Articles

Firearms Law & Security Clearance Articles

In-depth articles on NFA gun trusts, ATF rule changes, and the federal security clearance process — written from firsthand experience, not a textbook. Free to read, no sign-up required.

NFA & Firearms Law Security Clearance

NFA & Firearms Law

In-depth articles on NFA law, gun trusts, suppressor ownership, ATF rule changes, and firearms estate planning.

NFA Basics

What Is an NFA Trust?

A gun trust isn't just paperwork — it's a legal structure that changes who can legally use your NFA items, both now and after you're gone.

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5 min readUpdated 2026

Decision Guide

Do I Need a Gun Trust?

Not everyone does. Here's how to figure out whether a gun trust is worth it for your specific situation — and when simpler options work just fine.

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6 min readUpdated 2026

Estate Planning

Common Mistakes in Firearms Estate Planning

Most gun owners don't realize their collection is a legal minefield for heirs. These are the mistakes I see most often — and how to avoid them.

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7 min readUpdated 2026

Ownership Guide

How Suppressor Ownership Works

The process isn't as complicated as the old horror stories suggest — especially now. Here's what actually happens from purchase to pickup.

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6 min readUpdated 2026

Regulatory Update

ATF Rule Changes Explained

From the 41F background check rules to the 2026 tax stamp elimination — here's what's changed in NFA law and what it actually means for you.

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7 min readUpdated 2026

Comparison Guide

Individual vs. Trust NFA Ownership

Two ways to own NFA items. One is simpler to start. The other is almost always better in the long run. Here's what you need to know before you decide.

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6 min readUpdated 2026

Legal Updates

Proposed ATF NFA Changes: What to Know

Recent ATF NFA rule changes explained — what's already final, what's still proposed, and what each means for your NFA ownership and trust.

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8 min readUpdated 2026

Maryland Law

Maryland SB 334 Handgun Ban Explained

Governor Moore signed SB 334 banning certain handguns — and gun-rights groups sued within hours. What the law does, what it doesn't, and what comes next.

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7 min readUpdated June 2026

Regulatory Update

$0 NFA Tax: Do You Still Need a Gun Trust?

The NFA tax stamp is now $0, and a proposed rule may let spouses skip the trust. What changed, what's still proposed, and when a gun trust still makes sense.

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7 min readUpdated June 2026

Regulatory Update

Could NFA Registration Be Declared Unconstitutional? The 2026 Lawsuits Explained

Several federal lawsuits argue the NFA's registration requirement is unconstitutional now that the $200 tax is gone. A Maryland NFA attorney explains the challenges — and what suppressor and SBR owners should do right now.

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10 min readUpdated June 2026

NFA Filing

How to Take Your Own Fingerprints for an ATF Form 1 or Form 4 — Cards, EFT Files, and Common Mistakes

Yes, you can legally take your own fingerprints for an ATF Form 1 or Form 4 — but fingerprint cards and EFT files are not the same thing. Here's how each one works and the mistakes that get applications delayed.

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6 min readUpdated June 2026

NFA Filing

How the Silencer Shop Kiosk Process Works

First-time suppressor buyers keep hearing "just use the kiosk" — but nobody explains what it actually does. Here's how the Silencer Shop kiosk process works, step by step, and what it can't do.

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6 min readUpdated June 2026

Virginia Law

Virginia's "Assault" Firearms Ban: What Takes Effect July 1, 2026

Virginia's new ban on certain semi-automatic firearms and 15+ round magazines takes effect July 1, 2026. After a June 18 ruling denied an injunction, here's what's banned, what's grandfathered, and why transfers matter for estate planning.

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6 min readUpdated June 2026

Security Clearance

Articles on navigating the federal security clearance process — written by a retired 25-year CIA officer.

Security Clearance

$400K National Security Jobs: What the New Pay Authority Means for Your Clearance

The government approved salaries up to $400,000 for national security investment roles. A former CIA officer and clearance attorney explains why the clearance — not the salary — is the real gate, and how foreign-influence issues affect these jobs.

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7 min readUpdated June 2026

Security Clearance

Pentagon Legal Opinion Ends the DCSA Clearance Hearing Program: What It Means for Clearance Holders

The Pentagon determined DCSA cannot conduct security clearance personal appearance hearings because it is also the investigating entity. A former CIA officer explains what it means for clearance holders, SOR responses, and cases now referred to DOHA.

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6 min readUpdated June 2026

Free Guides & Tools

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The SF-86 checklist, polygraph FAQ, clearance mitigation guide, and more practical tools live on the Resources page.

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