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  • Le_Dom_Frix
    Mr Christian,
    I bow to you for your assistance and for being specific.
    On the matter of this firearm being enjoyable, that would have to be determined by the person handling such a beast, especially if it were in NFA size.

    I will be checking into the Idaho laws concerning a weapon such as this. I have no real intention of building this at this time. But, thanks to you, I now have a much better understanding of what would be entailed with keeping within the law.

    Thank you for your time and knowledge,
    Lee

    It's not what you carry
    It's how good you can use it
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