NFA Firearm Transfers in Lubbock, TX
Suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and other NFA items are worth the wait — but the paperwork trips a lot of people up. Schaefer Defense makes NFA transfers straightforward. We file through the ATF’s eForms system, keep you posted while your tax stamp is pending, and get your item into your hands the moment it’s approved. Whether it’s your first can or your tenth, we’ve done this before.
What counts as an NFA item?
The National Firearms Act covers a specific set of items that require federal registration and a tax stamp to own. The ones we most commonly transfer:
- Suppressors (silencers) — the most popular NFA purchase by far.
- Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs) — a rifle with a barrel under 16".
- Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs) — a shotgun with a barrel under 18".
- Any Other Weapons (AOWs) and other Title II items.
How an NFA transfer works
- Buy your NFA item. Purchase from us, or from another dealer who will ship it to our license.
- It transfers to us on a Form 3. Dealer-to-dealer NFA transfers move on an ATF Form 3 and are usually quick. We log the item into our bound book and store it securely.
- We file your Form 4 on eForms. Come in and we complete your ATF Form 4 electronically, capture your fingerprints and photo, and submit the tax payment.
- The ATF reviews. This is the wait. eForms is dramatically faster than the old paper process, and we’ll keep you updated the whole way.
- Stamp approved — pick it up. Once your Form 4 clears, we run your background check and release your item. Bring your ID and come collect it.
Individual vs. gun trust
You can take an NFA item as an individual or through an NFA gun trust. A trust lets more than one person legally possess the item and can simplify passing it on, but it’s a legal document you’ll need to set up first. We’re happy to walk you through the difference so you can decide before you file.
NFA transfer fees
Our transfer service fee is separate from the federal tax stamp, which is paid to the ATF, once per item, when you file your Form 4:
Item | Fee |
|---|---|
NFA transfer — purchased through us: | $25 |
NFA transfer — purchased elsewhere: | $50 |
ATF tax stamp (per item, paid to ATF): | $200 |
NFA-compliant engraving
Building your own SBR or suppressor on a Form 1? NFA items must be permanently engraved with your registration information to ATF specification. Our in-house NFA-compliant engraving (launching Q4 2026) will handle that to standard — precise, permanent, and correct the first time so it never holds up your approval.
NFA transfer questions
Can I buy a suppressor online and transfer it through you?
Yes. Have the seller ship it to our FFL/SOT and we’ll handle the Form 3 in and file your Form 4 — or buy directly from us and skip a step.
Do I need a trust to buy a suppressor?
No. Individuals can own NFA items in Texas. A trust is optional and mainly useful if you want more than one person to legally possess the item.
What is the $200 tax stamp?
It’s the federal transfer tax the ATF charges on most NFA items, paid once per item when you file your Form 4. It’s separate from our service fee.
How long does approval take?
eForms has made approvals far faster than the old year-plus paper waits. Timelines still vary, so we give you a realistic estimate when you file and keep you posted.
Inquire with us today!
Ready to start a suppressor or SBR transfer? We’ll walk you through every step.
Not sure where to start? Call us at (806) 559-8228 or stop by the shop — we reply the same day.
Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 AM – 7 PM · Lubbock, TX.