Shotgun length question

**Brian** · 09-26-2006, 05:58 PM

I have been considering chopping my inexpensive shotgun down to the legal limit for home defense use. I don't know much about the laws, but I believe 18.5 inch barrel is shortest I can go. Can anyone confirm that is the case in Maryland? I believe that is a federal law. I'm just not sure if there are any over-riding local laws. I also understand that the OAL must be at least 26". Is that correct?

Can I saw it off myself without any legal ramifications?

Thanks,

**shoreman** · 09-26-2006, 06:33 PM

In the United States, it is illegal for a private citizen to possess a sawed-off shotgun (a barrel length less than 18 in. and an overall length less than 26 inches) without a tax-stamped permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which requires an extensive background check and a $200 fee for every transfer. A new tax stamp must be purchased with every transfer of the short-barrelled shotgun, and transfers must be made through a Class III Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer.

Stay within those parameters, and you'll be fine.

Saw away.

**zzjake** · 09-26-2006, 06:34 PM

I think thats the fed law for length, I don't think there a problem with you doing the modification...cut carefully..lol

**Brian** · 09-26-2006, 07:08 PM

Most excellent! Thanks gents.

How about some before and after pics???

I'll be getting started on the project tonight I think.

**Brian** · 09-26-2006, 08:01 PM

Next question.... any specifics on butt reshaping? Can I shorten the butt as long as the OAL is > 26"? I'm not sure I want to do this, but I have seen sawed off shotguns that have been formed to look like a pistol grip.

P.S. I just found this link.

http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/cha...y/weapons2.htm

Thanks,

**Stabber** · 09-26-2006, 08:37 PM

Definatly pics! Devils demand pics

**mrbieler** · 09-28-2006, 06:19 AM

Don't bother with a pistol gripped shotgun.

Looks good in the movies. Not quiet the same when it's not birdshot or blanks.

**tubtar** · 09-28-2006, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by gunsnrovers

Don't bother with a pistol gripped shotgun.

Looks good in the movies. Not quiet the same when it's not birdshot or blanks.

I'm not so sure about that......I find that the point to aim method makes it pretty accurate.......as accurate as you need to be with shot anyway.
I'm talking head shots from 50 ' on a large stuffed animal , but it works for me.
You do want to be hanging on though.

**BenDibble** · 09-28-2006, 03:48 PM

ugh, i got some nice bruises on my abdomen from that little shotgun there. first few shots i didn't exactly have the holding down right. but that kicks you into submission to learn!

**SZiehr** · 09-29-2006, 09:32 AM

When you cut the barrel down, be EXTREMELY careful where you measure from. More than one person has been busted for what they thought was a legal length gun, only to find out they didn't measure it correctly. Rememer, the advice you get is worth what you pay for it!

**Brian** · 09-30-2006, 12:59 PM

Does anyone know where I can find a bolt-on pistol grip for a winchester 120 12 guage?

Here are a couple of before shots. I plan on chopping later today.

**swampwolf** · 09-30-2006, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by SZiehr

When you cut the barrel down, be EXTREMELY careful where you measure from. More than one person has been busted for what they thought was a legal length gun, only to find out they didn't measure it correctly. Rememer, the advice you get is worth what you pay for it!

GOOD ADVISE! To measure, close the action of the SG and stick a dowel etc. down te barrel untill it contacts the bolt face. Mark the dowell precisely at the end of the barrel. Now, take out the dowel and mark it at 18.5in. Place the dowel against the outside of the barrel with your original mark aligned with the end of the barrel and mark the barrel at the 18.5in and cut it.

**BoerBoelGuy** · 09-30-2006, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by swampwolf

GOOD ADVISE! To measure, close the action of the SG and stick a dowel etc. down te barrel untill it contacts the bolt face. Mark the dowell precisely at the end of the barrel. Now, take out the dowel and mark it at 18.5in. Place the dowel against the outside of the barrel with your original mark aligned with the end of the barrel and mark the barrel at the 18.5in and cut it.

Get out of my head man

!.....You beat me to it

**Brian** · 09-30-2006, 06:23 PM

Thanks gents, I measured as described above and actually left an extra 1/2 inch. So far so good. I also ordered a pistol grip and forward grip from combatstocks.com.

http://www.combatstocks.com/ATI_12GA...ip_(Black).cfm

http://www.combatstocks.com/ATI_Shot...istol_Grip.cfm