NFA Gun Trusts
Lawful Ownership, Responsible Planning, and Clear Transfer of Firearms
Owning and transferring firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) requires careful compliance with federal and state law. An NFA Gun Trust is a specialized legal tool that can simplify lawful ownership, use, and transfer of certain firearms—when properly drafted and administered.
At Snake River Law, we help firearm owners create compliant NFA gun trusts that integrate with broader estate planning goals while respecting all applicable legal requirements.
What Is an NFA Gun Trust?
An NFA Gun Trust is a legal trust designed to own and manage firearms regulated by the National Firearms Act, which may include items such as:
- Suppressors
- Short-barreled rifles (SBRs)
- Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs)
- Machine guns (where lawfully permitted)
- Other NFA-regulated firearms
The trust—not an individual—owns the firearm, and authorized trustees may possess and use the firearm in compliance with the law.
NFA Gun Trusts & Estate Planning
Firearms subject to NFA regulation require special consideration in estate planning. Without proper planning:
- Heirs may unknowingly possess firearms unlawfully
- Transfers can be delayed or denied
- Families may face unnecessary stress or legal risk
An NFA Gun Trust allows you to:
- Name qualified successor trustees
- Provide clear instructions for possession and transfer
- Coordinate firearms planning with your will or revocable trust
An NFA trust does not eliminate legal requirements—but it can help manage them responsibly.
NFA Gun Trusts are highly technical. Generic or online trusts often fail because they:
Revocable trust planning is often ideal if you:
- Don’t comply with current federal or state requirements
- Lack proper trustee restrictions
- Create ambiguity that leads to denial or legal risk
- Are not coordinated with estate planning documents
A poorly drafted trust can create more problems than it solves.
Our Approach to NFA Gun Trust Planning
At Snake River Law, we focus on:
- Clear, compliant trust drafting
- Coordination with your overall estate plan
- Practical guidance on trustee roles and succession
- Long-term planning—not just paperwork
We help ensure your plan is thoughtful, lawful, and sustainable.
What an NFA Gun Trust Can—and Cannot—Do
A properly designed revocable trust can:
- Hold legal title to NFA-regulated firearms
- Define who may lawfully possess or use the firearms
- Provide a clear succession plan
- Reduce confusion for family members
- Bypass federal or Idaho firearms laws
- Eliminate background checks or required approvals
- Allow unlawful possession or transfer
- Replace required ATF filings or compliance
Compliance remains essential at every step.