Sawed-off shotguns are illegal in Texas if it is below 18-inches. But it is not just in Texas but any state of the USA. The federal law specially bans the usage of any shotgun with a lesser than 18-inch barrel length. So, you can’t use one in Texas for any reason.
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Related Laws in Texas
Short Barrel Firearms
According to the Texas Penal Code 46:01, a short barrel firearm is a shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches or a rifle with a barrel length less than 16 inches. Alternatively, it can be any weapon altered from a shotgun or rifle with a total length of less than 26-inches.
Shotgun Barrel Law
According to Federal laws, the minimum legal length for a shotgun barrel is 18 inches. For a rifle, it is 16 inches. Sawing it under the legal limit is an offense and may result in a punishment of up to five years in any Federal Penitentiary.
Modified Shotgun Barrels
Any shotgun with a barrel length of under 18 inches is considered a modified shotgun in the National Firearm Act. It is a federal felony if someone owns one of these weapons. They may need valid procedural papers to possess one.
Can You Hunt Deer with a 16 Gauge Shotgun?
Yes, you can use a 16-gauge shotgun to hunt deer. The law regarding using shotguns for deer hunting tells you to use only the 10-, 12-, 16-, or 20-gauge ones. Additionally, it must shoot either slugs or #1 or bigger buckshot.
Can You Use a Sawed-Off Shotgun for Home Defense?
You can use a sawed-off shotgun for home defense, but it must be within the legal limit. It can’t be below 18-inches. In fact, shorter shotguns are better than longer ones since it is easier to employ.
Can You Have a Shotgun Rack in Your Car in Texas?
You can keep a loaded shotgun openly and within reach in your vehicle in Texas. You don’t even need any license to do so. You can keep your shotgun in a shotgun rack inside your car without any worry.
Can I Open Carry a Loaded Rifle in Texas?
As of September 1, 2021, someone 21 years or older can open carry any legal weapons in Texas without even needing any license. Since it is a recent law, you may find many online places with outdated information. Try not to get confused by them.
Final Note
Not only that sawed-off shotguns are illegal in Texas, but they can get one behind the bars for a long time. As a federal law, it applies all over the USA. So, never saw your shotgun, no matter which state you live in.