Short Shotgun

[jaxenro]

Hi
I am redoing an old muzzleloading back action shotgun that dates from the 1840's to 1860s time period. It is basically a junker as the stock has a few cracks, is cracked at the wrist, large chips out of it, etc. The metal is rusty but everything appears to be there and it all works. I am having a replacement stock cut in plain walnut like the original and will refinish the metal.

Due to some damage to the barrels I am looking to cut them down and have been searching for authentic examples to copy. I would like to go to 14" as there is damage after that point but am worried it is too short. Can anyone offer some guidance as to how short the originals were cut? Is 14" too short for a double barrel 10 guage? This would be considered a cavalry arm or used in my future home guard impression.

Thank you
Joel Axenroth

[jaxenro]

Re: Short Shotgun

Hi
Reading all over the web and my meager collection of reference books failed to turn up much in the way of very short shotguns documented to the war period, as some may have been done post war. As it really is the few inches near the muzzle that are in the worst shape I went with only cutting them back around 4". There are a few cosmetic marks around 15" from the breech but they are not functionally detrimental. So I am ending up around 22" whcih, while short, is not excissively so. I was able to uncover a few pictures that show a few soldiers, in the studio, armed with shorter barreled shotguns in that range

Thank you
Joel Axenroth

[James A. Page]

Re: Short Shotgun

Not sure this applies in this case, but be sure to comply with Federal laws regarding barrel length. Certain lengths put the weapon into "Any Other Weapon" (or AOW) territory and require a Federal tax stamp. I'm sure other, more knowledgeable, A/Cers may chime in here with their experienced/understanding of the current rules.

[jaxenro]

Re: Short Shotgun

Hi,

Muzzleloading shotguns, and muzzleloading guns in general, are exempt from Federal and many state laws regarding barrel length. At least as far as my research, and the BATF site, shows.

Even if they weren't the 22 or so inches I ended up cutting it to is legal length anyway. It looks like a more modern brush shotgun double for bunnies or something then a traditional sawed off at this point.

Thank you
Joel Axenroth

[WpnsMan]

Re: Short Shotgun

Muzzle loading weapons, both antiques and reproductions thereof are not considered "Firearms" as defined by the BATF and therefore do not fall under the NFA requirements of a minimum barrel length of 16" for rifles and 18" for shotguns that modern weapons do.

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: Short Shotgun

Yea, but the local law enforcement officer may not know that and take you in anyway... as happened to a friend of a friend. He spent the night in jail prior to being released with all charges dropped... He;;'va way to end an event. Z

[ACo.]

Re: Short Shotgun

Be aware that local laws do not always follow Federal law. Be sure that the length complies not only the Federal law but local as well, some local laws do consider muzzleloading arms as firearms and a muzzleloader with a barrel shorter than the legal limit is in violation of the law.

[WpnsMan]

Re: Short Shotgun

Good point,

Now that I see you are in MA it, NY and a couple other less than free states consider muzzle loaders as firearms by state law as, they cannot be purchased or transferred via the mail as is the norm in other states. Don't know if this also applies to barrel lengths or not so, best to check with your local and state laws before you run afoul of the Gestapo.

[jaxenro]

Re: Short Shotgun

Thanks for all the replies. As I said I ended up with over 20" and checked federal and Mass state laws so legally I am ok.

Historically I am less sure. Just the idea of Confederates running around with short sawed off shotguns seems to smack of Hollywood more than history. I can make a plausible case for removing a few inches off the top, so to speak, based on muzzle damage. Especially for essentially a rear echelon impression like the home guard who probably used what they had or could scrape together.

I have only found a few period pictures with Confederates armed with double barrels and although they looked short they didn't look excessively short. 22 to 26" not 14 to 16". At 14" in a 10 guage I imagine half the powder would exit unburned anyway.

I must admit that at 22" it handles really sweetly though.

Thank you
Joel Axenroth

[Jerry Ross]

Re: Short Shotgun

I would not cut the shotgun down . It would not be good for shooting anything with a short barrel. The spread pattern would make it worthless past a few yards ???? You don't find many (none I have seen )of them cut down from the war just like the gun you have. I would leave it alone.