National Firearms Act

The National Firearms Act, often shortened to NFA, is technically known as Chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 5801 through 26 U.S.C. § 5872. Passed in 1934, the National Firearms Act requires a tax on the manufacture and transfer of all firearms that are Title II, as well as Federal registration of such firearms. However, one of the most widely known parts of the National Firearms Act is the 1968 Gun Control Act, which bans the importation of any firearms not used for a “sporting” purpose. What this ban means is that the only legal NFA weapons in the United States are those that have been here prior to 1968, and there is no sale of new ones; simply the transfer of old ones.

One major reason the National Firearms Act is so important to gun enthusiasts is that without proper knowledge of its rules and regulations, you are left open to legal repercussions. Because the National Firearms Act is a Federal act, the ramifications for noncompliance are quite strict. It is highly recommended that you consult your local laws and the dealer you will be transferring your firearm through before you purchase a firearm concerned in the National Firearm Act.