Any Other Weapon (AOW)

The National Firearms Act defines Any Other Weapon (AOW) as:

• Any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive;
• A pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell;
• Addition of a vertical handgrip to a pistol or revolver;
• Weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18 inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel without manual reloading; and
• Any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire.

Such term shall not include a pistol or a revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing fixed ammunition.

To legally purchase, make, or possess an Any Other Weapon (AOW) you must:

• Be 21+ years of age to purchase an AOW from a dealer.
• Be 18+ years of age to purchase an AOW from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws).
• Be 18+ years of age to make and register an AOW on a Form 1 (contingent on state laws).
• Be 18+ years of age to possess an AOW as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
• Be a resident of the United States.
• Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
• Pass a BATFE background check.
• Pay a one-time $5 tax to transfer an existing item on a Form 4 OR a $200 one-time tax to manufacture a new item on a Form 1.
• Reside in a state that currently allows ownership of AOW’s.

In addition to meeting the legal Any Other Weapon (AOW) ownership criteria above (always following your specific state laws), you must submit the following information to the ATF and your local CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer), varying slightly depending upon your method of purchase.

Note that when buying an existing AOW on a Form 4 transfer, you typically first purchase (pay for) the item from the seller, but not physically take ownership immediately. The seller must hold the item while you complete the NFA application process and wait to receive your application approval and tax stamp. After you receive official approval and your tax stamp, you can then legally pick up and take ownership of the item.

If you are planning to build an Any Other Weapon (AOW) on a Form 1, make certain to observe and follow ALL national and state laws to keep yourself out of trouble.

NOTE: When creating a new AOW on a Form 1, you must pay the full $200 tax. The $5 tax only applies when purchasing/transferring an existing AOW.

Ideally, to ensure 100% that you are following legal requirements, do not purchase or manufacture any components until after you receive approval and your tax stamp.