22 • Zips, Pipes. Pens Technically, this is a ’ firearm made from a shotgun’ and is not a true sawed-off shotgun, according to BATF interpretation. In this instance, a 12-gauge shotgun has been cut to an overall length of less than 26 inches, the stock altered, and the barrel cut. (Courtesy of BATF J This short-barreled illegal rifle was gunsmithed by some malefactor in New York. (Courtesy of BATF) This single-shot 12 rifle was crudely altered by cutting the stock and the barrel. In this case, the weapon is illegal because its overall length is less than 26 inches and it was not originally designed or manufactured in its present condition. (Courtesy of BATF) answers to this basic question will make your head spin. There are as many progun legal minds who say that it is absolutely legal as there are lawyers arguing from the other side of the issue that it absolutely is not. My advice is to follow the official rules of the BATF and complete their paperwork that makes you and your creation legal. If you counter my advice by saying, "This is my free