NFA Items (Suppressors, Machine Guns, SBRs, SBSs) FAQs:
Suppressors:
Who can own them? All legal possessors of firearms!
Background check process?: Suppressors transfer on an ATF Form 4 which requires submission of 2x passport photos, 2x FBI fingerprint cards, a user-submitted form (now available via e-file!) and for a copy of the Form 4 to be submitted to your local LE agency. All of these services are offered by the S and S team and can be completed on site in 30-45 minutes!
Who can sell them?: FFLs who hold a Special Occupational Tax (SOT)
Wait Time?: With the ATF’s E-file portal now accepting form 4s again, the wait times we are currently seeing are around 8-10 months on average between submitting paperwork and being approved. This timeline is subject to change at any time based on the ATF’s current load.
Additional Fees?: The ATF charges a $200 Tax Stamp for each suppressor/machine gun transferred via form 4, this fee is not included in our advertised price
State Restrictions?: In our home state of MD, there are no additional restrictions of what suppressors can and cannot be purchased. For out-of-state residents, we recommend you check with your local SOT holding FFL
By purchasing a suppressor, am I allowing the ATF to come to my house whenever they want?: NO!! This is a very common and false industry myth
Can I manufacture my own legally?: YES! You can submit an ATF Form 1 to create your own suppressor, SBR, or SBS (NO MACHINE GUNS!!). Once approved, you are free to build your own at home as long as you follow your local and federal laws for legal configurations! The current wait time for Form 1 approval is between 18 and 30 days on average!
Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs):
Treated the same as a suppressor in addition to:
State Restrictions?: In MD, SBRs cannot be shorter than 29″ Overall Length in its longest configuration (Stock unfolded and extended for most modern rifle patterns)
Short Barreled Shotguns (SBSs):
Need Additional Info? Contact our NFA experts Mark or Trevor (Phone numbers on the “About Us” page) or stop in the shop during our regular hours!All 8-10
Machine Guns:
Fully Transferrable:
- Manufactured Date: Before May 1986 (No new manufacturing)
- Must have been registered to an individual (not a dealer) before May 1986
Who can own these? All Legal Possessors of firearms!!
- Transfer Process? Transfers just like a suppressor (ATF Form 4 detailed in the suppressor section!)
- Additional Fees? In our home state of MD, Machine Guns must be registered with MSP and a fee of $10/year is charged while that machine gun is owned
- By purchasing a machine gun, am I allowing the ATF to come to my house whenever they want?: NO!! This is a very common and false industry myth
Pre-May Dealer Sample (AKA Dealer Transferrable):
- Manufactured Date: Before May 1986 (No new manufacturing)
- Registered to a dealer before May 1986
Who can own these? Only FFL/SOT Holders
- Transfer Process? Transfers dealer to dealer via ATF Form 3
- Bonus for this class: If an SOT holder owns a Dealer Transferrable machine gun and gives up their license, they can still keep the machine gun, but they can only transfer it to a dealer
- Additional Fees? Holding a valid FFL and SOT ($500/year plus renewal fees) as well as associated paperwork
- By holding an FFL, am I allowing the ATF to enter my place of business whenever? Yes, the ATF can perform surprise inspections at their will if you are a valid FFL, and refusal to do so will result in revocation of your license and possible criminal charges
Post-May Dealer Sample:
- Manufactured Date: Anytime after May 1986 (New manufacturing allowed for 07/02 FFL/SOT Holders)
- Registered after manufacturing via ATF Form 2
Who can own these? Only FFL/SOT Holders
- Transfer Process? Transfers dealer to dealer via ATF Form 3 only w/ a valid “Law Letter” OR if a SOT is foregoing renewal of their license, it can go without a law letter to an 07/02 Manufacturer via ATF Form 3 (No Law letter)
- Additional Fees? Holding a valid FFL and SOT ($500/year plus renewal fees) as well as associated paperwork
- By holding an FFL, am I allowing the ATF to enter my place of business whenever? Yes, the ATF can perform surprise inspections at their will if you are a valid FFL, and refusal to do so will result in revocation of your license and possible criminal charges