Firearms Glossary
Comprehensive dictionary of firearms terminology with 23 terms.
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A
AOW Any Other Weapon
NFA category for certain unusual firearms like pen guns or smooth-bore pistols.
ATF Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Federal agency regulating firearms.
C
CCW Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Permit/license to carry a concealed firearm.
Constitutional Carry
State law allowing concealed carry without a permit.
CWP Concealed Weapon Permit
Same as CCW - state-issued permit for concealed carry.
D
DD Destructive Device
NFA category for explosives and firearms over .50 caliber (with exceptions).
F
FFL Federal Firearms License
License required to engage in the business of selling firearms.
Form 1
ATF form to manufacture an NFA item (e.g., building an SBR).
Form 4
ATF form for transferring an NFA item to an individual or trust.
Form 4473
ATF form completed when purchasing a firearm from an FFL for background check.
G
GCA Gun Control Act
1968 law establishing the FFL system and prohibited persons categories.
L
LTC License to Carry
Term used in some states for concealed carry permit.
N
NFA National Firearms Act
1934 law regulating machine guns, suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs, and destructive devices.
NICS National Instant Criminal Background Check System
FBI system used for firearms purchase background checks.
O
Open Carry
Carrying a firearm visibly in public.
P
Pistol Brace
Stabilizing device for AR-style pistols. Subject to ATF regulations.
Private Sale
Firearm sale between private individuals, not involving an FFL.
Prohibited Person
Individual legally barred from possessing firearms (felons, domestic violence, etc.).
S
SBR Short Barreled Rifle
Rifle with barrel under 16" or overall length under 26". NFA regulated.
SBS Short Barreled Shotgun
Shotgun with barrel under 18" or overall length under 26". NFA regulated.
SOT Special Occupational Tax
Tax paid by FFLs to deal in NFA items.
Straw Purchase
Illegal purchase of a firearm on behalf of someone who cannot legally buy one.
U
Universal Background Check
Requirement for background checks on all firearm transfers including private sales.