Shotgun barrel length question

[Plisk]

I'm going shooting with a friend next week, and his Dad owns a "Citori Over/under 20 gauge" it must be a Browning but he didn't say. Anyway, when he asked his Dad if he could borrow it he told him it's a 16" barrel and to make sure it was ok for him to go out in use it, that he bought it before they changed the laws on barre length. He says that his Dad bought it over 20 years ago. I don't know if he bought it new, or it's 50+ years old. But apparently it came from the factory with a 16" barrel.

What's the legality behind this? What's true, what's FUD? I know 18" is the legal length, but what about older shotguns?

[Mr. Beretta]

Not trying to be a dick, but I'll bet it didn't come from the factory even 30 years ago with a 16" barrel and sold to a private party.

Laws haven't changed. Unless Fed, State or Local leo agency owns the shotgun with the 16" barrel attached, it's illegal. Only exceptions I can think of are licensed movie prop houses and private parties with ATF permit.

I'm sure somebody will chime in soon.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

The law on shotgun barrel length was enacted in 1934. Shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches have had to be registered with the Feds along with a $200 tax payment since 1934. The transfer of such shotguns also requires the $200 tax payment and updated registration.