Talk:Riot shotgun

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With regards to " Since entry shotguns are legally classified as sawed-off shotguns (even though they are manufactured at that length, and not literally "sawed off"), they are highly restricted under the National Firearms Act and generally only used by police and military.", there are a couple things that might be issues.

Primarily, there is no such thing as a legal classification of "sawed-off shotgun". The actual term used is "short barreled shotgun". A sawed-off shotgun is a short barreled shotgun, but not all short barreled shotguns are sawed-off shotguns. Using the legal term (especially when saying 'legally classified') to begin with would remove the need for the disclaimer. (Sidenote:It's not just barrel length that determines this status, but also overall length. If I remember correctly, the minimums in the US are 18" barrel and 28" overall. Subtract 2" from both for rifles.)

Right, but that's only US law; the lengths vary from country to country, and even state to state in the US (generally on overall length).

Secondarily, and less important/more subjective is the statement that they are "highly restricted". The only restrictions placed on SBS/SBR's are on their transfer and taking them across state lines. For the transfer, there is a metric crapload of red tape and a $200 tax stamp.(Similar process for creation) For crossing state lines, there is a form you send in to ask permission beforehand. Considering that the crapload of red tape includes letter from the local sheriff saying you're not crazy and don't want it for illegal purposes and a background check, I feel (hence this being a subjective matter with a subjective statement) that it would be more accurate to say that their aquisition and transfer are heavily regulated. It's the ratio of Bureaucracy-to-Utility that reduces their utilization by civilians, though I'd recommend emailing some Class III dealers to determine if there really is any sort of market for them.

Again, depends on jurisdiction. In many areas, any class III weapon is either legally or practically impossible to get.

To see a civilian model that appears to be reasonably popular (The company is still in buisness, after all) refer to the Super Shorty. http://serbu.com/top/superShorty.php (It's an AOW, not a SBS. Same red tape, but only a $5 transfer tax. This is because it's not legally a shotgun as it's not designed to be fired from the shoulder. Instead it is a concealable firearm that isn't a pistol or revolver.)

I think the bulk of what I'm saying is highly subjective, and do not feel strongly enough to modify the article. I'll leave that for someone else to ponder and decide. Or explain to me how I'm wrong. (If you do that, I owe you a coffee.)

I probably should change the wording to "short barrelled shotgun, commonly known as a sawed off shotgun". The average person has no idea what defines a "short barrelled shotgun" (or rifle) but they do know of "sawed off shotguns" from pop culture. scot 23:16, 7 October 2006 (UTC)