Confused about NFA items, SBRs and Suppressors? Read this to answer your questions and learn the basics. It doesn't have to be complicated, let us help!
Below are some of the common questions and basics you need to know about purchasing/transfering and NFA item (short barreled rifle, short barreled shotgun, suppressor/silencer)
Q: What are NFA items or firearms?
A: The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) requires the registration, with the federal government, of fully-automatic firearms (termed “machineguns”), rifles and shotguns that have an overall length under 26 inches, rifles with a barrel under 16 inches, shotguns with a barrel under 18 inches, and firearm sound suppressors (termed “silencers”).
SBR = Short Barreled Rifle (Our favorite!): SBS = Short Barreled Shotgun: Suppressor = well...supressors, only hollywood calls them silencers!
Q: What are the requirements to be able to possess an NFA item? A: In order to possess a NFA weapon you must be at least 18 years old and lawfully able to possess a firearm. It must also be legal to possess the NFA item in your state (So check your local state laws).
Q: What is a NFA tax stamp?
A: A tax stamp is a certification from the ATF that indicates the NFA item being purchased or transferred has been properly registered and the $200 federal tax has associated to the registration of NFA items, has been applied.
Q: Do I need to creat a "Trust" to purchase and NFA item?
A: No, you do not need a Trust, you can purchase NFA items personally. However, a gun Trust can be very useful due to current transfer Laws and legalities of NFA items. By creating a gun trust, NFA items can be registered under the name of the trust, rather than the individual (that's you). This also allows you to appoint "trustees" (think family members, etc.) which means they can have access to the NFA items (this includes inheriting firearms, etc) without the need to "transfer" the firearms and require another $200 tax stamp, paperwork, etc.
Q: How do I purchase an NFA item?
A:You would complete your purchase online just like you would with any other firearm, however you will need to ensure that the FFL you chose to have your item shipped to, is an NFA/SOT, so they can legally transfer the item to you. After your online purchase is complete, you will then set up your trust (if you wish to use one), complete yourForm 4, pay the tax stamp, and wait for it to be approved. Once you receive your approval you will take that to the dealer where your NFA item was shipped, and complete the transfer. Then you go straight to the range and enjoy your new awesomeness!
(we highly recommend keeping in good communication with the dealer that is holding your NFA item, as a professional courtesy)
Q: Why would I go through the hassle of an NFA item?
A:There are many good reasons why someone may want/need an NFA item. Aside from the fact that they instantly give you 1,000 cool points on the internet, below are some other reasons to consider.
1). Suppressors are useful in many applications including home defense, tactical professions and hunting, where the shooter may not have hearing protection readily available. Suppressors are not Holywood quiet like in the movies, but they do reduce the noise levels to "hearing safe" decible levels in most cases. This protects you, the shooter, but also your partner/team mate/spotter sitting next to you. They are also very good at concealing muzzle flash, so if you're shooting in low light/dark situations, or using night vision, it can prevent night blindness.
2). Short Barreled Rifles are much more effective than most people give them credit for (This includes all the internet warriors on your favorite forums that say short barreles are only effetive out to 100 yard). In most cases an SBR (14" to 10.5" barrel) will still be effective out to 400 - 500 yards and in some cases well beyond that with common calibers like 308 or 223. There are numerous free online ballistics calulators you can use as well to input the data on the back of your ammunition box, and barrel length, and you can see what distance (how many yards) until you lose the effective velocity (required velocity for effectiveness will also be indicated on your ammo, if not it will be on the manufacturers website). For most hunting scenarios, 200 yards or less is very typical, which is well within the realm of most SBR rifles you'll find.
3). Weight savings is a huge benefit, especially for hunting, backpacking, or home defense/CQB. People will often spend Thousands of dollars on carbon fiber, high end materials, and ultra lightweight rifles, when in reality, for $200 you could buy an SBR, shave off a few inches of steel and have the same lightweight gun that is still effective out to the ranges you need. Additionally, for home defense, have you ever tried running drills (with a clear and safe weapon of course!) in your home with a 18" barreled shotgun? It's not easy getting in and out of doorways and narrow hallways, and they're heavy, and only hold 8+1 rounds in most cases. The weight savings, egonimics, modularity and useability of modern SBR becomes vary evident inside a confined space.
