Rhode Island Shotgun Laws (2026): SBS, Shockwave & Permits

Federal update — Oct 9, 2026

ATF says it is no longer enforcing federal NFA approval or registration for short-barreled shotguns. That does not change state law: where a state only allows SBSs that are registered under the NFA, you still need that registration to be legal under state law. What changed.

Short-barreled shotgunsProhibited

Possessing a sawed-off shotgun (barrel under 18 in. or overall length under 26 in.) is a felony, and the statute lists no exception for federally registered (NFA) guns.^[1]

R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-8(b); § 11-47-2(17)

14" 'firearms' (Shockwave / TAC-14)Legal

No state law names these guns. Rhode Island uses the federal 'shotgun' definition (made to be fired from the shoulder), and its 'pistol' definition only reaches shotguns under 26 in. overall, so a 26+ in. non-NFA 'firearm' does not appear to be covered. This is a reading of the definitions, not a ruling.^[2]

Semi-auto / feature rulesFeature rules apply

Starting July 1, 2026, making, selling, transferring or buying a 'prohibited firearm' is banned. For shotguns that means a semi-auto with a fixed magazine holding more than 6 rounds, any revolving-cylinder shotgun, or a semi-auto that can take a belt feed. Guns already owned may be kept but only sold to a dealer or out of state.^[3]

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-47.2-1(9), 11-47.2-2 (P.L. 2025, ch. 281)

Magazine limitsLimit: 10 rounds

Possessing, buying or selling any feeding device that holds more than 10 rounds and feeds a semi-automatic gun is banned, including semi-auto shotgun magazines; only .22 rimfire tubes are excluded. Owners had until December 2022 to modify, surrender or sell them.^[4]

Permit to buyNo state permit

No permit for shotguns. The 'blue card' safety certificate is only for pistols and revolvers. Shotgun buyers fill out a state application that goes to local police, and must be at least 21.^[5]

Waiting period7-day wait

Rifles and shotguns can't be delivered until 7 days have passed, counted from noon the day after the application.^[5]

Where a state has no official guidance on a point, the summary says what the statute text appears to say, and marks it unclear when it can't be read either way.

Also know

Rhode Island's ban on revolving-cylinder and high-capacity semi-auto shotguns took effect July 1, 2026. Under state law, short-barreled shotguns are banned even when NFA-registered.

Not legal advice

This is a plain-English summary. Cities and counties can add rules, and laws change. Confirm with Rhode Island's official sources or a licensed attorney before you buy, build or travel.

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Under the National Firearms Act, a 'shotgun' is a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder that uses a fixed shotgun shell to fire shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore with each pull of the trigger. source
The Gun Control Act uses nearly the same definition: a shotgun is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder and fires shot or a single projectile through a smooth bore for each pull of the trigger. source
Federal law defines a short-barreled shotgun as a shotgun with a barrel under 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length under 26 inches. source
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the law that cut the NFA tax, is Public Law 119-21 and was approved on July 4, 2025. source

Shotguns to consider

Use the 3-step quiz — it flags Rhode Island's rules on your matches — or compare every model.

Sources

Last checked October 18, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Send a correction.

Shotgun laws in Rhode Island

Federal rules that apply everywhere

Shotguns to consider

Sources

Other states