NFA Firearms outside the safe

[MagnumDweeb]

Okay, so I understand when you take your NFA firearm to the range they expect you to have your tax stamp on hand to show them your not firing an illegally modified or made firearm but what about when you are not at the range I mean. What if i get a cheap 1887 lever action shotgun reproduction and I want to NFA it. I get the tax stamp, get it modified kosher, and I'm good to go. Can I keep it in my truck and keep the tax stamp in my wallet, keep the tax stamp in my truck or should I get clever and hollow the grip in a way that I can store the tax stamp inside the gun so that way I never risk being without it.

Okay just to push the limit of reasonable. Let's say I can safely conceal my NFA short barrel shotgun now, is that ultimately going to be a problem, yeah a cop might take it from me just to take it from for some unreasonable reason, but could I face legitimate legal problems for having it on me concealed. And I mean actually concealed not just, the cop saw something suspicious, but that a cop decided to bust my chops and randomly search me.

I'm hopefully passing the bar in July and getting admitted in September, so after that I plan to get a few silencers and short barrel shotguns legally. I'd like to have short barrel shotgun for a feasible truck gun. Nothing says don't try to mug, murder or rob me like two short 12 gauge shotgun barrels.

 

[KingTiger]

I laminated copies of my Form 4's and keep them in my vehicle at all times, originals are kept in the safe. Some people reduce & laminate them and keep them on their range bag, wallet ... I've never been asked for my "papers".

 

[Retooferab]

I keep colored copies in the glove box of all my vehicles and thats it. Originals are in the safe. I have been pulled over with my suppressed rifle laying in the seat they never even looked at it.

 

[RyanM]

The actual physical stamp will be stuck to your Form 1/4, just like any other adhesive-backed stamp, so trying to fit the original into your wallet or something is a bad idea. Do not cut up or otherwise deface your original Form 1/4!

Standard procedure is to just have a xerox copy of the entire Form 1/4 (both sides) with the gun at all times, and the original safely stored in a fireproof box (a safe deposit box at the bank is even better).

On concealed carry, you will have a very hard time convincing a cop that it's legal. I do believe it is legal in FL on a standard CCW, though I'm not sure. It's explicitly legal in this state, but it's still not a good idea. Always be polite to cops, and never resist arrest. If you file your forms as an individual, though, that may help convince County cops that you're legal, since they should recognize the sheriff's signature.

 

[aggiez28]

there is no requirement to have the forms with you when you take the weapon out and about, it is good practice to keep them handy though.

 

[Ranb]

While it is not required to keep the forms (copies) with you, it could help prevent an illegal seizure by a policeman who does not know the law. Some private ranges will not allow NFA weapon use unless you show the ATF form. I always show mine when asked by a range officer at a private range.

Ranb

 

[waterhouse]

Like others, I keep copies in the range bag and the originals stay in the fire safe at home.

Texas law is worded in a weird way . . . NFA items are illegal but having them registered with the ATF is a defense to prosecution. I've never needed them, but feel better having the paperwork with the NFA items whenever I'm going somewhere.