I have heard various answers from people in law enforcement but are there certification courses that a civilian can take that will allow them to legally own, operate, and/or carry firearms that fall under FFL levels 2&3 or is just having the tax stamp enough? For instance, I have a very small apartment and I would like to buy a short shotgun so that I can move freely around my home and be able to quickly present the shotgun if there is an intruder, however there are laws prohibiting me, as a civilian from owning a shotgun with a barrel that is less than 18" or one that is under a certain over-all length. Is there a class I could take that would allow me to own and use a firearm like this legally? I would also like to purchase a suppressor for my .45 because I am concerned that if I had to discharge my firearm in an emergency, self defense situation, in my home, that I could damage my hearing.
I have talked with retired police officers, military personnel, and gun store employees and received very mixed answers on this subject. I realize it probably depends a lot on where I live. I live in Virginia, a shall issue state so I would think, with the exception of maybe Florida or some Western states that are even more relaxed on gun control, if it is possible to obtain a license or certification to own something like this I would be able to here. I have, as I stated before, also heard that simply paying the tax stamp and going through a 2 or 3FFL dealer would be enough but I would like to make sure so I don’t create any trouble for myself. Thanks for any help.
I was asking more in generality tho. Most of the FFL 2&3 firearms I am interested in I wold like to have simply to take out to the range and have a good time with. The short shotgun and suppressor are two of the few I would pick as ideal self defense.
Unknown, I own both a .45 1911 and a 9mm Baby Desert Eagle, I practice often at the range but I have been present for an accidental discharge in tight quarters and it is very loud. Also, I live in a rough area and have had armed men at my doorstep on more than one occasion, fortunately the sound of racking the slide on my .45 has been enough of a deterrent to avoid an incident. I have confidence in my shot placement when I am awake but the shotgun takes less thinking if I were to wake up out of a dead sleep and need to defend myself, my loved ones and/or my home.
Eddie, I realize the laws about the length, but as I said I am in extremely cramped quarters so it would be advantageous for me to have a smaller framed firearm.
Also Unknown you said "not in Virginia". Did you mean that there are states that Do issue a permit or license for these kind of firearms? I was watching some behind the scenes features on a DVD and they said that the weapons master on the set is one of the only civilians in the country licensed to own, operate, and supervise the use of a Glock 18c, which is a fully automatic handgun. That statement is actually one of the major things that sparked my interest and led me to ask this question.
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Look at the link…not only does it provide some legal info, but they sell both short barreled shotguns and suppressed pistols.
You need to follow the BATF regulations of course.
No, not in Virginia, if you have a shotgun, it must have a barrel length of 18 inches or more. It would be easier to use a handgun, perhaps a .45 cal or a 9mm for home protection. I personally suggest the 9 mm simply because it has the power, and will not break your wrist when firing. You will have to apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon if you are going from place to place, but you will be in your home only then just go out and buy one. Also, I am not sure or not whether you can buy a silencer, but something tells me that your gonna be SOL, but now you have a choice to make. Which is more important, your hearing, or your family. Usually if you push the pistol away from you, and your not just shooting to be shooting very much, then you will probably keep your hearing, as break-ins are not common.
Federal law does not prohibit any small firearm ownership by unlicensed civilians except machine guns made after May of 1986. No federal license or permit is required. To own title 2 firearms, (transferable machineguns, silencers and short barreled shotguns(barrel <18”), short barreled rifles(barrel <16“), AOW’s and DD’s) all that is needed is the routine ATF approval via the ATF form 4 (form 1 to make) and pay the $200 tax. Basically you go to the dealer (FFL/SOT class 3) and pay for the weapon. The dealer gives you the ATF form 4 to bring to your local sheriff to sign, then it is sent in along with form 5330.20, finger print cards, mug shots and your $200 check. It takes about 2 months for approval. It is never denied as long as the paperwork is properly filled out.
VA law prohibits short barreled shotguns and machine guns unless registered with the federal government. You need permission of the VA police to transfer a title 2 weapon, but as far as I know this is routine. Check out the law summaries and dealer info here; http://www.subguns.com/ . Check VA law for more details, http://www.virginia.gov/cmsportal3/government_4096/codes_and_laws.html .
For title 1 weapons, only a NICS check (instant background) is required, unless you do not buy from a dealer. VA law may have additional requirements for gun purchases, but as far as I know they are routine.
I make silencers for my gun collection using ATF form 1’s, but I do not think I would use one on a pistol that I am using for self defense. It just makes it longer and more bulky, plus I think the noise is an added bonus. I think a short barreled shotgun with a stock is your best bet. As far as the Glock 18c is concerned, any FFL/SOT class 2 can make one, but it can not be transferred to anyone else who is not an SOT class 2.
I would check out the forum at http://www.subguns.com for lots more info. Good luck.
Ranb
you do not need a ffl for a shotgun with a 18 and a half inch barrell!!!!! ok but THE OVERALL LENGTH MUST BE 26 INCHES ,,, ok thanks eddie
I just bought a Remington 870 with a 18" barrel and a pistol grip. It has a 7 shot capacity and I have an additional 6 shot "saddle" on it. No Class 3 tax stamp is required for it. When you get below 16" is when you get into trouble without a tax stamp. In Texas you can purchase a Tax Stamp for a Class 3 weapon but it has to be approved by the county sheriff where you reside. A stamp has to be purchased for each Class 3 weapon.