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What Is the NFA and What Does It Regulate?

April 19, 2026
ATF Form 4 application for NFA firearm registration with tax stamp

Quick Answer

The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1934 that imposes strict regulations on certain firearms and devices. It doesn’t ban these items, but it heavily controls their ownership through a lengthy and expensive process. Here’s a breakdown:

  • What it regulates: Primarily, the NFA regulates firearms described as “destructive devices,” short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), machine guns, suppressors (silencers), and certain other items like AOWs (Any Other Weapons).
  • Key Requirements: Ownership requires a background check, registration with the ATF, payment of a $200 tax stamp (per item), and a waiting period that can be *very* long – often exceeding a year.
  • Who enforces it: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is responsible for NFA enforcement.
  • Why it exists: Originally intended to curb gang violence following events like the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, the NFA has become a point of contention for Second Amendment advocates.

Understanding the NFA is crucial for any gun owner considering purchasing or possessing these regulated items. BT Gun Company is here to help you navigate the complexities of firearm law.

A History of the National Firearms Act

The NFA arose from a period of significant public concern over violent crime in the 1930s. The infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, where gangsters used Thompson submachine guns, fueled public demand for stricter gun control. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the NFA into law in 1934 as a response. It wasn’t a complete ban on these weapons, but rather a system designed to make their ownership difficult and traceable. Over the years, the NFA has been amended, but its core principles remain the same.

What Specifically Does the NFA Regulate?

The NFA doesn’t cover all firearms. It focuses on items deemed particularly dangerous or easily concealed. Here’s a more detailed look at what falls under its jurisdiction:

  • Machine Guns: Any firearm capable of automatic fire (more than one shot with a single pull of the trigger). These are heavily restricted and virtually impossible for civilians to legally acquire new.
  • Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches in length, or with an overall length less than 26 inches.
  • Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs): Shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches in length, or with an overall length less than 26 inches.
  • Suppressors (Silencers): Devices attached to a firearm to reduce the sound of its discharge. Despite the Hollywood portrayal, suppressors don’t eliminate sound entirely; they simply reduce it.
  • Destructive Devices: This broad category includes items like bombs, grenades, and certain large-caliber weapons.
  • Any Other Weapons (AOWs): This catch-all category covers firearms or devices not specifically categorized elsewhere but regulated under the NFA, such as pen guns or zip guns.

It’s important to note that simply possessing an item regulated by the NFA without proper registration and payment of the tax stamp is a serious federal crime.

The NFA Registration Process: A Detailed Look

The process of legally acquiring an NFA item is complex and time-consuming. Here’s a simplified overview:

  1. Form 4 Application: You must submit an ATF Form 4, Application for Tax Paid Transfer of Firearm Under the National Firearms Act, to the ATF.
  2. Background Check: The ATF will conduct a thorough background check on the applicant, including fingerprinting.
  3. Local Law Enforcement Notification: The ATF will notify your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) about your application. The CLEO has the opportunity to object, which can delay or deny the application.
  4. Tax Payment: A $200 tax stamp must be submitted with the application.
  5. Waiting Period: This is the most frustrating part. Approval times can vary dramatically, often exceeding a year or even longer.

The ATF provides detailed instructions and forms on its website. Navigating this process can be daunting, and many gun owners choose to work with an NFA trust to simplify the process and provide certain legal protections. Stay informed about 2nd Amendment news and potential changes to these regulations.

Why the NFA Remains Controversial

The NFA continues to be a source of debate among gun owners and lawmakers. Critics argue that it infringes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and places an undue burden on those who wish to legally own these items. They point to the lengthy waiting times and high costs as evidence of a system designed to discourage ownership. Proponents argue that the NFA is a necessary measure to protect public safety by regulating dangerous weapons. The debate is likely to continue as the legal landscape surrounding firearms evolves.

Visit BT Gun Company to browse our inventory and learn more about firearms regulations. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and help you navigate the complexities of firearm ownership.