AOWs

What Is an AOW?

Under the National Firearms Act, “Any Other Weapon” is a catch-all category for firearms that don’t fit neatly into other categories. The most common AOWs are pistol-grip-only shotguns — shotguns that were never designed to be fired from the shoulder. The Mossberg 590 Cruiser and PTR Jack are well-known examples. Other AOWs include disguised firearms and other unusual configurations.

What Changed in 2026

Congress cut the NFA tax on AOWs, which was $5, to $0 in a law signed in July 2025. On October 9, 2026, the ATF published an open letter saying it no longer requires its approval or registration for AOWs, along with suppressors, short-barrel rifles and short-barrel shotguns. The ATF still accepts the old forms on a voluntary basis. Machine guns and destructive devices are not affected. For a plain-language summary, read our article ATF NFA Update: What Changes for Suppressors and SBRs.

How to Buy a Former AOW

These items are bought like any other firearm. You choose your item, order it, and complete a Form 4473 and a federal background check at pickup. Contact your dealer first to confirm they are up to date on the October 2026 changes and to ask about their steps and fees. State and local laws still apply, and some states restrict these items.

Where to Find Them

Many former AOWs now sit with the guns they really are. Browse pump shotguns, other shotguns, other handguns, and semi-auto handguns. The items on this page are the ones we tag as AOWs.

AOW vs. Short Barrel Shotgun (SBS)

The distinction between an AOW and an SBS comes down to how the firearm was manufactured. A shotgun that was originally made with a stock and later had the stock removed is classified as an SBS. A firearm manufactured from the beginning without a stock, as a pistol-grip-only design, is classified as an AOW. Neither needs ATF approval or registration now, but the two are still classified differently. See our short-barrel shotguns guide for more.

Frequently Asked Questions: Any Other Weapons (AOW)

Should I talk to my dealer first?
Yes. These changes are new, and your dealer may still be updating their process. Contact your dealer before you order. Ask which steps and forms they use, what fees they charge, and what your state allows.

What is an AOW?
An AOW (Any Other Weapon) is an NFA category covering firearms that don’t fit neatly into rifle, shotgun, or handgun classifications. Common AOW examples include: pistols with a forward vertical grip (a standard pistol with a vertical foregrip attached is classified as an AOW), pen guns, wallet guns, disguised firearms, and certain smooth-bore pistols chambered in shotgun gauges (like the H&R Handy-Gun). Compact firearms like the Serbu Super Shorty (an ultra-short shotgun with a pistol grip) are also classified as AOWs.

Do I still need to pay a tax to buy an AOW?
No. The NFA tax on AOWs, which was $5, is now $0, and the ATF no longer requires approval or registration for them.

Do I still need ATF approval to buy an AOW?
No. As of October 9, 2026, the ATF no longer requires its approval or registration for AOWs. You still pass a background check and fill out a Form 4473.

What happens if I add a vertical foregrip to a pistol?
A pistol with a vertical foregrip is classified as an AOW. An angled foregrip (AFG) does not trigger that classification. The ATF now says it does not require approval or registration for AOWs, but ATF policy can change and state laws differ. Ask a qualified attorney before you add a vertical foregrip to a pistol.

See Also: Machine Guns • Short-Barrel Rifles • Short-Barrel Shotguns • Suppressors • ATF NFA Update

Questions about AOWs? Call 800-917-7137 or use our live chat.