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Writer's pictureWesley Nunley

Your First NFA Item: A Step-by-Step Guide for Buying a Suppressor or Short-Barreled Rifle


So, you’re ready to purchase your first National Firearms Act (NFA) item—whether it’s a

Q Honey Badger, Suppressor, LPVO

suppressor or a short-barreled rifle (SBR). While the process may seem intimidating at first, understanding the steps and paperwork involved will make it much easier. Let’s break it down step by step.


Step 1: Understand the ATF Form 4 and Set Up Your ATF eForms Account

When purchasing an NFA item like a suppressor or SBR, you will need to file an ATF Form 4. This form is used to transfer ownership of the item from a dealer to you. At Black Creek Firearms, we handle this process with you digitally, using the ATF eForms system.

This ensures the process is faster and more efficient than traditional paper filing.

Before you can submit the paperwork, you’ll need to create an account on the ATF’s eForms portal at eforms.atf.gov.

It’s a simple process, but it’s essential to remember your username and PIN because these will be used to digitally certify your form when it’s time to submit. Once your account is set up, you’ll be ready to digitally file your Form 4 with us.


Step 2: Choose How You Will File

When filing your Form 4, you can apply as an individual, a trust, or a corporation. Many customers choose to file as a trust, which allows multiple people to use and inherit the NFA item, but each option has its pros and cons:

  • Trust: Allows multiple users and provides estate planning benefits.

  • Individual: Simplest option, but only you can legally possess the item.

We can guide you through the best option based on your needs.


Step 3: Submit Your Fingerprints

Yes, fingerprints are required for your NFA application. At Black Creek Firearms, we offer complimentary digital fingerprinting to make the process smooth and easy. Your digitized fingerprint file is yours to keep, and you can use it for future applications if you decide to purchase more NFA items. We do this by taking a physical FD258 finger print card and converting it to a digital file called an EFT. We have step by step guide on how to complete the card: here. This service is a significant cost-saver compared to other providers who charge for fingerprinting.


Step 4: Filing Your ATF Form 4 and Paying the Tax Stamp

At Black Creek Firearms, we guide you through digitally completing your ATF Form 4 using the eForms system, ensuring the process is as fast and seamless as possible. Our approach is not only faster than traditional paper filing and mailing, but also more efficient than using a Silencer Shop kiosk, which often adds unnecessary delays.

At kiosks, you scan your prints, leave and wait for them to send a Docusign, and then return to the shop to certify. With us, we take your physical FD258 fingerprint card, digitize it in-house, snap a photo, log in to the eForms system, and certify your form with you in about 5 minutes. This is when you also pay the $200 tax stamp, required for every NFA item. Everything happens in one smooth session, avoiding back-and-forth visits.

Plus, unlike other services that hold onto your data, we provide you with the digital file of your fingerprints to keep because your data should belong to you.


Step 5: Wait for Approval

Historically, waiting for an NFA tax stamp approval could take many months. However, with the eForms system, wait times have been drastically reduced, sometimes taking as little as a few days. Both you and Black Creek Firearms will receive an email notification when your application is approved.


Step 6: Pick Up Your NFA Item

Once your Form 4 is approved, you’ll be able to pick up your suppressor or SBR from Black Creek Firearms. If you’re in the Middle Tennessee area, you can even make use of our private range (by appointment) to try out your suppressor while waiting for your approval—giving you a head start on enjoying your new NFA item.


Out-of-State Purchases: How We Help

If you're purchasing from out of state, Black Creek Firearms offers valuable support. We digitize your fingerprints and provide you with the EFT file, which is also sent to your chosen local Class 3 dealer. This allows your local dealer to use the digital file when they file your Form 4, making the process faster and smoother for you.

While you’ll file your Form 4 locally, Black Creek Firearms will handle the Form 3 transfer of your suppressor or SBR to your local shop. By digitizing your prints for you, we ensure that your purchase experience is as seamless as possible, no matter where you're located.


Tips for a Smooth Process

  • Avoid errors: Accuracy is crucial in your submission. A single mistake can delay your approval significantly, as the ATF will reject the application after several weeks of processing.

  • You own your data: With our complimentary digital fingerprinting service, you retain full control of your fingerprint file. At Black Creek Firearms, we securely store a copy for your convenience, but it’s yours to use with any future purchases, and we can delete it upon your request.


Final Thoughts

Purchasing your first NFA item doesn’t have to be complicated. With Black Creek Firearms, we streamline the process by assisting with everything from digital fingerprinting to submitting your ATF Form 4. Our goal is to make the suppressor and SBR buying experience as easy and hassle-free as possible, whether you’re local or out of state. Ready to take the next step? Visit our website or schedule an appointment today!

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