ATF Accelerates NFA Processing: Pro-2A Groups Applaud Shorter Wait Times
For years, the process of acquiring a National Firearms Act (NFA) item has been a source of immense frustration for law-abiding citizens. Whether you are looking for a suppressor, a short-barreled rifle, or a machine gun, the bureaucratic backlog often felt like an insurmountable barrier. However, a shift is occurring. Recent reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicate a massive reduction in form processing times, a development that has earned widespread praise from pro-Second Amendment advocates who believe that gun owners should be able to exercise their constitutional rights without facing months-long administrative delays.
A Dramatic Reduction in ATF Form Processing Times
ATF Director Robert Cekada recently highlighted a significant decline in the average time it takes the agency to process various forms. According to data shared by the Director, the average processing time for the four most commonly filed ATF forms has dropped to just 18 days since fiscal year 2021. This is a staggering improvement from the 73-day average seen just five years ago.
The most notable statistic involves the Form 4, which is required for the transfer of items covered under the NFA. Previously, applicants often waited an average of 150 days for approval. Now, that wait has plummeted to approximately 18 days. For those filing as individuals rather than through a trust, the time is even faster, coming in at just six days, while trust-based filings average around 26 days. This efficiency gain is a major win for those who browse firearms legally.
Impact of the 2025 Reconciliation Bill
The push for faster processing did not happen in a vacuum. Legislative action played a critical role in this shift. In July 2025, President Donald Trump signed a reconciliation bill that reduced the taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and ‘any other weapons’ to $0. This occurred after the Senate Parliamentarian struck language that would have removed these items from any coverage of the NFA.
While the tax reduction was a victory, the registration requirement remains a point of legal contention. The ATF’s Form 1—used to gain permission to manufacture an NFA item—has also seen improvements. The electronic version of the Form 1 now averages 59 days, while the paper version takes roughly 29 days. Despite these improvements, pro-2A groups continue to fight for the total repeal of the NFA registration scheme for these specific items.
Pro-2A Groups React to the ATF Progress
Pro-Second Amendment organizations have been quick to acknowledge the progress while maintaining focus on the ultimate goal. John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA-ILA, noted that “law-abiding Americans should not have to wait months to exercise their Second Amendment rights.” He emphasized that while no citizen should ideally wait any amount of time to procure lawfully purchased firearms, the reduction in Form 4 processing from 150 days to 18 days is a meaningful improvement.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) also expressed optimism. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut pointed out that after seeing wait times spike up to 18 months, it is encouraging to see the average now fall under three weeks. However, Kraut noted that the organization remains engaged in litigation challenging the continued inclusion of short-barreled rifles and silencers in the NFA, especially since there is no longer a tax. The goal for the SAF is for NFA items to eventually be treated with the same ease as ordinary handguns or rifles.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) also lobbied for Public Law 118-42, which directed the ATF to reduce these processing times. Aidan Johnston, GOA Director of Federal Affairs, stated that while the ATF is carrying out the law successfully, GOA remains committed to a full repeal of the unconstitutional NFA paperwork process.
Looking Ahead for Modern Gun Owners
Despite the faster wait times, the demand for NFA items is growing. Director Cekada noted that the volume of forms filed has risen from under 485,700 in fiscal year 2021 to over 1.84 million through the first three quarters of fiscal year 2026. This surge in demand highlights the growing interest in NFA-regulated equipment and accessories.
As your trusted FFL dealer, BT Gun Company is committed to helping you navigate these evolving regulations. Whether you are following the latest 2nd Amendment news or are ready to make your next purchase, we are here to ensure the process is smooth and compliant. The Second Amendment is a cornerstone of freedom, and we stand with you.
If you are ready to upgrade your collection or have questions about the NFA transfer process, our team is ready to help. Visit BT Gun Company today to explore our inventory and speak with our experts.