Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is classified as a "Short Barrel Firearm"?

1. Rifle with a 20-inch barrel

2. Pistol with a 5-inch barrel

3. Shotgun with a 17-inch barrel

4. Revolver with a 6-inch barrel

The correct answer is: Shotgun with a 17-inch barrel

A Short Barrel Firearm typically refers to a shotgun or rifle with a barrel that is shorter than the standard length defined by law. In Texas and under federal law, a shotgun is classified as a short barrel firearm if its overall length is less than 26 inches, or if its barrel is less than 18 inches in length. In this context, a shotgun with a 17-inch barrel meets the criteria for classification as a Short Barrel Firearm because its barrel length is below the minimum threshold set for shotguns. Conversely, the other options do not fall under this classification because a rifle with a 20-inch barrel and a revolver with a 6-inch barrel both exceed the allowable lengths for short barrel classification. While a pistol with a 5-inch barrel is shorter, it does not qualify as a Short Barrel Firearm according to regulations that typically pertain to shotguns and rifles, as "short barrel" is generally used in that specific context.