🔇 NFA update — ATF guidance released October 9, 2026ATF announced it will no longer require approval or registration for suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and “any other weapons” (AOWs) — for everyone, not just the parties in the Texas lawsuit. Machine guns are unchanged, and every transfer still goes through a Form 4473 and background check.
Suppressors — your choice. Take delivery on a standard transfer at our regular fee ($30, plus $5 for each additional item), or register it on a Form 4 ($50). Form 4 approvals are coming back very quickly right now, and we still recommend registering if the suppressor is going into a trust.
SBRs and SBSs — Form 4, for now ($50). Virginia law allows these only when they are possessed in compliance with federal law, and whether an unregistered one qualifies hasn’t been settled. ATF is also still writing its rules for how dealers transfer them. We’ll keep using the Form 4 until that guidance arrives.
Already have a Form 4 in process with us? Nothing changes — we’ll see it through. If your item just arrived and we haven’t filed yet, we’ll reach out to you.
This could change again through Congress or the courts, and ATF says unregistered items would not automatically be grandfathered. Form 4 pricing may change as dealer guidance develops. Read ATF’s FAQ. This isn’t legal advice.
⚖️ A note on the law: Virginia’s assault firearm and magazine ban is currently blocked by a statewide court injunction, expected to stay in place until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on similar bans (the Court hears arguments December 2, 2026, and a decision is expected by June 2027). In the meantime, we accept and transfer these items normally. One uncertainty: the grandfather date (July 1, 2026) hasn’t changed, so a firearm bought now may not be grandfathered if the ban is ultimately upheld — though we expect the injunction to hold. This isn’t legal advice.
The new era at Outdoor Arms — here’s how transfers work now
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We ask for an intake form before you ship
Before your firearm is shipped to us, please fill out our Incoming Transfer Request form so we can confirm it’s legal to transfer in Virginia and match the package to you. It only takes a minute and makes pickup smoother.
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Licensed FFLs only
We accept incoming shipments only from licensed dealers, gunsmiths, or manufacturers — not from private individuals.
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Assault firearms, AR lowers & 15+ magazines — currently accepted
With the statewide court injunction in effect, we’re accepting shipment and transfer of these items again. The court situation can change — see the bulletin at the top of the page, and please pick up promptly once your item arrives.
Buying or selling with another Virginia resident? We run the VSP background check and handle the paperwork. Same as a standard transfer: $30 first firearm, $5 each additional. By appointment — we take a limited number per day, so reach out ahead.
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Consignment — available
We photograph, list, and sell your firearm on consignment, then return the proceeds to you.
Licensed & Credentialed
Outdoor Arms holds all required federal and state licenses to serve you
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Class 1 FFL
Federal Firearms License — licensed to receive, transfer, and deal in firearms. Our signed certificate is public and available to download anytime.
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Class 3 SOT
Special Occupational Tax dealer — authorized to deal in NFA items including silencers, SBRs, and SBSs as a licensed dealer.
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Licensed Notary
Virginia licensed notary public — firearm trust notarization and general notary services now available.
Governor Spanberger signed a large package of firearm bills in April and May 2026 — including an assault weapons and magazine ban, private-party background check restoration, and an age increase to 21 for handguns and assault firearms. Most are now in effect — though a court has temporarily blocked the assault firearm & magazine ban (see the bulletin at the top). Outdoor Arms is tracking every bill and how it affects your transfers.