Book Review: The Legal Guide To NFA Firearms And Gun Trusts

by
posted on May 30, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
leggud.jpg

One of the most useful books to come across my desk in some time is The Legal Guide To NFA Firearms And Gun Trusts. Written by seven attorneys that specialize in firearms law, National Firearms Act (NFA) law and gun trusts, it does a lot more than just explain the legal process of owning an NFA gun or forming a trust. It is one of the best explanations of federal gun laws I have seen, making the book worth a look just for that information.

While intended for both lawyers and NFA gun owners, the language is easy to comprehend, and definitions are given throughout for words with specific legal meaning. There are 13 chapters, covering everything from firearm safety to individual ownership of Title II firearms to the specifics of forming gun trusts.

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of firearm trusts for multiple reasons. One of the foremost has to do with the acquisition and ownership of NFA items, especially suppressors. Under current law, an individual lawful owner of a suppressor could not let his wife or son have access to it or take it to the range. That’s where firearm trusts come into play. If a trust is formed, then any of the trustees, so long as they are not prohibited persons, would be allowed to possess the NFA item without fear of prosecution. There are also good reasons to form a trust for estate purposes, which are explained clearly in this book. In particular, there was a new rule that came into effect in 2016 called “Regulation 41F” that changed the nature of gun trusts, and both the positive and negative aspects of that change are explained.

Finally, there are appendices of ATF forms, FAQs and a very useful explanation of the specifics of an NFA trust by attorney Sean F. Healy. Now in its second edition, the book is subtitled “Keeping Safe at the Range and in the Courtroom: The Definitive Guide to Forming and Operating a Gun Trust for Gun Owners and Their Advisors,” and the paperbound, 8 1/2"x11", 261-pp. guide is well worth the asking price of $40. legalguidetonfafirearms.com

Latest

Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1
Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1

The Model 87 Ultra Special: A Rare Survivor of Ithaca's Final Gamble

In the spring of 1990, an 18-year-old received a shotgun he didn't order. The Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special he got instead was the last gasp of one of America's most iconic shotgun makers.

As Gun Sales Stay High, Violent Crime Hits a Historic Low

According to a recent report from the FBI on national crime statistics, violent crime has decreased 9.3 percent from 2024, marking the largest year-to-year drop since the 1930s.

Five Million Friends

From one room of friends in Missouri to a nationwide movement, Friends of NRA celebrates more than five million lives touched through community, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to the future of the shooting sports.

Federal to Provide Rifle Ammunition to Top Nordic Police Agencies

The Nordic Police, comprised of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, recently selected two Federal Ammunition rifle loads for duty and training use.

New For 2026: Beretta APX A1 Ported

Beretta first entered the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market in 2017 with its APX, and nearly 10 years later, the company has added the APX A1 Ported to the lineup.

CDC Restores Basic Armed Citizen Data

As of Aug. 24, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage is again providing defensive-gun-use data.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.