What is an NFA Item and Why Does it Matter When Buying on GunBroker.com?
What is an NFA Item and Why Does it Matter When Buying on GunBroker.com? When browsing GunBroker.com, you can usually buy and bid on firearms and accessories with little hassle. For the firearms purchasing process, you have to send the gun to an FFL holder, pay a small fee, agree to get a background check, and, barring state-mandated wait times, the gun is yours. However, with items regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), there are additional steps, added approval time, and more to factor in. Here is what you need to know before placing a bid.
What is an NFA item? An NFA item, which you can find in the Class 3 Firearms, NFA, and Destructive Devices categories on GunBroker.com, is an item that is federally regulated. These items include fully automatic firearms and suppressors. Other items include short-barreled shotguns and rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long, also known as a short-barreled rifle (SBR). For example, a fully automatic MP5K would fall under this classification, as it is fully automatic. This likely means the firearm is more costly.
What is a Tax Stamp? Say you are looking for pistols for sale and decide on one with a threaded barrel. You receive it through standard methods, having it shipped to an FFL holder and going through the typical transfer process. The suppressor itself, however, is not nearly as simple. When you win an auction or buy from a seller on GunBroker.com, your first step is to pay the seller. Then, you will need the sale approved by someone with a Class 3 or Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) Federal Firearms License (FFL). Depending on what you are transferring, such as a machine gun as defined by the NFA, you might have to pay a flat rate or a percentage. Your SOT/Class 3 FFL dealer will prepare a Form 4 with your fingerprints and passport photos, and you will need to send $200 to the ATF. When the ATF approves the Form 4, they send a tax stamp back to your FFL dealer. Be aware—this process can take multiple months. Then, you can take possession of the item. Should I Send My Item to a Specific FFL? As mentioned above, you will need a specific type of FFL dealer. If the FFL dealer is not an SOT dealer, a second Form 4 will be needed to transfer to your dealer. Keep in mind, this is an extra step requiring additional time. Depending on the item you are buying, you may not be able to send it to your average FFL dealer. Be sure to check beforehand because the FFL that transferred your over under shotgun may not be able to transfer a short-barreled shotgun. How Long Will the Process Take? The answer depends on the item you are purchasing, what kind of FFL you are using, and whether it is an out-of-state purchase. The process could take a few months, or it could take more than a year. Be sure to find an FFL you trust, as they will hold your firearm during this time. If you have an FFL and are transferring the gun to yourself, you may be able to take possession of the item, but you cannot legally use it until you have the tax stamp from the ATF. Search for NFA-regulated items for sale and auction by users of GunBroker.com at https://www.gunbroker.com/ Original Source: https://bit.ly/3tBaKqt