Penal Code 33215 – Short- Barreled Rifles & Sawed-Off Shotguns

Short-barreled rifles and sawed-off shotguns are regulated under federal law in the United States. The National Firearms Act (NFA) imposes restrictions on the possession, transfer, and manufacture of these firearms.

Short-barreled rifle: A short-barreled rifle is a rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches or an overall length less than 26 inches. These firearms are regulated under the NFA, and ownership requires compliance with federal regulations, such as registration and the payment of a tax stamp.

Sawed-off shotgun: A sawed-off shotgun refers to a shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or an overall length less than 26 inches. Like short-barreled rifles, sawed-off shotguns are regulated under the NFA and subject to federal restrictions and regulations.

Under California Penal Code 33215 PC, it is illegal to do any of the following acts with a short-barreled rifle or a short-barreled shotgun:

• Manufactures them,
• Import them into the State,
• Keep them for sale,
• Offer them for sale,
• Give or lend them, and/or
• Possess them