Would this be legal?

Prof Young · February 17, 2018, 05:10 PM

So I bought a used bolt action Stevens 20ga for $80 at an auction. Now that I own this thing I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Don't really need it for anything. May see how well it shoots slugs and I guess it could become a second deer gun. Part of me is thinking of turning it into an HD gun just for the fun of it. So if I sawed the stock into a pistol grip and cut the barrel to 19 inches . . . would it be legal? (Note, regardless of answers below I'll look for local expert advice before I proceed.) The other consideration is . . . how hard would it be to work a bolt on a pistol grip shotgun?

Life is good.
Prof Young

Screwball · February 17, 2018, 05:17 PM

Overall length still has to be over 26”... or else a tax stamp.

Prof Young · February 17, 2018, 05:29 PM

Thanks Screwball. I'd forgot about the overall length consideration.

Life is good.
Prof Young

Bill DeShivs · February 17, 2018, 05:38 PM

Working a bolt on a PG shotgun is very awkward.
Leave the stock on the gun. Everything will work better.

jmhyer · February 17, 2018, 05:49 PM

Leave it as is and look to donate it...maybe to someone like the local 4H.

Prof Young · February 17, 2018, 11:11 PM

Jim - Can one give a gun to an organization. I'm thinking here in IL that's not possible.

Life is good . . . if confusing.
Prof Young

jmhyer · February 19, 2018, 06:26 PM

Don't know about in your state. In my state, what I would do is donate the gun to a specific person...the 4H director, for example...to be used by 4H members.

5whiskey · February 20, 2018, 11:27 PM

I had one of those years ago as a teenager. Gained it in a trade and lost it in a trade. Kind of wish I'd kept it honestly. Its not exactly rare, but kind of unique. I say keep it as is.

In The Ten Ring · February 21, 2018, 06:16 PM

I know a man that has a sawed off shotgun because the end of the barrel blew up in his face (snow/ice up the muzzle). He keeps it for home defense and yes, I have warned him several times about the NFA laws but he's an older guy.......older guys are usually stubborn.

February 17, 2018, 05:10 PM	#1
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Would this be legal? So I bought a used bolt action Stevens 20ga for $80 at an auction. Now that I own this thing I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. Don't really need it for anything. May see how well it shoots slugs and I guess it could become a second deer gun. Part of me is thinking of turning it into an HD gun just for the fun of it. So if I sawed the stock into a pistol grip and cut the barrel to 19 inches . . . would it be legal? (Note, regardless of answers below I'll look for local expert advice before I proceed.) The other consideration is . . . how hard would it be to work a bolt on a pistol grip shotgun? Life is good. Prof Young

February 17, 2018, 05:29 PM	#3
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Thanks . . . Thanks Screwball. I'd forgot about the overall length consideration. Life is good. Prof Young

February 17, 2018, 05:38 PM	#4
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Working a bolt on a PG shotgun is very awkward. Leave the stock on the gun. Everything will work better. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 17, 2018, 11:11 PM	#6
Prof Young Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2007 Location: Illinois - down state Posts: 2,404	Not sure you can give a gun to an organization? Jim - Can one give a gun to an organization. I'm thinking here in IL that's not possible. Life is good . . . if confusing. Prof Young

February 17, 2018, 05:17 PM	#2
Screwball Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2012 Location: ME Posts: 771	Overall length still has to be over 26”... or else a tax stamp.

February 17, 2018, 05:49 PM	#5
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Leave it as is and look to donate it...maybe to someone like the local 4H.

February 19, 2018, 06:26 PM	#7
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Don't know about in your state. In my state, what I would do is donate the gun to a specific person...the 4H director, for example...to be used by 4H members.

February 20, 2018, 11:27 PM	#8
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,657	I had one of those years ago as a teenager. Gained it in a trade and lost it in a trade. Kind of wish I'd kept it honestly. Its not exactly rare, but kind of unique. I say keep it as is.

February 21, 2018, 06:16 PM	#9
In The Ten Ring Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2018 Posts: 380	I know a man that has a sawed off shotgun because the end of the barrel blew up in his face (snow/ice up the muzzle). He keeps it for home defense and yes, I have warned him several times about the NFA laws but he's an older guy.......older guys are usually stubborn.