What is a short barreled rifle?

The definition of a short barreled rifle is specifically related to the length of the barrel. A short barreled rifle is characterized as having one or more barrels that measure less than 16 inches in length. This definition is important because it is part of the regulations outlined in firearms legislation, particularly those enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Such regulations help to classify firearms and implement appropriate legal guidelines for ownership and use.

The other options do not correctly characterize a short barreled rifle. For instance, a rifle with a barrel less than 12 inches does not fall under the established definition for short barreled rifles, as the legal threshold is set at 16 inches. A firearm designed to be fired from the hip does not specifically pertain to the measurements of the barrel, and thus does not qualify as a short barreled rifle. Lastly, a rifle that has no stock defines a different category of firearm entirely, which is not related to the measurement of the barrel length. By understanding these distinctions, one can better grasp the regulations surrounding firearm classifications.