legal barrel length minimum

[93-2.3]

Is there a legal minimal barrel length for a handgun. I'm asking because I saw a pic of a black powder revolver where barrel was cut even with frame it looked cool but made me wonder

[Xringshooter]

As far as I know there is no minimum barrel length for a handgun. In fact, I don't know that there is a maximum either. The shorter the length of course, the worse the ballistics are. It may have been made just to look intimidating.

[93-2.3]

I'm sure its not practical at all but looked mean I think handgun maximum is 15 inch if you hit 16 inch it becomes sbr if I heard right others on here might know better

[brian]

I'm sure its not practical at all but looked mean I think handgun maximum is 15 inch if you hit 16 inch it becomes sbr if I heard right others on here might know better

it doesn't become an sbr till you start adding buttstocks, which can happen at any barrel length under 16"s.

[knight0334]

I'm sure its not practical at all but looked mean I think handgun maximum is 15 inch if you hit 16 inch it becomes sbr if I heard right others on here might know better

There is no barrel length guidelines for handguns.

Under federal law a hand gun is a handgun regardless of the barrel length. A handgun only becomes a SBR if you put a shoulder stock on it while it has a barrel less than 16", or then has an overall length less than 26" with that stock on it.

Under PA law, a handgun ceases to be a "firearm" once the barrel is over 15". But it is still a handgun regardless.

For blackpowder guns under both federal and state law, there is no barrel length requirements for even guns with shoulder stocks. You can buy a Pennsylvania Long Rifle and cut the barrel to any length you desire, including those under 16". Or, you can buy a 5 pounder carriage cannon, cut the barrel down to 12", put a shoulder stock on it, and it'd still be legal.

[Flash]

One example of many similar styles:

http://www.aaawt.com/html/firearms/f102.html

Flash

[diesel]

NAA Pug, 1 inch, don't know of any production handgun with a barrel any shorter.

[gemihur]

Black powder guns fall outside firearm regulations

[zachomega]

On a semi related topic, isn't there a minimum barrel length for importation?

-Zach

[Sparks]

On a semi related topic, isn't there a minimum barrel length for importation?

-Zach

Revolvers - 3", semiauto - not mentioned, but overall length of 6" minimum suggests 3".
Here's the rules. https://www.atf.gov/file/61591/download
Started in 1968. Background https://www.nraila.org/articles/1999...ation-criteria
That's why no more neat little Italian 25's.