"The National Firearms Act (NFA), established in 1934, imposes a tax and registration on specific categories (machine guns, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, silencers, "destructive devices," and AOWs), thereby documenting ownership of such weapons. This act of Congress coincides with the Gun Control Act of 1968, which regulates the firearm industry and ownership. Surprisingly, outside of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, only a small number of weapons are illegal to own in the U.S., though every state can enact separate laws."
"This post was updated on October 13, 2025 to clarify the purpose of the NFA, stun gun laws vary widely across states, Maryland bans flamethrowers, Texas legalized brass knuckles in 2019, Non-HE vs. HE grenade launchers, rules regarding tanks with or without working guns, rarity of legal bazooka ownership, and antique canon designation."
"With the rise of 3D printing, privately made firearms are all the rage. Known as "Ghost Guns," they are surprisingly legal. While there are ATF regulations that govern homemade guns, they can be notoriously difficult to enforce. President Biden introduced executive action on Ghost Guns in 2022 to serialize them so they are easier to track."
The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 requires tax payment and registration for machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, silencers, "destructive devices," and AOWs, documenting ownership. The Gun Control Act of 1968 provides broader regulation of the firearm industry and ownership. Federal law bans primarily nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, while most other weapons remain legal subject to NFA requirements and state restrictions. Examples of legally ownable destructive devices can include tanks, flamethrowers, and rare bazookas under specific conditions. Privately made "ghost guns" complicate enforcement, prompting executive action in 2022 to require serialization.
Read at 24/7 Wall St.
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