what is the minimum legal overall length of a single shot shotgun

[patrol01]

Good afternoon I'm looking for a definitive answer to the following question . "what is the minimum total length a single shot shotgun with a 24" barrel and it is still classed as a section 2 shotgun in the uk."

I can see in the firearms act that pump action and self loading shotguns have a minimum length of 40" but is this total length applicable to single shot shotguns as well ?

thanks

 

[M@tt]

To stay as section 2 it has to be 40" overall.

They can be shorter but then they're S1, but the pump/semi-auto S1 guns need to still be over 40".

ETA just tried to find the relevant statute for this and can't. As you say, It only mentions the barrel length for shotguns and the overall for pump and semis with the high capacity magazines.

 

[Jelen]

To stay as section 2 it has to be 40" overall.

They can be shorter but then they're S1, but the pump/semi-auto S1 guns need to still be over 40".

With a minimum barrel length of 20" I believe.

 

[M@tt]

It appears S2 shotguns can be any length as long as the barrel is 24" or more.

I can find no mention of a minimum length in the Act for a S1 (it not having more than 2 rounds in a magazine), and the Guidance doesn't mention it either.

The 20" minimum barrel length was from a previous act in the 1920's iirc.

 

[finnbear270]

In the United Kingdom, for a "shot pistol" (typically a smooth-bore gun, such as a .410 or 9mm garden gun, designed to be used in one hand, or a "Long Barrelled Pistol/Revolver") to be legally possessed under a Firearm Certificate (FAC), it must meet specific "long-arm" dimensions to avoid being classified as a prohibited "small firearm".
The minimum legal dimensions are:

• Minimum Overall Length: 24 inches (60 cm)
• Minimum Barrel Length: 12 inches (30 cm)

Key Legal Context (UK):

• Prohibited Weapons: Handguns with a barrel less than 12 inches or an overall length less than 24 inches are prohibited under Section 5 of the Firearms Act.
• Long Barrelled Pistols (LBPs): To comply with the 12/24 rule, these pistols often feature extended barrels and permanently attached rear extensions (wrist braces) to meet the 24-inch overall requirement.
• Shotguns: A standard shotgun (not a pistol) requires a minimum barrel length of 24 inches and an overall length of 40 inches.
• Exceptions: Muzzle-loading pistols and signalling apparatus do not have these same minimum length restrictions.

 

[patrol01]

remember im asking about a shotgun on a section 2 shotgun cert

so for a shotgun i see two paragraphs

2.7 When considering the classification of smooth-bore guns, special attention must be paid to the length of the barrel and the overall length. With the exception of those chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges, section 5(1)(ac) of the 1968 Act raised to the prohibited category (see Chapter 3) all self-loading and pump-action models which are either short-barrelled (under 24 inches) or short in overall length (under 40 inches). For the purpose of calculating overall length any detachable, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded. References to ‘shot guns’ in the 1968 Act may be taken generally to mean shot guns which fall within section 2 of that Act, rather than those subject to sections 1 and 5 of the 1968 Act, unless otherwise stated.

2.8 While overall length is not a relevant factor in regard to the classification of traditional single and double-barrelled smooth-bore guns and repeating shot guns with a bolt or lever-action, any such guns with barrels under 24 inches in length are subject to control under section 1(3)(a)(i) of the 1968 Act. Also controlled under section 1(3)(a)(ii) is any repeating shot gun, not otherwise prohibited by virtue of its barrel length or overall length, with a magazine capacity in excess of two cartridges.

as i read 2.8 it says the overall length of a single and double barrel is not relevant only the barrel length. but if its a pump or semi then it has to be a minimum over all of 40" so am i reading that a single
shot single barrel can be shorter than 40" so long as they have a barrel longer that 24" ?

 

[rocketdogbert]

Just to confuse things further, an underleaver shotgun on section1 can have a barrel length of 12”, as the act specifies pump or self-loading (semi auto) but does not mention underlever.

 

[Smellydog]

There are no overall length requirements for shotguns except repeating types with cycling actions. Only that the barrels are no shorter than 24".
One could have a pistol gripped break action or Martini actions gun.

 

[Heym SR20]

All detailed in the Firearms Act.

Section 1 details what a firearm is.

Section 2 details a shotgun

Section 5 details firearms that prohibited from an every day section 1 FAC. It details action type, length, type of projectile etc.

Any body who shoots should have a good understanding of the law of owning firearms.

 

[Greenmist]

There are no overall length requirements for shotguns except repeating types with cycling actions. Only that the barrels are no shorter than 24".
One could have a pistol gripped break action or Martini actions gun.

I'm sure I've seen a keeper with a folding .410 and the stock shortened to a pistol grip

 

[Smellydog]

I'm sure I've seen a keeper with a folding .410 and the stock shortened to a pistol grip

I often contemplated it for use from a vehicle

 

[Greenmist]

I often contemplated it for use from a vehicle

Think it was mainly used for dispatching foxes in snares or one being dug to

 

[M@tt]

In the United Kingdom, for a "shot pistol" (typically a smooth-bore gun, such as a .410 or 9mm garden gun, designed to be used in one hand, or a "Long Barrelled Pistol/Revolver") to be legally possessed under a Firearm Certificate (FAC), it must meet specific "long-arm" dimensions to avoid being classified as a prohibited "small firearm".
The minimum legal dimensions are:

• Minimum Overall Length: 24 inches (60 cm)
• Minimum Barrel Length: 12 inches (30 cm)

Key Legal Context (UK):

• Prohibited Weapons: Handguns with a barrel less than 12 inches or an overall length less than 24 inches are prohibited under Section 5 of the Firearms Act.
• Long Barrelled Pistols (LBPs): To comply with the 12/24 rule, these pistols often feature extended barrels and permanently attached rear extensions (wrist braces) to meet the 24-inch overall requirement.
• Shotguns: A standard shotgun (not a pistol) requires a minimum barrel length of 24 inches and an overall length of 40 inches.
• Exceptions: Muzzle-loading pistols and signalling apparatus do not have these same minimum length restrictions.

Can you reference this?

 

[M@tt]

remember im asking about a shotgun on a section 2 shotgun cert

so for a shotgun i see two paragraphs

2.7 When considering the classification of smooth-bore guns, special attention must be paid to the length of the barrel and the overall length. With the exception of those chambered for .22 rim-fire cartridges, section 5(1)(ac) of the 1968 Act raised to the prohibited category (see Chapter 3) all self-loading and pump-action models which are either short-barrelled (under 24 inches) or short in overall length (under 40 inches). For the purpose of calculating overall length any detachable, retractable or other movable butt-stock should be disregarded. References to ‘shot guns’ in the 1968 Act may be taken generally to mean shot guns which fall within section 2 of that Act, rather than those subject to sections 1 and 5 of the 1968 Act, unless otherwise stated.

2.8 While overall length is not a relevant factor in regard to the classification of traditional single and double-barrelled smooth-bore guns and repeating shot guns with a bolt or lever-action, any such guns with barrels under 24 inches in length are subject to control under section 1(3)(a)(i) of the 1968 Act. Also controlled under section 1(3)(a)(ii) is any repeating shot gun, not otherwise prohibited by virtue of its barrel length or overall length, with a magazine capacity in excess of two cartridges.

as i read 2.8 it says the overall length of a single and double barrel is not relevant only the barrel length. but if its a pump or semi then it has to be a minimum over all of 40" so am i reading that a single
shot single barrel can be shorter than 40" so long as they have a barrel longer that 24" ?

Can you reference this, please?

This is how I now read it. I cannot find any reference to overall length of S2 guns.

 

[M@tt]

I'm sure I've seen a keeper with a folding .410 and the stock shortened to a pistol grip

I think they'd be handled the same as any other HD short firearm.

 

[Greenmist]

I think they'd be handled the same as any other HD short firearm.

This wasn't a .410 pistol, it had a full length barrel and the stock was cut down to a pistol grip, as far as I'm aware, as long as it has a 24" barrel the stock is irrelevant, not sure I'd do it myself with something in writing though

 

[cooksey]

I'm sure I've seen a keeper with a folding .410 and the stock shortened to a pistol grip

I've seen it and debates it myself perfectly legal.

 

[cooksey]

Good afternoon I'm looking for a definitive answer to the following question . "what is the minimum total length a single shot shotgun with a 24" barrel and it is still classed as a section 2 shotgun in the uk."

I can see in the firearms act that pump action and self loading shotguns have a minimum length of 40" but is this total length applicable to single shot shotguns as well ?

thanks

Semi auto/ pump action 40" inch overall length with 24" barrel.
Anything else is 24" inch barrel stock can be as short as you want.

 

[Tim1989]

24" min barrel length section 2

40 " min overall length for semi and pump
this is for section 2 and 1

no min overall length for non semi or pump
as long as the barrel 24" +

I have a. 410 folder with a 24"+ barrel but the stock cut off as a pistol grip

 

[Smellydog]

24" min barrel length section 2

40 " min overall length for semi and pump
this is for section 2 and 1

no min overall length for non semi or pump
as long as the barrel 24" +

I have a. 410 folder with a 24"+ barrel but the stock cut off as a pistol grip

Is the 410 handy from a vehicle?