There are several different firearms classifications within the National Firearms Act, and each of these different types of firearms are clearly defined within the act. In order to classify a firearm as an NFA firearm, certain characteristics that are specific to each weapon type must be met. In order to do this, definitions of the dimensions, functions, configurations, or designs are used. If the weapon in question meets the requirements specific to it’s type, then it is classified as a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon, and will require a Federal Firearms License or FFL

Lets take a look at shotguns. It’s a very popular firearm that’s typically fired from the shoulder, and utilizes a shotgun shell. One of the criteria that is used to define a shotgun as an NFA weapon is the barrel length. Any shotgun that has a barrel that is less than 18″ in length is subject to the NFA, and is deemed an NFA shotgun. As you’re probably aware though, the vast majority of shotguns do not meet this requirement, and are not NFA firearms. This is also why you’re breaking a federal law if you possess or manufacture a homemade sawed off shotgun.

According to the NFA, in order to measure the barrel length of your shotgun, you’ll typically measure it from muzzle to the face of the breech on a line that runs parallel to the axis of the bore of the shotgun. In special circumstances, and for non typical shotguns that the breech isn’t an integral part of the barrel, it’s measured differently. They point out the case of a revolving shotgun. To measure the barrel length on this, you’d measure from the muzzle to the front of a cylinder that doesn’t include the chamber.

One thing to take note of is that this measurement does NOT include anything attached to the barrel like a choke, muzzle break, or compensator that isn’t permanently attached to the barrel. And to get even more specific, none of these devices are considered permanently attached to the barrel unless they’re welded with a full penetration gas or electric weld, or silver soldered.

And finally, any weapon that’s constructed from a shotgun, or any shotgun type weapon, is considered to be an NFA firearm if the overall length is less than 26 inches, or the barrel is less than 18 inches in length.

Tags: breech, choke, compensator, federal firearms license, ffl, firearms, manufacture, muzzle, national firearms act, NFA, sawed off shotgun, short barrel shotguns, shotgun, welded

An NFA firearm is any type of firearm that falls under specific definitions that are set forth by the National Firearms Act. In order to properly categorize these NFA firearms, definitions based on the physical dimensions, designs, functions, and configurations are used. Additionally firearms can also be grouped under a specific type such as rifles, shotguns, machine guns, or any other type of weapon. One key aspect of certain definitions is that the weapon can be made to be readily restored to fire. What this means is that even if you have a weapon that is incapable of firing in its present condition, if it’s possible to restore it to firing condition then it will be considered an NFA firearm. The key phrase here being readily restorable. Weapons that have been welded shut, plug welded, or had their barrels welded to the receiver are in many cases not readily restorable and are not classified as NFA firearms. Let’s look at three classifications: shotguns, rifles, and what’s known as any other weapon or AOW.



A shotgun is normally a hunting type firearm that is typically not considered an NFA firearm. A shot gun that has a barrel length that is less than 18 inches long, however, is considered an NFA firearm and subject to the NFA regulations. Additionally any weapon that has been crafted from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel that is less than 18 inches is also considered an NFA regulated firearm.



A rifle is typically not considered an NFA firearm. A rifle does however fall under NFA regulations if it’s barrel is less than 16 inches in length. Like the shotgun any weapon made from a rifle with an overall length that’s less than 26 inches or has a barrel length that is less than 16 inches is considered an NFA firearm and subject to regulations.



The any other weapon category includes weapons or devices that can be concealed and discharged. These are unique weapons that include devices like umbrella guns, pen guns, or knife guns for instance. To this any other weapon category you can also add any type of smooth bore barreled pistol or revolver, that’s intended to fire a shotgun shell.

Tags: any other weapon, aow, barrel length, knife gun, machine guns, national firearms act, NFA, pen gun, restorable weapon, revolver, rifles, shotguns, umbrella gun, welded