How short can a sawed off shotgun be?

Answer 1

18 inch barrel, and 26 inches overall from end of barrel to butt of stock. Some states have different rules. Michigan says 30 inches overall, so no folding stock rifles or shotguns. Edit: In Michigan, Lengths between 26" and 30" can be registered as a handgun (so folding stocks and pistol grips can qualify). Any rifle or shotgun ammunition-shooting gun under 26" inches is a "short-barreled rifle", illegal, and can't even be registered as a handgun.

Answer 2

The short answer is, the barrel must be at least 18 inches, and the overall length must be at least 26 inches.

The longer answer is, a shotgun can be any length, but if it is shorter than I just described, you apply to the ATF, pay a fee, then wait to be approved in order to own it. It normally takes several months to be approved, and the fee is $200.

Answer 3

The typical shotgun is over 3 feet in length. The barrels of many shot guns are 3 feet by themselves.

Answer 4

As short as you want it to be!