Gun owners in the United States no longer need to federally register or seek prior approval to manufacture or transfer silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and ‘Any Other Weapons’ (AOWs). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced this policy change, which effectively halts enforcement of the National Firearms Act (NFA) for items with zero-dollar tax rates.
The decision follows a federal court ruling that invalidated key manufacturing and transfer provisions of the NFA. In a letter, ATF Director Robert Cekada explained that this move aligns with the direction from the President, Congress, and the courts. He emphasized that the ATF’s focus will remain on combatting violent crime in communities.
“The direction from the President, Congress, and the courts is clear,” Cekada stated. “ATF is now following suit with our enforcement posture while continuing to ensure we remain focused where we are needed the most: combatting violent crime in American communities.”
This alteration stems from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, where Congress reduced NFA taxes to $0 for specific firearms and weapons. Following this, a federal judge in Texas ruled that NFA’s mandatory provisions could not be justified without the tax, leading the Justice Department to extend a nonenforcement policy nationwide.
John Commerford, executive director of the National Rifle Association, celebrated the announcement as a historic milestone, highlighting the importance of constitutional adherence by all branches of government. Despite suspending certain NFA requirements, the Gun Control Act still requires background checks and record maintenance by licensed dealers. Machine guns and destructive devices still fall under NFA regulations.
“This is what happens when all three branches of government are willing to follow the Constitution,” said Commerford. “Now the Trump administration has confirmed it will stop treating law-abiding Americans as if they still need special permission from the government to own hearing protection, rifles, or shotguns.”
The ATF will still accept voluntary registrations for gun owners who wish to document their items, noting that legal shifts could change regulations in the future without guaranteeing prior rights. Federal transport approval remains necessary for certain firearms crossing state lines.