We've discussed buying firearms quite a bit here. We've gotten into a little bit of the process, procedures, and overall experience one might encounter. Now we need to get into one of the most common misconceptions, the Class III License. Before we even get into the Class III License, we first must understand what a Class III firearm is. For all intensive purposes, Class III firearms are all the cool looking guns. They're the weapons that you see in movies and instantly want, but know they cost an arm & leg. They're the sawed off, silenced, and shortened. The ones that go boom instead of bang. They're the weapons outlined in the National Firearms Act or NFA. This information is definitely confusing so be sure to visit the ATF's website and ask as many questions as you need to for clarification. Now let's say you want to put a silencer on your pistol. Where would you get your Class III license? Where would you even begin? Well, you wouldn't. There is no special license needed to purchase NFA (Class III) weapons. None at all. The Class III license is actually an FFL. The Federal Firearms License allows people to deal firearms. It's just for business purposes, a customer does not need one to purchase the silencer. Let's say that I still want to buy the silencer. The process isn't as difficult as getting an FFL, but it is far from easy. First, you would fill out the Form 4473 just like any other sale from a licensed dealer. You have your background check, wait a certain amount of time in some states, and then turn it up a notch. You must complete & mail three (3) fingerprint cards to the ATF for another background check. You have to get permission & a signature from local law enforcement as well. Then a certificate of compliance, transfer paperwork, & various other forms must be completed and mailed to local law enforcement & payment is made. Once that comes back ok, documents are mailed to the ATF which is where the $200 tax stamp comes from. And yes, it is literally a stamp. Postage type. That small stamp is what all this paperwork is for. And this has to be done for every weapon that falls under the classification of NFA and for every time that weapon is transferred. One huge pain in the ASS!!! Oh, and when you get your paperwork with the tax stamp on it, make a copy. Hell, make ten! You do not want to be caught without it...
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AuthorKeep in mind that I am by no means a gun expert. I have had some safety, handling, and shooting training, but nowhere near the amount I feel is needed to claim the "expert" title. With that being said, I am a man that owns a LOT of firearms, knives, and gear! I have been shooting since I could hold a rifle and have even competed in and won a few competitions. The advice and tips that I give are based on personal experience, but are by no means to be taken as law. Please consult a trained, certified professional for all your firearms needs. Enjoy! Archives
May 2016
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