NFA - NAtional Firearms Act

The National Firearms Act (NFA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1934 that regulates certain types of firearms and firearm accessories. It was the first major federal gun control law in the United States and is still in effect today.

1. Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) – Rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches.
    
2. Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs) – Shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches.
    
3. Machine Guns – Any firearm that can fire more than one round with a single trigger pull.
    
4. Silencers/Suppressors – Devices that muffle or silence the sound of a gunshot.
    
5. Destructive Devices – This includes explosives, grenades, and certain large-caliber weapons.
    
6. Any Other Weapon (AOW) – A catch-all category for concealable firearms that don’t fit traditional definitions (e.g., disguised guns).
    

• Registration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
   
• Background check and approval before transfer.
   
• $200 tax stamp for most items ($5 for AOWs).
   
• Serial number and manufacturer info must be engraved.
   
• Interstate transfer restrictions – You must notify the ATF before moving an NFA item across state lines.
   

Originally intended to curb gangster-era crime, the NFA aimed to make it harder to obtain certain weapons commonly used in violent crimes during the 1920s and 1930s.

Let me know if you want a breakdown of how to legally own an NFA item or how it compares to newer gun laws like the Gun Control Act or FOPA.