NFA Compliance Tool

SBR & Pistol Checker

Answer four questions to determine your firearm's federal classification — Title I rifle, pistol, SBR, or AOW — and exactly what NFA process applies.

✓ 2026 Update: The $200 NFA tax stamp was eliminated January 1, 2026. ATF Form 1 and Form 4 are still required — registration and prior approval before possession remain mandatory. The pistol brace rule (2021R-08F) was vacated nationwide July 17, 2025 and is not enforced. Braced pistols revert to statutory NFA definition.

Federal Classification Checker

What are you starting with?

What is attached to the rear?

Enter your measurements

Barrel

inches

Closed bolt face to muzzle end. Permanently pinned/welded muzzle devices count — removable ones do not.

Overall

inches

Stock or brace fully extended. Folding stocks measured unfolded.

How to Measure Correctly

📏

Barrel length: Insert a cleaning rod into the barrel with the action closed. Mark where it exits the muzzle. Measure from bolt face to mark. Pinned/welded flash hiders and compensators count toward length.

↔️

Overall length: Measure end-to-end with the stock or brace in its fully extended position. Folding stocks are measured unfolded/extended, not collapsed.

⚠️

Removable muzzle devices (thread-on suppressors, muzzle brakes, flash hiders) do NOT count toward barrel length unless permanently attached.

Your state

State

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Federal Classification

What This Means

NFA Process Required

State Law —

Legal Alternatives — No NFA Required

Status Badges

Quick Reference

Federal Definitions

Title I Rifle: Barrel ≥16" AND overall ≥26" with stock — no NFA
Pistol: Designed for one-hand use, no shoulder stock — no NFA
SBR: Rifle barrel <16" OR overall <26" with stock — NFA required
AOW: Pistol with vertical foregrip added — NFA required (Form 1)

Foregrip Rules

Angled foregrip on pistol → Legal pistol, no NFA
Vertical foregrip on pistol → AOW, requires ATF Form 1
Any foregrip on rifle → Fine, no NFA change
Adding stock to pistol → SBR if barrel <16", requires ATF approval first

14.5" + Pinned Muzzle Device

The most common legal workaround for a short rifle. A 14.5" barrel with a muzzle device permanently pinned and welded to bring total length to ≥16" counts as a 16"+ barrel — no NFA required. The weld must be professionally done and inspected. Most gunsmiths charge $50–100 for the service.

Pistol Brace — 2026 Status

The ATF 2023 brace rule (2021R-08F) is dead. DOJ dismissed its appeal July 17, 2025 in Mock v. Bondi. Braced pistols revert to the statutory NFA definition — a firearm is only an SBR if it has a barrel <16" or OAL <26" AND is designed to be fired from the shoulder. A brace ≠ a stock under current enforcement.

NFA Process — 2026

Tax stamp fee: $0 (eliminated Jan 1, 2026)
Form 1 — making your own SBR (converting pistol or building)
Form 4 — purchasing an already-registered SBR
ATF approval required before possession in either case
eForm 4 approvals averaging days in 2026

State SBR Bans

These states prohibit civilian SBR ownership regardless of federal NFA compliance:

CA NY NJ MA HI IL RI DC

MD also effectively bans via AWB feature rules. Always verify current state statute.

HexCore Tools

This tool is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and vary by state, county, and city. Classifications are based on federal law as of March 2026. Always verify with the ATF, your state's official statutes, and a licensed firearms attorney before making any modification or purchase decisions. HexCore Mounts is not liable for any decisions made based on this tool.