The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Ok,probably it was here before but I can not find it...I got single barrel 12g break action shotgun-used and abused and now perfect donor for a fun project.Can it be chopped according to Section 1 firearms rule 12/24?....and if yes-must be added on FAC?Thnx,JB

Once shorter than 24/40" it needs to be on FAC.

Not quite, OAL does not apply to s2 guns of the single barrel, sxs or o/u flavour. Only s2 pumps and semis have to have an OAL length of 40 inches. All s2 must have 24" barrel.

To the OP, yes a single or double barrelled shotgun can be chopped to 12/24 on s1. I have a donated H&R single barrel that I was going to do just that with. FEO didn't like it. Had a great deal of difficulty trying to justify that it was not "for the desire of a sawn off shotgun"....

Section 4 of the 1968 Act says it is an offence to shorten the barrel of a shotgun below 24".
It's OK to have one that was made that way but not a converted one.

Sim G wrote:Not quite, OAL does not apply to s2 guns of the single barrel, sxs or o/u flavour. Only s2 pumps and semis have to have an OAL length of 40 inches. All s2 must have 24" barrel.

Isn't only S1 semi's and pumps that have to be 40" OAL?

No, s1(2)(ac) of the Firearms Amendment Act 1988, states ANY self loading or pump action smoothbore gun (s1 or s2) must have a minimum barrel length of 24 inches and a minimal overall length, excluding and folding, collapsable or removeable stocks, of 40 inches.