Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

For smooth bore sawed-off shotguns, the maximum barrel length allowed is:

1. 16 inches

2. 18 inches

3. 20 inches

4. 14 inches

The correct answer is: 18 inches

The correct answer, 18 inches, is based on federal law regarding shotgun barrel lengths. According to the National Firearms Act, a shotgun must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches to be classified legally within civilian parameters. This regulation helps to ensure that firearms are subject to certain safety and legal standards. In the context of smooth bore sawed-off shotguns, if the barrel is less than 18 inches in length, it may fall into a category requiring a special tax and registration due to its status as a Title II weapon. Therefore, an 18-inch minimum barrel length is used to distinguish a legal shotgun from one that would require additional regulation or could potentially be classified as illegal. This understanding of firearm regulations is essential for law enforcement and anyone involved in the criminal justice field, as it impacts how weapons are handled, stored, and regulated. Knowledge of these specific measures is also crucial for compliance during searches, seizures, or any related investigations.