The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Rifled Slug Barrels, and cutting them down

apr1775 · September 15, 2009, 07:43 AM

Not a destructive device. It would only be so if it were over half inch bore and had no sporting purpose; many states allow twelve guage slug hunting. The main issue here is whether the bore is rifled. I'd agree with the agent that your gun is legally a rifle and not a shotgun. That being said, I'd get that opinion in writing and keep several copies. This would be a good chance to use a fed's ego to your advantage, "Mr ATF agent, can you send me your expert legal opinion in writing so if anyone who doesn't know the law as well as you do..... I modified the barrel under your agency's authority." Personally, I'd leave the barrel at 18in; I don't see 2in making enough difference to bother with and most slug ammo is made for a 20 some inch barrel anyway.

Not a legal opinion, just my personal thoughts, I'm not a lawyer.

September 15, 2009, 07:43 AM	#9
apr1775 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 425	Not a destructive device. It would only be so if it were over half inch bore and had no sporting purpose; many states allow twelve guage slug hunting. The main issue here is whether the bore is rifled. I'd agree with the agent that your gun is legally a rifle and not a shotgun. That being said, I'd get that opinion in writing and keep several copies. This would be a good chance to use a fed's ego to your advantage, "Mr ATF agent, can you send me your expert legal opinion in writing so if anyone who doesn't know the law as well as you do..... I modified the barrel under your agency's authority." Personally, I'd leave the barrel at 18in; I don't see 2in making enough difference to bother with and most slug ammo is made for a 20 some inch barrel anyway. Not a legal opinion, just my personal thoughts, I'm not a lawyer.