ATF Definition: Firearm

National Firearms Act (NFA).  Title 26, United States Code, Chapter 53. The implementing regulations are found in Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 479. b.

Gun Control Act (GCA).  Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 44.  The implementing regulations are found in Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 478. c.

Firearm.  The term “firearm” means:  (1) a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;  (2) a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;  (3) a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;  (4) a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;  (5)  any other weapon, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845(e);  (6) a machinegun;  (7) a muffler or a silencer for any firearm whether or not such firearm is included within this definition; and  (8) a destructive device, as defined in 26 U.S.C. § 5845 (f).

Excerpt taken from the ATF 5320.1 - ATF Form 1

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