Category Archives: Federal Law

When does the length of my flash hider or suppressor add to the barrel length or overall length of my firearm?

This is an understandably common question since the length of a firearm’s barrel and the overall length (OAL) of a firearm both factor into the determination of whether said firearm is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The ATF … Continue reading

Posted in AOW, ATF, Barrel Length, BATFE, Federal Law, Overall Length (OAL), SBR, Short Barreled Rifles, Short Barreled Shotguns | Comments Off on When does the length of my flash hider or suppressor add to the barrel length or overall length of my firearm?

Virginia convictions which meet the federal definition of ‘misdemeanor crime of domestic violence’

Perhaps the least-understood federal firearms prohibitions are those codified at 18 U.S.C. 922(d)(9) and (g)(9). These two sub-sections generally prohibit the acquisition, possession, and transportation of firearms by any person “who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor … Continue reading

Posted in ATF, Background Checks, BATFE, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Federal Law, Prohibited Persons, Purchasing Firearms, SCOTUS, US Supreme Court, Virginia Law, Virginia State Police | Comments Off on Virginia convictions which meet the federal definition of ‘misdemeanor crime of domestic violence’

Non-violent felons in Virginia may now own certain black powder firearms

Last year I wrote an article admonishing those with felony convictions to not believe the oft-repeated rumor that felons can still possess, and hunt with, black powder firearms. In that article I noted that, while ‘antique firearms’ are not prohibited … Continue reading

Posted in Black Powder Firearms, C&R, Criminal Law, Curio and Relic, Federal Law, Felons, Gun Rights Restoration, Prohibited Persons, Virginia Law | Comments Off on Non-violent felons in Virginia may now own certain black powder firearms

Can I purchase a firearm from a dealer if I have a misdemeanor drug possession arrest or conviction?

Occasionally I will receive a call from a thoroughly confused potential client who has been denied a firearms purchase and doesn’t understand why. They were able to honestly answer all of the questions on the ATF Form 4473 in the … Continue reading

Posted in 4473, Administrative Law, ATF, Background Checks, BATFE, Criminal Law, Federal Law, Prohibited Persons, Purchasing Firearms, Regulatory Rulemaking | Comments Off on Can I purchase a firearm from a dealer if I have a misdemeanor drug possession arrest or conviction?

May a gunsmith or manufacturer ship a firearm they have repaired directly to the owner?

A client recently asked this question.  He specifically wanted to know if the rules differ when the customer is in a different state than the manufacturer or gunsmith. Given the myriad laws and regulations which govern both the transfer and shipment … Continue reading

Posted in ATF, BATFE, Federal Law, FFL Issues, Gunsmithing, Interstate Firearm Transfers, Manufacturing, Shipping Firearms | Comments Off on May a gunsmith or manufacturer ship a firearm they have repaired directly to the owner?