Which of the following is a known exception to the prohibition of short-barreled weapons?

The prohibition of short-barreled weapons is primarily outlined in laws that aim to regulate firearms that might be considered more dangerous due to their portability and ease of concealment. Authorized peace officers are granted specific exceptions in recognition of their roles in maintaining public safety and law enforcement. These individuals require access to various types of weapons, including short-barreled firearms, as part of their duty to uphold the law and respond to situations where such equipment is necessary for effective response.

Peace officer exceptions are typically established to ensure that law enforcement personnel can adequately perform their functions, such as making arrests or intervening in high-risk situations. The authorization relies on the assumption that these officers have undergone significant training and are equipped to handle firearms responsibly and judiciously in the course of their professional responsibilities.

The other choices do not align with the common legal exceptions. Ownership by private security guards, possession by registered hunters, or holding for research purposes may not provide the same legal allowances that peace officers have, which is why they are not recognized exceptions under most laws surrounding short-barreled weapons.