<P> However, shotgun ammunition which contains fewer than 6 projectiles requires a section 1 Firearms Certificate (FAC). Shotguns with a magazine capacity greater than 2 rounds are also considered to be section 1 firearms and, as such, require an FAC to own . An FAC costs £ 50 but is much more restrictive than an SGC . The applicant must nominate two referees who are known to the applicant to vouch for his or her character; a new' variation' is required for each new caliber of gun to be owned; limits are set on how much ammunition a person can own at any one time; and an FAC can be denied if the applicant does not have sufficient' good reason' .' Good reason' generally means hunting, collecting, or target shooting--though other reasons may be acceptable . Personal defense is not an acceptable reason . </P> <P> Any pump - action or semi-automatic smooth - bore gun (such as a shotgun) with a barrel length of less than 24 inches or total length of less than 40 inches is considered to be a section 5 firearm, that is, one that is subject to general prohibition, unless it is chambered for . 22 caliber rimfire ammunition . </P> <P> In the US, federal law prohibits shotguns from being capable of holding more than three shells including the round in the chamber when used for hunting migratory gamebirds such as doves, ducks, and geese . For other uses, a capacity of any number of shells is generally permitted . Most magazine - fed shotguns come with a removable magazine plug to limit capacity to 2, plus one in the chamber, for hunting migratory gamebirds . Certain states have restrictions on magazine capacity or design features under hunting or assault weapon laws . </P> <P> Shotguns intended for defensive use have barrels as short as 18 inches (46 cm) for private use (the minimum shotgun barrel length allowed by law in the United States without federal registration . Barrel lengths of less than 18 inches (46 cm) as measured from the breechface to the muzzle when the weapon is in battery, or have an overall length of less than 26 inches (66 cm) are classified as short barreled shotguns (SBS) under the 1934 National Firearms Act and are regulated . A similar short barreled weapon having a pistol grip may be classified as an AOW or "Any Other Weapon". A shotgun is defined as a weapon (with a buttstock) designed to be fired from the shoulder . The classification varies depending on how the weapon was originally manufactured . </P>

What can you hunt with a 25 gauge shotgun