Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Are you considering making your own NFA weapon?



If you are considering making your own NFA weapon, there are several important things for you to know.  You will need to complete ATF Form 1 and submit it to the ATF along with the $200 tax stamp.  If the ATF approves the application, you will receive a tax stamp which you must retain at all times.  Upon receiving the tax stamp, you are permitted to make the weapon described on ATF Form 1. 

PLEASE NOTE that you are not permitted to have possession of all the parts necessary to manufacture an NFA weapon without the prior approval of the ATF and receipt of the tax stamp.  

If the Form 1 is approved by the ATF, only the applicant is authorized to make the weapon.  You are not permitted to send the parts to another individual to manufacture the NFA weapon.  If you do not have the skill necessary to make the weapon, you may have another person make the item as long as he/she manufactures it while you directly oversee the weapon and that you remain in control and possession of parts necessary to make weapon.

All NFA items must contain a serial number.  If you are manufacturing a new weapon, you will assign a serial number to it.  This number must include at least one digit and may include alpha characters (examples:  Smith2; JD1234).  “The serial number must be engraved or stamped on the receiver of the firearm and the caliber, model, and identification of the maker must be engraved on the barrel or frame or receiver of the weapon.” (27 CFR 479.102)  See NFA Handbook, ATF-P 5320-8, Section 7.4, pp. 44-47 for detailed discussion of the requirements. http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5320-8/atf-p-5320-8-chapter-7.pdf .

For additional information regarding NFA weapons, see the ATF Handbook, ATF-P 5320-8.  http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/nfa-handbook/


Thursday, February 7, 2013

ATF Website


For those of you who are unaware, the ATF’s website has a lot of useful information for gun owners.  See http://www.atf.govFor example, the ATF prepares bi-monthly newsletters regarding the FFL and explosive devices.  You may view these newsletters at http://www.aft.gov/publications/newsletters/.

In addition the ATF has posted the top 10 FAQs regarding firearms.  You may view this list at http://atf.gov/firearms/industry/0501-firearms-top-10-qas.pdf.

If your NFA weapon, such as suppressor, silencer, short barreled rifle (SBR), short barreled shotgun, has been lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to the NFA Branch of the ATF at 304-616-4500.  In addition, the loss or theft of any weapon should be reported to your local police or sheriff department.