Legality of Open-Carrying the Non-NFA 14" Mossberg

[gunsbeerbacon]

Hey brothers, new to the forum and I wanted to ask your thoughts on something. I'm going to be either building or buying a 12ga truck gun. I just came across a reference by Shockwave technologies to their 14" Mossberg that since it's 26.5" overall with their raptor grip, it does not fall into the ATF's short-barreled shotgun category (NFA loop-hole).
Supporting documents here: http://shockwavetechnologies.com/site/?page_id=88
RG500.11a1.jpg

So my question is: since you are allowed to open-carry an unloaded long-gun in a vehicle and the ATF says this is not an SBS... is this an SBS according to PA and requiring a LTCF?

[NathanB]

My guess is you'll be filling out paperwork as a pistol so it would be considered a pistol.

[gnbrotz]

"Open carry" is irrelevant. "Vehicle carry" doesn't rely on the visibility of the weapon (or not).

The applicable statutory definition:

"Firearm." Any pistol or revolver with a barrel length less than 15 inches, any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or any rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches, or any pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches. The barrel length of a firearm shall be determined by measuring from the muzzle of the barrel to the face of the closed action, bolt or cylinder, whichever is applicable.

IMO, it's a "firearm" based solely on the barrel length, so you would need a LTCF to carry it in a vehicle, loaded or not, unless carrying under some specifically enumerated exception.

[knight0334]

It is a Prohibited Offensive Weapon under PA law, and if you possess it without a NFA tax stamp - it is contraband.

That format of firearm is one of the select few that is outright prohibited in PA.

[Krichardson]

Would that be considered an AOW?

[Krichardson]

....just read the Shockwave link and there's lots of wordplay as to what is a shotgun and what isn't,what's an AOW and what isn't.Whatever it is, the "firearm" does not seem to be worth the hassle of a possible ATF inquiry

[NathanB]

wow I figured this would be considered a pistol. Interesting to know. I'm itching for a short barre shotgun and thought this might be an easy way to get into one. I better rethink for the future.

[knight0334]

Would that be considered an AOW?

No. AOW's have to be under 26".

[bluetrane2028]

It is a Prohibited Offensive Weapon under PA law, and if you possess it without a NFA tax stamp - it is contraband.

That format of firearm is one of the select few that is outright prohibited in PA.

Is it prohibited with an 18" barrel and the same stock?

[Noah_Zark]

Is it prohibited with an 18" barrel and the same stock?

It would not be prohibited in PA with an 18" barrel and the same PG stock, assuming that the OAL would thus be > 26".

Noah