Title I/Title II Firearms

Title II Firearms/NFA Firearms — Title II of the Gun Control Act of 1968 is an amendment of the National Firearms Act of 1934, pertaining to machine guns, short-barreled or “sawed-off” shotguns and rifles, and so-called “destructive devices” (including grenades, mortars, rocket launchers, large projectiles and other heavy ordnance). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) refers to such weapons as “NFA firearms.” Acquisition of these weapons is subject to prior approval of the Attorney General. Federal registration is required for possession. This amendment revised the definition of “firearm” by adding “destructive devices” and expanded the definition of “machine gun.” Title II firearms fall into six categories:

• Machine guns
• Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length or any weapon made from a rifle if the modified weapon has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length
• Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length or any weapon made from a shotgun if the modified weapon has an overall length of less than 26 inches, or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length
• Suppressors
• Any other weapon (AOWs), as defined in subsection (e)
• Destructive devices

Title II firearms can only be sold by Federal Firearm dealers (FFLs) with a Class III license.