Pistol Gripped Shotguns...

FSCJedi · September 27, 2002, 01:51 PM

Ok everyone, I need to be set straight. I have heard that in some states, a pistol-gripped shotgun is considered to be a pistol. Is this true, and if it is, is it considered one in West Virginia? My curiosity was piqued when I read that and now I have to know. Also, I think I read somewhere that (for reasons beyond my comprehension) the Mossberg 500 series shotguns allows for the attachment of a M-16 bayonet. Is this true, and if so, what other shotguns have this ability (in particular, does the Winchester 1300?)? Sorry in advance if my questions seem a little stupid, as it were. I just have a curious mind.

swampgator · September 27, 2002, 02:10 PM

I would be hard pressed to believe any state would consider a shotgun with a pistol grip to be a handgun. That being said, call the local P.D or S.O. and get their opinion. And be sure to speak to a sworn officer.

The Mossberg 590A1 (IIRC) does come with a bayonet lug and you can attach an M-16 bayonet to it. Not sure if the Winchester 1300 has that capability, but I doubt it.

Also, WELCOME ABOARD! There are many very knowledgeable folks on this board who will be happy to answer any questions you have.

cslinger · September 27, 2002, 03:09 PM

Ditto on the bayonet question. The marines used or still use the 590A1 for certain chores.

As for shotguns being classified as a pistol, the only thing I have ever heard is that that if they fall under the federal barrel length requirement they get classified as an Any Other Weapon or Short Barreled Rifle and require a $200 Tribute to the.....ahhhh I mean tax.

Like everybody else will tell you. Run it by your local LEO/DA whatever to make absolutely sure. There are so many stupid laws and they change so fast so quietly that it doesn't hurt to check every once in a while.

Chris

Ben Swenson · September 27, 2002, 03:15 PM

Short shotgun - (<18" and manufactured as such) without a stock is considered a smoothbore pistol, and is hence an "Any Other Weapon" and a $5 "tax" - not $200.

Very important phrase there - manufactured as such. You can't go out and chop the barrel and stock of a regular shotgun yourself (because it started its "life" as a regular shotgun and is now a short barreled shotgun), but if the people who build the gun from scratch give it a short barrel and no stock, then it can be registered as an AOW for $195 less.

No, it doesn't make sense but that's the way it is.

September 27, 2002, 01:51 PM	#1
FSCJedi Junior Member Join Date: September 22, 2002 Location: The Mountains in the East Posts: 14	Pistol Gripped Shotguns... Ok everyone, I need to be set straight. I have heard that in some states, a pistol-gripped shotgun is considered to be a pistol. Is this true, and if it is, is it considered one in West Virginia? My curiosity was piqued when I read that and now I have to know. Also, I think I read somewhere that (for reasons beyond my comprehension) the Mossberg 500 series shotguns allows for the attachment of a M-16 bayonet. Is this true, and if so, what other shotguns have this ability (in particular, does the Winchester 1300?)? Sorry in advance if my questions seem a little stupid, as it were. I just have a curious mind.

September 27, 2002, 02:10 PM	#2
swampgator Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Gatorville, Florida Posts: 619	I would be hard pressed to believe any state would consider a shotgun with a pistol grip to be a handgun. That being said, call the local P.D or S.O. and get their opinion. And be sure to speak to a sworn officer. The Mossberg 590A1 (IIRC) does come with a bayonet lug and you can attach an M-16 bayonet to it. Not sure if the Winchester 1300 has that capability, but I doubt it. Also, WELCOME ABOARD! There are many very knowledgeable folks on this board who will be happy to answer any questions you have. __________________ www.afn.org/~guns

September 27, 2002, 03:09 PM	#3
cslinger Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2002 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,045	Ditto on the bayonet question. The marines used or still use the 590A1 for certain chores. As for shotguns being classified as a pistol, the only thing I have ever heard is that that if they fall under the federal barrel length requirement they get classified as an Any Other Weapon or Short Barreled Rifle and require a $200 Tribute to the.....ahhhh I mean tax. Like everybody else will tell you. Run it by your local LEO/DA whatever to make absolutely sure. There are so many stupid laws and they change so fast so quietly that it doesn't hurt to check every once in a while. Chris __________________ "Is there anyway I can write my local gun store off on my taxes as dependents?"

September 27, 2002, 03:15 PM	#4
Ben Swenson Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2000 Posts: 1,210	Short shotgun - (<18" and manufactured as such) without a stock is considered a smoothbore pistol, and is hence an "Any Other Weapon" and a $5 "tax" - not $200. Very important phrase there - manufactured as such. You can't go out and chop the barrel and stock of a regular shotgun yourself (because it started its "life" as a regular shotgun and is now a short barreled shotgun), but if the people who build the gun from scratch give it a short barrel and no stock, then it can be registered as an AOW for $195 less. No, it doesn't make sense but that's the way it is.