The Lupara or Short Barreled Shotgun

There is much confusion as to the status of short barrelled shotguns today.

If the barrel of any shotgun is cut to less than 18″ by an individual or a gunsmith, that converts the firearm to “prohibited firearm” status. So does substituting a short barrel less than 18″ long for a longer barrel.

If the barrel of a manually-operated shotgun left the factory (either the original factory or a re-manufacturing factory) at a shorter length, that does not convert the shotgun to “prohibited” or“restricted status”. It remains non-restricted. I have a .410 gauge single shot with an 11-3/4″ barrel, and two pump-action 12 gauges with 14″ barrels, a .223 single shot rifle with a 14″ barrel, and a .22 RF semi-auto rifle with an original 9-3/4″ barrel — all they are all non-restricted.

If the shotgun is semi- automatic or full automatic, shortening the barrel to less than 18.5″, or substituting a barrel less than 18.5″ long will make it a “restricted firearm.” Shortening it to less than 18″ or substituting a barrel less than 18″ long will make it a “prohibited firearm.” Replacing the barrel with one over 18.5″ long will put it back into the non-restricted class.

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