ATF Statement from 9 October, 2026 Explained
| This is to clarify what the ATF announcement on Friday, 9 October, 2026 stated and what it means for Michigan. On that Friday the ATF sent an open letter to all FFL’s and made a public statement that said: Quote: “ATF will no longer be enforcing any requirements for individuals to apply and receive ATF approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors (silencers), and certain other concealable firearms known in the law as any other weapons. ATF also will not enforce the NFA’s registration, tax-stamp or related requirements for those covered items. The $200 tax remains in place for machine guns and destructive devices. The NFA requirements apply in full to those weapons. This guidance does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms.” Unquote. What the ATF stated here is that ALL INDIVIDUALS are no longer required to file Form 1/4’s for the stated NFA items. Not just those named in the Texas Federal ruling back in August. Let me restate that in plain language, “NO ONE in the entire 50 United States is required to file these forms”, according to the new ATF policy. However…………Here’s the kicker for Michigan, (And we are not alone). Read the last line of the ATF’s statement: “The guidance does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms.” Michigan law historically restricts short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and firearm silencers/suppressors, with exceptions tied to federal NFA compliance. In other words you must follow the NFA requirements that state you must file the correct form for a Tax Stamp. Here is why. The National Firearms Act STILL EXISTS! Only congress can eliminate that law and until that time Michigan State law requires us law abiding citizens to have our NFA items registered and a tax stamp available. There are currently two bills that have been introduced in the Michigan House, HB6284/6285, that seek to eliminate the Michigan requirements. They have been introduced and read but no movement. Until these laws are passed, (not likely with our current state government administration), or congress eliminates the NFA we are still stuck with the current requirements here in Michigan. Write or call your current congressperson or senator at both the state and national levels to see if we can get some kind of relief from this stupid law. Click HERE to read the ATF NFA Transfer Guidance and there is also a FAQ section here. |