There are several mitigating issues with short Game Getter's. It is best if people get a written response from their local ATF office regarding obtaining or selling. I'm doing what I was told about how to keep on the right side of the law... Welding an extension till the barrel was over 18" was one of the options that was acceptable to my ATF rep. If the gun was well worn and not really collector quality, that would be the most logical thing to do. YMMV