National Firearms Act (NFA)
Definition
The US federal framework in 26 USC Chapter 53 covering specified firearm and device categories. Statutory definitions, tax rules, current enforcement guidance and state law require separate assessment. An older blanket tax or registration summary may not describe the legal position on the relevant date.
Definitions and actual enforcement policy must be distinguished. A statutory item can remain within a definition while specified requirements receive different treatment under current guidance. State or local law and surviving federal restrictions require separate checking for the relevant date and conduct.
Related terms
- Firearm Tracing
- An authorised enquiry using a firearm’s identity and available records to investigate its commercial or other documented history. Tracing differs from fired-evidence...
- Gun Control Act (GCA)
- The US federal firearms framework in 18 USC Chapter 44 addressing matters including definitions, licensing and prohibited conduct. It overlaps with the...
- Prohibited Arms
- A statutory category whose definition depends on the jurisdiction. In India, Arms Act 1959 section 2(1)(i) supplies the relevant definition, with section...
- Section 5 Firearm
- A firearm engaging a relevant prohibited-weapon provision of Great Britain’s Firearms Act 1968. The applicable subsection, authority and exceptions must be checked....
- Shotgun Certificate
- An authorisation within Great Britain’s firearms framework for shotguns meeting the applicable statutory definition and conditions. Magazine construction, relevant dimensions and other...