The American Beagler Forum

For those of you in Va. I was told the other day that the Thompson Contender .410 or any shotgun in a "pistol" were illegal in virginia. Apparently there is a minimum barrel size for all shotguns in this state.

Anyone know for sure? I want to get a pistol for next season, but sure dont want to visit the clink.

I don't know about this law but I believe the minimum barrel length for a shotgun in Va is 18" shorter than that is called a sawed off which are illegal.

I've hunted in VA. with my Encore and don't think I was breaking any laws.. Here's what I was told about shotguns and lenghts.. For a normal ahotgun (smooth bore) the minimum barrel lenght is 18" and the overall lenght of the gun from the butt of the stock to the end of the barrel has to be 26".. Never seen it in writing just been told that.. As for the Thompsons and similar pistols the fact that they have rifleing in the barrels excludes them from the smooth bore rules.. They are classified as pistols and therefore can be any lenght... For hunting purposes they require a min. barrel lenght of 6".. Hope all of this helps...

with a smoothbore barrel, it must be at least 18 inches. if you get a .45/410 (i think that's right) rifled barrel it is considered a pistol, you are allowed a much shorter barrel length. keep 'em runnin'!

makes sense. I'll make sure I look into it before I buy one though!

I've wondered the same thing...I'd check with the Green Man before I made any purchases.

You guys are correct that the 45/410 Contender is considerd a hand gun. Legal to hunt with. Check your states requirements, most require a hunting pistol permit to carry it.
I recently purchased one myself. A couple of buddies of mine that I hunt with have used them for a couple of years now. Finally had to get one myself. Can't wait until fall. It will be sweet not to carry that 12ga. browning while busting through the briars for a change. What a challenge hunting with a shotgun pistol, one well placed shot at a running rabbit. Maybe we get it , maybe we don't. It's all about hunting not killing. Have a good time and be safe.

18" barrel length is the mininum for a shotgun as far as I know. I think the Contender is classified as a pistol though.

You are fine with it regardless of barrel length. The problems arise if you put on a rifle stock