Laws regulating the minimum length of firearm barrels exist in many jurisdictions. These regulations typically apply to rifles and shotguns, and sometimes handguns. For example, a jurisdiction might stipulate that a rifle barrel must be at least 16 inches long. Possessing a firearm with a barrel shorter than the legal minimum, without proper registration and permitting (where available), is generally considered a serious offense.
Such regulations have historical roots in efforts to control the concealability of firearms and manage their potential for use in criminal activity. Shorter barrels make firearms easier to conceal and potentially more maneuverable in close quarters. Maintaining minimum barrel lengths can enhance public safety and provide law enforcement with a framework for identifying illegally modified weapons. These regulations also address the potential impact on the effective range and accuracy of certain firearms, which can be relevant in hunting and sporting contexts.
