Nevada NFA Laws: Suppressors, SBRs and Machine Guns

NFA Items in Nevada

The Headline

Nevada permits civilian possession of firearms regulated under the federal National Firearms Act (NFA): suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), machine guns (pre-1986 transferable, plus dealer samples for FFL/SOTs), destructive devices, and Any Other Weapons (AOWs). The federal NFA registration framework applies; state law does not impose additional registration or licensing beyond the federal rule.

Nevada is one of approximately 42 states permitting civilian suppressor ownership, and one of the more permissive states for SBRs and SBSs.

Federal NFA framework (26 U.S.C. Section 5801 et seq.)

The NFA is the federal statute regulating these items. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) administers the NFA. Key requirements:

• Registration: Each NFA item must be registered with ATF on a specific form (Form 4 for most transfers; Form 5 for tax-exempt government and law-enforcement transfers; Form 1 for individual manufacture; Form 3 for inter-dealer transfers).
• Transfer tax: $200 per item for most NFA items; $5 for AOWs.
• Background check: NICS check on the transferee, plus an additional CLEO (Chief Law Enforcement Officer) notification at the local level. ATF processing typically takes 6-12 months as of 2026 (down from 12-18 months in 2020-2022).
• Possession identification: The registered owner must have a copy of the approved Form 4 (or other NFA paperwork) available when the NFA item is in their possession.

Sale, transfer, or possession of an unregistered NFA item is a federal felony (26 U.S.C. Section 5871) - up to 10 years prison and a $250,000 fine - and a state felony in Nevada (NRS 202.350(1)(b)).

Suppressors (silencers)

Nevada permits civilian possession of suppressors registered under the federal NFA. The process:

1. Choose a suppressor from a licensed manufacturer or dealer.
2. Purchase the suppressor: pay the dealer's price plus the $200 federal transfer tax.
3. Submit ATF Form 4 with two copies of fingerprint cards (FD-258), two passport-style photos, the $200 transfer tax, and the CLEO notification (or e-form 4 electronic submission).
4. Wait for ATF approval: typically 6-12 months as of 2026. The suppressor remains at the dealer until approval is received.
5. Pick up the suppressor: present photo ID and the approved Form 4 stamp.

Suppressors may be used in Nevada at any private range, on private property with permission, and on federal land where firearm discharge is otherwise permitted (BLM, U.S. Forest Service lands open to target shooting). Suppressors must be marked with a serial number and manufacturer information per federal regulation (27 C.F.R. Section 478.92).

Hunting with a suppressor: Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) regulations permit suppressor use for hunting most game species. Confirm with NDOW for the specific season and species.

Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs)

A short-barreled rifle has a barrel less than 16 inches OR an overall length less than 26 inches. SBRs require NFA registration. The process for civilians:

1. Choose an SBR or convert a rifle to SBR by shortening the barrel/stock. Conversion requires either a pre-existing registration (transferring an SBR-marked firearm) or a Form 1 to manufacture (individual SBR creation).
2. Form 1 (manufacture) or Form 4 (transfer): each with the $200 tax stamp and the same documentation as for suppressors.
3. Wait for ATF approval: 6-12 months.
4. Mark the SBR: a Form 1 SBR must be marked with the maker's name, city, state, and the new serial number, per 27 C.F.R. Section 478.92.

Nevada permits SBR possession; many shooting ranges in Las Vegas and Reno allow SBR use. The federal Pistol Brace rule (ATF 2021R-08F) is in litigation and has experienced multiple administrative and judicial reversals; verify current ATF policy before purchasing or building a "pistol brace" platform that ATF may now classify as an SBR.

Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs)

An SBS has a barrel less than 18 inches OR an overall length less than 26 inches. Nevada permits civilian SBS possession with federal NFA registration. Process is identical to SBR.

Machine guns

Machine guns are regulated under the Firearm Owners Protection Act of 1986 (FOPA), which closed the civilian machine gun registry. Civilian possession is limited to:

• Pre-May 19, 1986 transferable machine guns (registered with ATF before the cutoff date);
• Pre-1986 machine guns transferred to civilians via Form 4 ($200 tax stamp);
• Newly manufactured machine guns are limited to FFL/SOT (Special Occupational Tax) dealers and law enforcement/military purchasers.

Pre-1986 transferable machine guns are scarce and expensive; a typical M-16 or AK-47 transferable machine gun in 2026 trades for $30,000 - $60,000.

Nevada permits possession of registered pre-1986 transferable machine guns. State law (NRS 202.350(1)(b)) prohibits unregistered machine guns; a registered machine gun is lawful.

Destructive devices

Destructive devices include grenade launchers, certain shotguns with bore over 0.5 inches (above the 18.5mm exemption for sporting shotguns), and explosive ordnance. Federal NFA registration is required; civilian possession is permitted in Nevada with the $200 tax stamp.

Destructive devices are uncommon in civilian Nevada ownership; some are used in specialty shooting competition (e.g., AOW-style "Curio and Relic" historical examples) but most are owned by FFL/SOT dealers, military, or law enforcement.

Any Other Weapons (AOWs)

AOWs include firearm-disguised devices (cane guns, pen guns, wallet-holster handguns, certain unusual configurations), short-barreled handguns with vertical foregrips, smooth-bore handguns, and similar specialty items. The $5 transfer tax (instead of $200) applies. Same federal Form 4 process otherwise.

Nevada permits AOW possession with federal NFA registration.

Trust ownership

A common ownership structure for NFA items in Nevada is the NFA Trust (often called a "gun trust"). A trust may hold NFA items, designate co-trustees who may also possess the item, name beneficiaries to receive the items at the trust grantor's death, and simplify estate planning.

ATF requires all responsible persons of the trust (trustees who may possess the firearm) to submit fingerprints and photos with the Form 4 application. The CLEO notification requirement is satisfied if each responsible person provides certification.

NFA trust setup in Nevada is typically done through a Nevada attorney specializing in firearm law. Many Nevada firearm attorneys offer trust formation for $200-500. The trust must be drafted to comply with both Nevada trust law and federal NFA requirements.

CLEO notification

The federal ATF Form 4 requires notification to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the transferee's residence (typically the county sheriff or city police chief). The CLEO does not have approval authority over the transfer; CLEO notification is informational only.

In Nevada, the CLEO notification typically goes to:

• Las Vegas Metro / Clark County: LVMPD Headquarters.
• Washoe County: Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
• Carson City: Carson City Sheriff's Office.
• Other counties: respective county sheriffs.

The CLEO has no statutory authority to delay or block the transfer.

State law and NFA items

Nevada state law (NRS 202.350(1)(b)) prohibits possession of:

• A machine gun unless registered under the NFA;
• A silencer/suppressor unless registered under the NFA;
• A "sawed-off shotgun" (SBS) unless registered under the NFA.

The state law explicitly incorporates the NFA framework, so a registered item is lawful and an unregistered item is unlawful. There is no separate state registration requirement.

Nevada also bans destructive devices and explosive or incendiary devices under NRS 202.350(1)(a), again with an exception for NFA-registered items.

NFA item transport

Within Nevada, an NFA item may be transported in the same manner as any other firearm. Across state lines, the rules differ:

• Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, AOWs: requires ATF Form 5320.20 (Application to Transport Interstate or Temporarily Export Certain Firearms) for travel to certain states. The form is approved by ATF; some states (e.g., New York, California) restrict NFA items and a transport approval is needed for transit.
• Pre-1986 transferable machine guns: requires Form 5320.20 for any interstate transport.
• Destructive devices: requires Form 5320.20.
• Travel with the registered owner's authorized representative: the responsible person on a trust may transport.

The Form 5320.20 process takes 30-60 days; plan accordingly for travel.

Loss or destruction of an NFA item

If an NFA item is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the registered owner must report to ATF on Form 4467 (Lost or Stolen Firearm) within 30 days. Failure to report is a federal violation.

If the registered owner dies, the NFA item passes by trust beneficiary designation, by will, or by intestate succession. The receiving party must complete a Form 5 (tax-exempt transfer to heir/beneficiary) within a reasonable period; ATF historically waives the $200 tax for hereditary transfers.

Hearing protection for civilian shooters

Nevada permits civilian use of suppressors for hearing protection at ranges and on private property. The combination of a Nevada CFP and a Nevada-resident NFA-registered suppressor is increasingly common; many Las Vegas and Reno indoor and outdoor ranges accommodate suppressor use.

Key statutory references

• NRS 202.350(1)(a), (b) - State law prohibitions on unregistered NFA items.
• 26 U.S.C. Sections 5801-5872 - Federal National Firearms Act.
• 18 U.S.C. Section 922(o) - Pre-1986 machine gun restriction (FOPA).
• 27 C.F.R. Section 478.92 - Federal marking and serialization rules.
• 27 C.F.R. Section 479 - Federal NFA implementing regulations.
• ATF Form 4 - Application for Transfer of NFA Firearm.
• ATF Form 1 - Application to Make and Register a Firearm.
• ATF Form 5320.20 - Interstate transport.
• ATF Form 4467 - Lost or Stolen Firearm.

For NFA item purchases in Nevada, recommended dealers include licensed FFL/SOTs in Las Vegas (e.g., Westside Armory, Dragonman's), Reno (e.g., Cabela's Reno), and rural areas. Consult an SOT for the most current process and pricing.

See RESTRICTIONS for the broader weapon restrictions, OTHER for civil liability concerning NFA item use, and TRANSPORT for the interstate Form 5320.20 process.