Are sawed off shotguns illegal?

[SoCalEnthusiast]

So I met up with my best friend from high school for happy hour today. Once again we get into a heated discussion about guns and the legalities.

The topic was if sawed off shotguns are legal or illegal. He stated they're illegal only in a few states. I said they're illegal everywhere in the US.

Can someone shed some light? I actually have $50 riding on this bet.

[Oliver_Charles]

***

[xjdesertfox]

"sawed off" to what length?

[hermosabeach]

Well you have a kick but Shotgun flowchart from the CGF.


Shotguns with Barrels less than 18" are an NFA item.

States that allow NFA items- Supressors- Full Auto- Destructive Devices, etc.- might also allow Short Barreled Rifles and Shotguns....


So yes- if it is a home built gun without BATFE approval- Illegal.


If you go and get approval from the BATFE and your state permits the item, you are legal....

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/national-firearms-act-short-barreled-rifles-shotguns.html

Based upon his comment that some states allow them... Pay Up

[SoCalEnthusiast]

He surely meant to the level you see in the movies. The ones that you knew were illegal when you were a kid growing up.

[russ69]

Legal in some states with proper tax stamp.

[hermosabeach]

?????

He surely meant to the level you see in the movies. The ones that you knew were illegal when you were a kid growing up.

I don't even know what to make of your comment.

As long as you get the form approved by the ATF then any length is ok on an SBR or SBS

-

Was the bet- the machine guns and shot guns used by criminals stolen or illegally made?????

Or was it- you can buy or own a shot barrel shotgun in some states???

[SoCalEnthusiast]

I just told you the bet. I think there's some gray area.

[MXRider]

Short barreled shotguns are an NFA item and can be purchased in many states, but not CA. You may take possession of the SBS after paying the $200 tax stamp to the BATFE and waiting for about 8 months to receive your stamp.



There are also AOW's like the Serbu and you can get it in CA.

[MXRider]

So, I think you lost $50.

[Superduper2013]

So, I think you lost $50.

I would say its a draw, because technically they are illegal in every state as OP stated, unless you get the tax stamp which makes them legal like his friend said.

[Canucky]

Move to Canada

[MXRider]

I would say its a draw, because technically they are illegal in every state as OP stated, unless you get the tax stamp which makes them legal like his friend said.

They aren't illegal, they are just federally regulated to a different degree than a shotgun with a barrel over 18".

[Superduper2013]

They aren't illegal, they are just federally regulated to a different degree than a shotgun with a barrel over 18".

They are illegal without a tax stamp correct?

[Intimid8tor]

So, I think you lost $50.

Yep. You lose.

I would say its a draw, because technically they are illegal in every state as OP stated, unless you get the tax stamp which makes them legal like his friend said.

Not a draw. They are legal when the laws are followed.

They are illegal without a tax stamp correct?

AR-15 rifles are illegal in CA without a bullet button or featureless. SBS are legal in most states if you follow the laws. You lose.