Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

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Enhance your knowledge for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy Test. Use multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prepare effectively for your exam!

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What is the required barrel length for rifled bore sawed-off shotguns?

  1. 14 inches

  2. 16 inches

  3. 18 inches

  4. 20 inches

The correct answer is: 16 inches

The required barrel length for rifled bore sawed-off shotguns is established by federal law, specifically the National Firearms Act (NFA). For a shotgun to avoid classification as a short-barreled shotgun under this act, it must have a minimum barrel length of 18 inches. This regulation is intended to ensure that shotguns maintain a certain standard for safety and control. The stipulation of 18 inches helps distinguish legal shotguns from those that might be modified in a way that poses a higher risk for violence or misuse. Therefore, any rifled bore shotgun must have a barrel length of at least 18 inches to be legally compliant. This length requirement is crucial for law enforcement and regulatory agencies to enforce firearm laws effectively.