Penal Code section 17170

As used in this part, “short-barreled rifle” means any of the following:

(a)

A rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.

(b)

A rifle with an overall length of less than 26 inches.

(c)

Any weapon made from a rifle (whether by alteration, modification, or otherwise) if that weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.

(d)

Any device that may be readily restored to fire a fixed cartridge which, when so restored, is a device defined in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive.

(e)

Any part, or combination of parts, designed and intended to convert a device into a device defined in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, or any combination of parts from which a device defined in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.

Source: Section 17170, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=17170.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2015; accessed Jun. 25, 2025).

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Verified:
Jun. 25, 2025

§ 17170's source at ca​.gov