<P> Semi-automatic and pump action shotguns, whether held on shotgun or firearms certificates, are always required to comply with the specification of 24" minimum barrel length, 40" minimum overall length . </P> <P> Muzzleloading firearms held on firearms certificates are exempt from any restrictions on barrel and overall length . A smoothbore muzzleloader held on a shotgun certificate would be subject to the standard 24" minimum barrel length specification . </P> <P> Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), it is illegal for a private citizen to possess a sawed - off modern smokeless powder shotgun (a shotgun with a barrel length shorter than 18 inches (46 cm) or an overall length shorter than 26 inches (66 cm)) (under U.S.C. Title II), without a tax - paid registration from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, requiring a background check and either a $200 or $5 tax for every transfer, depending upon the specific manufacturing circumstances of the particular sawed - off modern shotgun being transferred . Gun trusts have become an increasingly popular means of registering SBS' with the BATFE . Short - barreled muzzleloading blackpowder shotguns are not illegal under federal law, and require no tax - stamped permit, although they may be illegal under state law . As with all NFA regulated firearms, a new tax stamp must be purchased before every transfer . Inter-state transfers must be facilitated through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) while intrastate transfers may be between two persons . </P> <P> In the US, shotguns originally manufactured without shoulder stocks (and thus not legally shotguns), with a total length under 26 inches, are classified as an "Any Other Weapon" by the BATFE and have a $5 transfer tax, if they are manufactured by a maker possessing the appropriate Class 2 Special Occupational Taxpayer Federal Firearms License . In order to convert an existing shoulder - stocked shotgun to a short - barreled shotgun or an existing pistol - grip - only shotgun to an "Any Other Weapon", a private citizen must pay the standard $200 NFA tax . </P>

How long does shotgun barrel have to be
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