Class 3

Class 3 firearms — suppressors, short-barrel rifles, short-barrel shotguns, machine guns, and any other weapons (AOWs) — are regulated under the National Firearms Act. As of January 1, 2026, the $200 NFA tax stamp fee was eliminated, making it easier and more affordable than ever to legally own NFA items. Impact Guns is a licensed Class III SOT dealer and carries a wide selection of NFA-regulated firearms and suppressors.

Read our full Class 3 / NFA Buying Guide ↓

What Is a Class 3 Firearm?

"Class 3" is an informal term used in the firearms industry to describe NFA-regulated items. The formal legal classification is Title II firearms under the National Firearms Act of 1934. A licensed dealer with a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) status — sometimes called a Class III SOT dealer — can transfer these items to consumers after completing the NFA approval process. Impact Guns holds the required SOT license to sell all NFA item categories.

NFA items include five main categories: suppressors (also called silencers), short-barrel rifles (SBRs), short-barrel shotguns (SBSs), machine guns (automatic firearms), and any other weapons (AOWs). Each has specific legal definitions under federal law.

The NFA Tax Stamp Change — What Happened in January 2026

On January 1, 2026, the $200 NFA transfer tax — which had been in place since 1934 — was effectively eliminated for civilian transfers. This is the most significant change to NFA rules in decades. You still complete the ATF approval process and wait for approval, but the financial barrier that previously added $200 per item to every NFA purchase is gone. The eForm process through the ATF remains in place; only the fee has been removed.

The practical effect: buying a suppressor, SBR, or other NFA item now costs exactly what the item itself costs. No additional government fee on top of your purchase price.

How the NFA Transfer Process Works

Purchasing an NFA item from Impact Guns follows a specific process. First, you choose your item and complete your purchase. Your item is then held by Impact Guns (or transferred to a local SOT dealer near you) while your ATF Form 4 is processed electronically via eForms. You'll submit fingerprints, passport photos, and background check information. Once ATF approval is granted and the paperwork clears, you take possession of your item. Using ATF eForms rather than paper significantly reduces wait times compared to historical averages.

If you're buying from out of state, Impact Guns can transfer to a licensed Class III dealer near you — the item ships dealer to dealer, and you complete your local paperwork at that dealer. See our How to Order a Gun and ATF eForms guide for step-by-step details.

Suppressors

Suppressors — legally called silencers by the ATF, though "suppressor" is the more accurate term for how they function — reduce the sound signature and muzzle blast of a firearm. They don't make guns whisper-quiet like in movies; they reduce the report to a safer hearing level, often still requiring ear protection. Suppressor quality and sound reduction vary by caliber, host firearm, and whether you're shooting subsonic or supersonic ammunition.

Popular suppressor brands at Impact Guns include Dead Air, SilencerCo, Gemtech, and others. Suppressors are available for pistol calibers, rifle calibers, and rimfire. Each suppressor is caliber-rated — a 9mm can suppressor won't work on a .45 ACP firearm without the right adapter. See our full suppressors category for the complete selection.

Short-Barrel Rifles (SBRs)

A short-barrel rifle is a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches or an overall length under 26 inches. SBRs offer a more compact package while retaining rifle-caliber performance — making them popular for home defense, vehicle use, and certain tactical applications. Once you receive ATF approval, an SBR functions like any other semi-automatic rifle.

Many shooters also build SBRs by Form 1 — registering an existing AR-15 pistol or rifle as an SBR to legally add a shoulder stock. Impact Guns carries factory-built SBRs as well. Browse our short-barrel rifles category.

Short-Barrel Shotguns (SBSs)

A short-barrel shotgun has a barrel under 18 inches or an overall length under 26 inches. SBSs are prized for home defense and tactical use where maneuverability is paramount. Popular SBS platforms include the Mossberg 590 Shockwave-based configurations, the Remington 870 Tac-14, and dedicated tactical builds. See the short-barrel shotguns category.

Machine Guns

Civilian-transferable machine guns are pre-1986 automatic firearms registered with the ATF before the Hughes Amendment closed the civilian registry. This makes them rare and expensive — prices typically range from several thousand to well over $20,000 depending on the model. Impact Guns carries dealer samples and occasionally transferable machine guns. Browse machine guns.

Any Other Weapons (AOWs)

AOWs are a catch-all NFA category covering items like pistols with forward grips, disguised firearms, and certain short-barreled pistols. They transfer at a much lower tax rate historically, though with the January 2026 elimination of the transfer fee, this distinction is now less significant for buyers. See the AOW category.

NFA Items by State

NFA item availability varies by state. Some states prohibit suppressors, SBRs, or machine guns entirely. Before purchasing any NFA item, verify that it is legal to own in your state. Our team can help you confirm state eligibility before you complete your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need ATF approval to buy a suppressor or SBR in 2026?
Yes. The ATF Form 4 approval process remains in place — what changed on January 1, 2026 is that the $200 transfer tax fee was eliminated. You still submit an eForm, pass a background check, provide fingerprints and photos, and wait for approval before taking possession. The process is the same; it just no longer costs $200 per item.

How long does NFA approval take in 2026?
ATF eForm 4 wait times have improved significantly compared to paper form processing. Electronic submissions processed through the ATF eForms portal typically see approval in weeks rather than months, though times vary based on ATF workload and submission volume. Impact Guns recommends using the eForm system for the fastest processing.

Can I buy a suppressor in any state?
No. As of 2026, suppressors are prohibited for civilian ownership in several states including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The list can change as state laws evolve. Always verify your state's current law before purchasing.

What's the difference between a Form 1 and Form 4?
A Form 4 is used when transferring an existing NFA item from a dealer to you — this covers buying a suppressor or SBR from Impact Guns. A Form 1 is used when you are making your own NFA item, such as registering an AR-15 pistol as an SBR by adding a shoulder stock. Both are submitted through the ATF eForms portal. See our ATF eForms guide for full details.

Does Impact Guns ship NFA items directly to me?
Impact Guns ships NFA items to licensed Class III SOT dealers in your area — not directly to your home address. You then complete the transfer paperwork locally at that dealer and take possession once ATF approval is granted. Use our FFL dealer lookup to find a Class III dealer near you.