Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS)

The National Firearms Act defines a Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS) to include any shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length OR a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.

To legally purchase, make, or possess a Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS) you must:

• Be 21+ years of age to purchase a SBS from a dealer.
• Be 18+ years of age to purchase a SBS from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws).
• Be 18+ years of age to make and register a SBS on a Form 1 (contingent on state laws).
• Be 18+ years of age to possess a SBS as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
• Pass a BATFE background check.
• Pay a one-time $200 tax to register or transfer the item.
• Reside in a state that currently allows ownership of SBS’s.

In addition to meeting the legal Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS) ownership criteria above (always following your specific state laws), you must submit the following information to the ATF and your local CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer), varying slightly depending upon your method of purchase.

Note that when buying an existing SBS on a Form 4 transfer, you typically first purchase (pay for) the item from the seller, but not physically take ownership immediately. The seller must hold the item while you complete the NFA application process and wait to receive your application approval and tax stamp. After you receive official approval and your tax stamp, you can then legally pick up and take ownership of the item.

If you are planning to build a Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS) using an existing firearm receiver on a Form 1, make certain to observe the following special considerations to help keep yourself out of trouble and properly follow NFA laws. Ideally, to ensure 100% that you are following legal requirements, do not purchase any short barrel parts, stocks, etc. until after you receive approval and your tax stamp.

• Determine what firearm receiver you will be starting with and the proposed length of the SBS you plan to build.
• Get your Form 1 filled out and all information submitted as soon as possible due to the extended waiting period.
• Do NOT collect or create any components that could be reasonably constructed into a functional SBS before receiving your officially approved application form. This includes purchasing any installable short barrel (or modifying an existing barrel), etc.