Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question features hints and explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

Practice this question and more.


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.