NFA question

[monotonous_iterancy]

In another thread, I read about supposed myths that people have regarding the NFA. I suppose that I don't understand it too well myself. I understand the registration, and the $200 stamp tax, but I still have some questions.

Are there rules about storage? If there are rules like this, do they make visits to ensure that you're in compliance? What are the rules once you have an NFA item?

 

[AlexanderA]

Regarding storage of NFA items, people who are not on the paperwork are not supposed to have access. That's one reason for having an NFA trust, so that all the named trustees can have access. That said, the ATF does not make routine visits to monitor your storage arrangements.

 

[tepin]

Yep... what ^^^ said. It gets back to the constructive possession stuff. If worried about it, do a trust, otherwise buy a cheap safe and dont let anyone have access to the key or combo.

 

[Jim K]

Better not take that advice too literally. Keep a key or the safe combo in a safe deposit box, along with the registration papers and instructions on what to do in case of your death or incapacity. Then let a trusted family member (usually spouse) be on the box access list. The reason is that if anything happens to you, you don't want your heirs to have to call a locksmith and destroy the safe to get at your collection and start the process to allow your heirs to legally keep or sell the gun(s).

BTW, there are no rules that say no one but the registrant can have access to the gun. If there is something like that in the law or the CFR, let me know (and let the rent-a-machinegun folks at Knob Creek know as well). But normally no one should have control and access to the firearm without the registrant being present, so don't lend it to your cousin. An exception would be the executor of your estate (see above and the ATF web site).

But there are no "inspections" by ATF, no hordes of feds breaking down your door at 3AM, no harassment checks, no informing your boss of your evil hobby. I owned auto weapons for over 40 years and the only contact I had with ATF was to send them a change of address.

Jim

 

[Flyincedar]

^^^^^ THIS^^^^^

The registrfant must be present, and anyone that can legally use a firearm can use it. We hold machine gun shoots here in Ohio, and all four RIs are present. Three of us could have to leave, and the shoot doesnt have to stop.

If referring to UNAUTHORIZED access, then yes, you need to keep it away from anyone that shouldnt have it, but that goes with ALL firearms, so storage would be no different.

No, you can't let your buddy who isnt on your trust, take it to the range without you. But you can go with him, and you guys can have fun!

 

[monotonous_iterancy]

I see. I guess I figured that they'd keep tabs on you. But then I thought "Why would they? You have to be squeaky clean just to pass the background check."

I guess it's a parinoid myth that you'd be watched or given special preference then?

 

[AlexanderA]

Yes, I should have said "access without the presence of the registrant." As long as the registrant is present, the item is deemed to be under his control, even though it's being shot by someone else. The problem arises, theoretically, with household members when the registered owner (or trustee, in the case of a trust) is away from the home. That's when a safe (or locked room) comes into play so that these other household members don't have "access."

 

[GoingQuiet]

Regarding storage of NFA items, people who are not on the paperwork are not supposed to have access. That's one reason for having an NFA trust, so that all the named trustees can have access. That said, the ATF does not make routine visits to monitor your storage arrangements.

This is ridiculous. If you buy a wallhanger AOW and hang it on your bedroom wall, it's not constructive possession on behalf of your wife.

^^^^^ THIS^^^^^

The registrfant must be present, and anyone that can legally use a firearm can use it. We hold machine gun shoots here in Ohio, and all four RIs are present. Three of us could have to leave, and the shoot doesnt have to stop.

If referring to UNAUTHORIZED access, then yes, you need to keep it away from anyone that shouldnt have it, but that goes with ALL firearms, so storage would be no different.

No, you can't let your buddy who isnt on your trust, take it to the range without you. But you can go with him, and you guys can have fun!

What's an RI?