shortbarreled

Shortbarreled refers to firearms that have a barrel shorter than the minimum legal length established by law in a particular jurisdiction. The specific legal definition of a "short barrel" varies by country and state, but it generally applies to rifles and shotguns. For instance, in the United States, a rifle with a barrel less than 16 inches (406 mm) or a shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches (457 mm) is considered short-barreled. These firearms are often classified as "short-barreled rifles" (SBRs) or "short-barreled shotguns" (SBSs) under federal law, and their possession or manufacture may be subject to stricter regulations.

The primary reason for these regulations is public safety. Shorter barrels can make firearms more concealable, increasing the potential for their misuse in criminal activities. Additionally, short-barreled firearms can sometimes produce a louder noise and greater muzzle flash due to the reduced travel time for gunpowder gases. In many jurisdictions, owning an unregistered short-barreled firearm is a serious offense. Owners who wish to possess these types of firearms legally often need to comply with specific registration requirements, undergo background checks, and pay applicable taxes, such as the tax stamp required under the National Firearms Act in the United States. Despite these restrictions, short-barreled firearms are used by some collectors, sport shooters, and law enforcement personnel for specific applications where their compact size is advantageous.