Full document is worth a read but a few excerpts are below:
http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdf
page ii
Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns
Executive Summary
The purpose of this study is to establish criteria that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF) will use to determine the importability of certain shotguns under the
provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).
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page iv
Firearm Features
In reviewing the shotguns used for those activities classified as sporting purposes, the working
group examined State hunting laws, rules, and guidelines for shooting competitions and shooting
organizations; industry advertisements and literature; scholarly and historical publications; and
statistics on participation in the respective shooting sports. Following this review, the working
group determined that certain shotgun features are not particularly suitable or readily adaptable
for sporting purposes. These features include:
1. Folding, telescoping or collapsible stock.
2. Bayonet Lug
3. Flash Suppressor
4. Magazine over 5 rounds, or a Drum Magazine
5. Grenade Launcher Mount
6. Integrated Rail Systems.
7. Light Enhancing Devices.
8. Excessive Weight.
9. Excessive Bulk.
10. Forward Pistol Grip or Other Protruding Part Designed or Used for Gripping the Shotgun with the Shooter’s Extended Hand.
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page 13
Conclusion
The purpose of section 925(d)(3) is to provide a limited exception to the general prohibition on
the importation of firearms without placing “any undue or unnecessary Federal restrictions or
burdens on law-abiding citizens with respect to the acquisition, possession, or use of
firearms….” 51 Our determinations will in no way preclude the importation of true sporting
shotguns. While it will certainly prevent the importation of certain shotguns, we believe that
those shotguns containing the enumerated features cannot be fairly characterized as “sporting”
shotguns under the statute. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the working group that
shotguns with any of the characteristics or features listed above not be authorized for
importation.
http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdf
page ii
Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns
Executive Summary
The purpose of this study is to establish criteria that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives (ATF) will use to determine the importability of certain shotguns under the
provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).
------------------------------------
page iv
Firearm Features
In reviewing the shotguns used for those activities classified as sporting purposes, the working
group examined State hunting laws, rules, and guidelines for shooting competitions and shooting
organizations; industry advertisements and literature; scholarly and historical publications; and
statistics on participation in the respective shooting sports. Following this review, the working
group determined that certain shotgun features are not particularly suitable or readily adaptable
for sporting purposes. These features include:
1. Folding, telescoping or collapsible stock.
2. Bayonet Lug
3. Flash Suppressor
4. Magazine over 5 rounds, or a Drum Magazine
5. Grenade Launcher Mount
6. Integrated Rail Systems.
7. Light Enhancing Devices.
8. Excessive Weight.
9. Excessive Bulk.
10. Forward Pistol Grip or Other Protruding Part Designed or Used for Gripping the Shotgun with the Shooter’s Extended Hand.
--------------------------------
page 13
Conclusion
The purpose of section 925(d)(3) is to provide a limited exception to the general prohibition on
the importation of firearms without placing “any undue or unnecessary Federal restrictions or
burdens on law-abiding citizens with respect to the acquisition, possession, or use of
firearms….” 51 Our determinations will in no way preclude the importation of true sporting
shotguns. While it will certainly prevent the importation of certain shotguns, we believe that
those shotguns containing the enumerated features cannot be fairly characterized as “sporting”
shotguns under the statute. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the working group that
shotguns with any of the characteristics or features listed above not be authorized for
importation.