INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (June 19, 2015)– Starting July 1, a new law will make it legal to manufacture, sell or own a sawed-off shotgun in the Hoosier state. But, gun advocates are reminding all of us that there’s a catch.
It’s currently a felony to own, sell or manufacture a sawed-off shotgun in Indiana. That will change July 1, but only if you fill out the right paperwork.
Indiana lawmakers approved a bill that brings the state in line with federal regulations.
“The misconception that exists right now that I`m actually concerned about is that after July 1st in Indiana people can run out into garage and saw shotguns down to whatever length they want. And that`s legal. It`s not legal and you are looking at 10 years in the federal prison if you do that,” explained Guy Relford.
The paperwork has to go through ATF. You pay a $200 tax stamp on it and go through a background check and then you wait to get that special permit to possess the sawed-off shotgun.
Relford says it’s at least a six-month process.
“It`s not like you can say wow I want a short barrel shotgun tomorrow and run off and file that application and get it,” said Relford.
Indiana’s new law also includes a 10-year sentence enhancement for possessing a sawed-off shotgun while committing certain crimes.
