Identification of Firearms Within the Purview of the National Firearms Act
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Thompson Submachine Gun
- M-2 Carbine
- M-14
- AK47 Assault Rifle
- MP-43, MP-44, and STG-44 Assault Rifles
- Mauser Machine Pistol, 7.63mm (.30 cal.)
- Spitfire Carbine
- Colt M16, Model 614, 5.56mm
- Ingram M-10, .45 cal.
- RPB Industries, SM-10 9mm Converted Pistol with Silencer
- Conversion Parts
- Weapon Made from a Shotgun
- Short Barreled Shotgun
- 12 ga. Crude Manufacture
- Short Barreled Rifle
- Weapon Made from a Rifle
- .22 cal, Crude Manufacture
- Various Silencers
- Flare Launchers
- Flare Launcher Inserts
- Sionics Type Silencer Kit
- High Standard H. D. Military, .22 cal. Pistol with Silencer
- Ruger Standard Model .22 cal. Pistol with Homemade Silencer
- Any Other Weapons Notice
- Smooth-Bore, Shot-Revolver
- Smooth Bore, Shot-Pistol
- Tear Gas Pen Guns
- Marble Game-Getter Gun
- Wallet Holsters
- H & R Handy Gun
- Model No. 35 Stevens Autoshot
- Ithaca Auto-Burglar
- Tear Gas Gun, 12 ga.
- Mortar
- U.S. Rocket Launcher (Bazooka)
- Boys .55 cal. Anti Tank Rifle
- Belt Buckle Holster
- Street Sweeper
Foreword
This publication was prepared by the Firearms Technology Branch to help you in identifying weapons classified as firearms (including destructive devices) under Title 26. This may also be cited as the “National Firearms Act.”
This guide acts as an aid in identifying types of firearms and destructive devices which must be registered with ATF under the national firearms act (title II of the gun control act of 1968).
Thompson Submachine Gun, .45cal
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selector switch permits firing of weapon either as a semi or full automatic weapon.
- Special Note
-
The original Model 1927, while semiautomatic only, is still classified as a Title II firearm because of its machine gun receiver and short barrel. The Thompson Model 1927A1-A5 firearms manufactured by Auto Ordnance, West Hurley, New York are classified as Title I firearms.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
M-2 Carbine – Machine Gun
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selector switch permits firing of weapon either as a semi or full automatic weapon.
- Special Note
-
M-1 Carbines altered by substitution of M-2 kits to permit automatic fire are also machine guns. Carbine receivers marked M-2 are machine guns, even though they may only be capable of semiautomatic fire.
Possession of an unregistered M-2 conversion kit, which consists of the following seven parts, constitutes possession of an unregistered NFA firearm; regardless of whether or not assembled;
- selector
- selector spring
- selector lever assembly
- hammer
- disconnector
- disconnector spring
- disconnector plunger
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
M-14 Machine Gun
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
This is the M-14 Rifle. It generally can be distinguished from the M1 by shoulder plate, magazine and flash hider. The forestock is also different from that found on the M-1. The Selector Switch on the M-14 Machine Gun is located on the right rear side of the receiver, just above the trigger. All M-14's which are so marked are Machine Guns whether or not equipped with a Selector Switch.
- Special Note
-
The Model M-IA rifle manufactured by the Springfield Armory, San Antonio, Texas or Geneseo, Illinois, is similar in appearance to the M-14 with the exception of not having a selector, it is NOT a machine gun. The M-1A is a Title I weapon.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
AK47 Assault Rifle
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selective fire weapon. May be encountered with or without bayonet, with wooden stock or folding metal stock. Used by Soviet Bloc countries and may be designated also as AKM, TYPE 56 (China), TYPE (58 N Korea), MPIKM E Germ., or RPK, TARIQ (IRAQ) depending on the country of origin.
- Special Note
-
Commercial semi-automatic variations are currently being imported s and are NOT classified as machine guns.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
MP-43, MP-44 and STG-44 Assault Rifles
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selector switch on side of frame permits either full or semi-automatic fire.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Mauser Machine Pistol, 7.63mm (.3Ocal.)
- Classification
- Machinegun (Machine Pistol)
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
The selector switch on the left side of frame permits full or semi-automatic fire; this weapon is usually accompanied by a wooden holster which is capable of attachment as a shoulder stock. However, with or without the attachable shoulder stock, this weapon is a machine gun.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Spitfire Carbine (Machine Gun)
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Can be fired fully automatic by manipulation of safety lever during firing of weapon.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Colt M16, Model 614, 5.56mm Machine Gun
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selective fire weapon as manufactured by Colt for the U.S. Military, law enforcement, and off shore sales. May encounter various model designations along with “Property of U.S. Gov’t.”
- Special Note
-
Semi-automatic version designated Model SP1, .223 caliber, with a two position selector.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Ingram M-1O, .45cal. Machine Gun
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Selector lever on left side of receiver permits either full or semi-automatic fire.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
RPB Industries, SM-1O 9mm Converted Pistol with Silencer
- Classification
- Machinegun and Silencer
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Full automatic fire. Internal components altered to allow automatic fire only. Sionics Type Kit Silencer attached.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00 – Machine Gun; $200.00 – Silencer
Conversion Parts
- Classification
- Machinegun
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Weapon Made from a Shotgun
- Classification
- Weapon Made from a Shotgun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length. Both stock and barrel altered.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Short Barreled Shotgun
- Classification
- Short Barreled Shotgun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
l2ga. Crude Manufacture
- Classification
- Weapon Made from a Shotgun
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Barrel less than 18 inches and/or overall length less than 26 inches, stock altered, barrel cut down. Often mistakenly called a “sawed off shotgun.” In this instance overall length is determining factor. However, if the overall length is 26 inches or more and barrel less than 18 inches, this weapon would still be classified as a firearm under the Act.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Short Barreled Rifle
- Classification
- Short Barreled Rifle
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Weapon Made from a Rifle
- Classification
- Weapon Made from a Rifle
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
.22cal., Crude Manufacture
- Classification
- Weapon Made from a Rifle
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Barrel less than 16 inches and/or overall length less than 26 inches, stock altered, barrel cut down. In this instance, overall length is the determining factor. Also, firearm was not originally designed or manufactured in its present condition. However, should the overall length be more than 26 inches but the barrel less than 16 inches, it would still be classified as a firearm under the NFA.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Various Silencers
- Classification
- Silencer
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
A Silencer is any device for silencing, muffling or diminishing the report of a portable firearm.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Flare Launchers
- Classification
- Not a Firearm
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Generally plastic
- Special Note
-
AOW when possessed with ammunition inserts.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- None
Flare Launcher Inserts
- Classification
- Any Other Weapons, only when possessed with a flare launcher
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Generally made of metal
- Special Note
-
25 mm 12 GA adapter is lawful unless modified
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00 if installed in a flare launcher (making of AOW)
Sionics Type Silencer Kit (complete and unassembled)
- Classification
- Silencer
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Two outer cylinders, threaded ported sleeve, eyelets, bushing, baffle, spirals, encapsulator, front end cap.
- Special Note
-
The internal components or the outer cylinders, are also silencers as defined.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
High Standard H. D. Military, .22cal. Pistol with Silencer
- Classification
- Silencer
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Any device for silencing or diminishing the report of any portable weapon.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Ruger Standard Model .22cal. Pistol with Homemade Silencer
- Classification
- Silencer
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Any device for silencing or diminishing the report of any portable weapon.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Smooth-Bore, Shot-Revolver
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
A revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire shot shells.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Smooth Bore, Shot-Pistol
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
A pistol having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire shot shells.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Tear Gas Pen Guns
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Capable of chambering and firing fixed ammunition; all calibers. Can be commercially or home made, smooth bore or rifled. Usually called a “Pen Gun.”
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Marble Game-Getter Gun
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
A firearm having combination rifle and shotgun barrels, more than 12 inches but less than 18 inches long, originally designed to be fired from the shoulder. Usually has a wire type folding stock attached. Removal of the stock from the weapon does not affect its classification as a firearm under the National Firearms Act.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Wallet Holsters
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon with firearm
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Holster has hole to fire weapon
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00 with firearm; no tax without firearm
H & R Handy Gun
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Smooth bore shot pistol designed and manufactured in present condition, commonly referred to as a “Handy Gun.”
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Model No. 35 Stevens Autoshot
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Iron frame, smooth bore, shot pistol, half octagon barrel, front shotgun bead sight and rear shotgun groove sight cast into the frame. Firearm was commercially manufactured in its present condition.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Ithaca Auto-Burglar
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
A double barreled, breech loading, smooth bore shot pistol marked “auto and burglar gun.” Firearm was commercially manufactured in present condition.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Tear Gas Gun, l2ga.
Notice: All “Any Other Weapons” have a mandatory tax of $200.00 for making. Transfer of an “Any Other Weapons” is an additional $5.00.
- Classification
- Any Other Weapon
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Any tear gas device capable of chambering and firing any self-contained cartridge. Even though the device may destroy itself in firing, it is still a firearm under the National Firearms Act.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $5.00
Mortar
- Classification
- Destructive Device
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Mounted on a bi-pod and base plate, bore diameter larger than .50 caliber.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
U.S. Rocket Launcher (Bazooka)
- Classification
- Destructive Device
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Designed to fire a selfpropelled rocket.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Boys .55cal. Anti Tank Rifle
- Classification
- Destructive Device
- Special Note
-
In .50 caliber, this is a Title I rifle, not a destructive device.
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00
Belt Buckle Holster
- Classification
- None
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Buckle with pistol
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- None *Please note that this refers only to the buckle itself*
Street Sweeper
- Classification
- Destructive Device
- Distinctive Characteristics
-
Large revolving cylinder
- Special Note
- Rate of Transfer Tax
- $200.00