ATF brought the new guidance out,

and I think the suppressor counter at work will be busy.

ATF has just posted the new rules of the road for cans, SBRs, SBSs and AOWs. You may have been impatient and wondered what was taking them so long, but in the federal regulatory agency world, getting this kind of thing out in just over 60 days is the equivalent of near-light speed.

Here are some of the highlights:

• As of today, ATF is extending the ruling nationally, beyond the named plaintiffs and their members. In other words, law-abiding Americans no longer need a Form 1 to make a suppressor, SBR, SBS or AOW and they no longer need a Form 4 to transfer one. These items will be covered by the Gun Control Act, meaning 4473s and NICS background checks.
• There are 15 states with laws on the books that require Form 1 and Form 4 processing by ATF for these items. ATF will continue to process these for people living in those states so that they can continue to make and own those items.
• The serial number engraving requirement for home made suppressors, SBRs, SBSs or AOWs is now waived.
• Keep in mind that the Gun Control Act and other provisions of the NFA are still in place. That means the GCA’s restrictions on interstate travel with SBRs and SBSs are still there. You’ll have to continue filing a Form 20 when you want to cross state lines with those.

There’s more, particularly for FFLs and manufacturers, but this is VERY good news for Americans across the country. You can read the Director’s guidance letter here.