Protect Your Rights and Your Family
If you own or plan to purchase NFA-regulated firearms — suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns, or other items regulated under the National Firearms Act — an NFA gun trust is the safest and most practical way to own them legally in Georgia.
Without a trust, only you can possess your NFA items. If a family member or friend handles them — even at the range — they could be committing a federal felony. A properly drafted gun trust solves this by allowing multiple trustees to legally possess and use the items.
Why You Need an NFA Gun Trust
- Shared Legal Possession — Multiple trustees (family members, shooting partners) can legally possess and use your NFA items without you being present.
- Avoid Accidental Felonies — Without a trust, letting someone else handle your suppressor or SBR is a federal crime, even at the range or in your own home.
- Simplified Transfer on Death — NFA items in a trust pass to your beneficiaries without going through the standard ATF transfer process, saving time and the $200 transfer tax per item.
- No CLEO Notification Hassle — While the 41F rule requires individual notification to your Chief Law Enforcement Officer, a trust streamlines this process for all trustees.
- Privacy — A trust keeps your NFA ownership out of probate and public records.
What Can You Own with an NFA Trust in Georgia?
Georgia law permits the ownership of all NFA items that are legal under federal law, including:
- Suppressors (silencers)
- Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) — barrel under 16 inches
- Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) — barrel under 18 inches
- Machine guns (pre-1986 transferable only)
- Any other weapons (AOWs) classified under the NFA
Why Use an Attorney Instead of an Online Template?
Generic online gun trust templates are one-size-fits-all and may not comply with Georgia law. An improperly drafted trust can fail when you need it most — during an ATF audit, a transfer, or when passing items to your heirs.
C.R. Chisholm drafts each NFA gun trust specifically for your situation under Georgia law, ensuring it's properly structured, your trustees are correctly designated, and your items will transfer smoothly to your beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an NFA gun trust cost?
C.R. provides flat-fee quotes for all gun trust work. The cost depends on the complexity of your situation — number of trustees, number of items, and any special provisions. You'll know the exact price before you commit.
Can I add items to my trust later?
Yes. Once your trust is established, you can add new NFA items as you acquire them. Each new item still requires its own ATF Form 4 and tax stamp, but the trust itself doesn't need to be redone.
Can I add or remove trustees?
Yes. Your gun trust can be amended to add or remove trustees as your situation changes. This is one of the advantages of having an attorney-drafted trust — it's built to be flexible.
Do I still need to do a background check?
Yes. Under ATF Rule 41F (effective July 2016), all responsible persons on the trust must submit photographs, fingerprints, and undergo a background check when a new NFA item is added to the trust.
Ready to Set Up Your NFA Gun Trust?
Schedule a consultation with C.R. Chisholm to get a properly structured gun trust under Georgia law.
Book a Free Consultation or Call (706) 389-9104