Shotgun rules?

[Joe Hulburt]

I figured this is a good place to educate myself on the legality of sawed off shotguns and or shotgun pistols. I’ve always known that shotguns can’t have barrel less than 18” but I’ve never known why?

My favorite salmon fishing local had become infested with thieving harbor seals that steal fish off your line once hooked and I’m trying to figure out the best legal way to haze them. My .22 pistol with rubber bullets feels like showing up to a gunfight with a butter knife. I have a bunch of rubber 12 gauge ammunition but don’t like taking my prized Winchester out in the salt in the boat. I want a cheap rusty sawed off single shot so trying to understand the rules. A buddy converted a flare pistol to shoot 12 gauge but it seems sketchy safety wise and legality wise.

Any thoughts? Better ideas to haze the offending vermin?

 

[MThuntr]

It's part of the NFA...short barreled shotgun less than 18" can be purchased and you can get a tax stamp (now free) to have one. You can submit a Form 1 to manufacture your own or a Form 4 to purchase a short barrel shotgun that is manufactured by a licensed company.

I won't even begin to know the rules of hazing harbor seals but definitely talk to the US FWS and local wildlife authorities since they're protected by the Marine Mammals protection act

 

[FairWeather]

You can’t shoot the seals (even as a form of harassment with no intention of killing), they’re covered under the marine mammals protection act.

 

[Joe Hulburt]

You can shoot at seals with non lethal objects. There is an official hazer that does it in the Rogue estuary daily. When someone gets a fish on they move in and run off seals and sea lions.

That part I checked on with proper authorities several years ago.

 

[Joe Hulburt]

 

[Ben Lamb]

Joe,

I wouldn't take the internet as gospel. Might be good to just call the USFWS and make sure you're legal, or if you need a permit you can get it. Because you want a gun, and especially because it's a short barreled shotgun, you will bring attention to yourself.

A single shot break open like an H&R would do the trick. Just cut it down to 18" and don't go for the shorty.

 

[Joe Hulburt]

Joe,

I wouldn't take the internet as gospel. Might be good to just call the USFWS and make sure you're legal, or if you need a permit you can get it. Because you want a gun, and especially because it's a short barreled shotgun, you will bring attention to yourself.

A single shot break open like an H&R would do the trick. Just cut it down to 18" and don't go for the shorty.

Like I mentioned earlier, I already did that. NOAA was very clear on what is legal. As for shotguns I will do the same to confirm anything I read on the internet. It kind of seems like common sense anyone would do that. All these kinds of discussions do is get a person headed in the right direction and MThuntrs post was very helpful in doing that.