NRS 202.275 – Short-barreled rifle or shotgun posssession in Nevada

NRS 202.275 is the Nevada law which makes it a crime to:

“knowingly or willfully possess, manufacture or dispose of any short-barreled rifle or short-barreled shotgun.”

Having, making, or throwing out a short-barreled long gun is generally a felony in Nevada.¹ Depending on the case, it may be possible to plea bargain the charges down to a lesser offense or full dismissal.

1. What is a short-barreled rifle or shotgun?

Nevada law defines a short-barreled rifle as either a:

• Rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length; or
• Weapon made from a rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches

And Nevada law defines a short-barreled shotgun as either a:

• Shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches in length; or
• Weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26 inches

Short-barreled long guns are illegal to possess, manufacture, or dispose of in Nevada.² But there are some exceptions (discussed below in section 3).

Short-barreled shotguns are also called sawed-off shotguns or sawn-off shotguns.

2. What are the penalties?

Violating NRS 202.275 is a category D felony in Nevada. The punishment for having, making, or disposing of a sawed-off shotgun or rifle is:

• 1 – 4 years in Nevada State Prison, and
• Up to $5,000 in fines (at the judge’s discretion)³

3. Can people have short-barreled shotguns or rifles in Nevada?

Usually not, but there are exceptions. The following people in Nevada may possess sawed-off rifles and shotguns:

1. Peace officers when authorized to do so in the performance of official duties; or
2. Any person who is licensed as a firearm importer, manufacturer, collector, or dealer by the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury;
3. Any person whose short-barreled rifle or shotgun is registered with the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury; or
4. Any person whose short-barreled rifle or shotgun that has been determined to be a collector’s item pursuant to 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53;
5. Any person whose short-barreled rifle or shotgun that has been determined to be a curio or relic pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44⁴

4. Can the criminal record be sealed?

Yes. NRS 202.275 convictions can be sealed five years after the case ends. But if the charge gets dismissed, then the defendant can petition for a record seal immediately.⁵

Learn about how to get a record seal in Nevada. The entire procedure takes several weeks to months to complete.

5. What are the immigration consequences?

Non-citizens convicted of any firearm crime risk getting deported.⁶ Consequently, immigrants being prosecuted for gun crimes need to try to get their charges reduced or lessened to non-deportable offenses. Otherwise, they may be called into immigration court in addition to criminal court.

Arrested? Contact a lawyer

Have you been charged in Nevada? Our Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys offer consultations. Call us or fill out the query form on this page. We are available 24/7.

Legal References