Protecting Your Firearms and Your Family with an NFA Gun Trust
By Attorney Christian Schneider, J.D.
For owners of federally regulated firearms, proper planning is about more than convenience, it is about protecting yourself and your family from unnecessary legal risk. An NFA gun trust is a proven legal tool that helps responsible gun owners manage ownership, sharing, and succession with confidence and peace of mind.
What Is a Gun Trust?
An NFA gun trust is a legal entity designed to own firearms regulated under the National Firearms Act and Title II of the Gun Control Act of 1968. These include suppressors, machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, destructive devices, and certain specialized weapons classified as “any other weapons.”
Federal law strictly limits possession and use of NFA firearms to the registered owner, and violations, intentional or not, carry harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Common, everyday situations, such as shared access to a gun safe or allowing another person to use a suppressed firearm, can unintentionally result in unlawful possession when firearms are owned individually.
How Can a Gun Trust Help Me?
By placing NFA firearms into a properly drafted trust, the trust becomes the registered owner. Multiple trustees may then legally possess and use the firearms, significantly reducing the risk of accidental violations while allowing practical shared use among family members and trusted individuals. Importantly, trustees can be added or removed without transferring the firearm into another person’s name or restarting the registration process, providing flexibility as your circumstances evolve.
How Can a Gun Trust Fit into My Estate Plan?
From an estate-planning perspective, gun trusts are especially valuable. Firearms held in trust avoid probate, minimize administrative complications, and reduce the risk that an executor unfamiliar with NFA regulations will inadvertently violate the law. Trust provisions can control who may possess or inherit firearms, address incapacity, and ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
An NFA gun trust is more than a compliance tool, it is a proactive strategy to protect your firearms, your loved ones, and your legacy.
We’re Here to Help!
At Myatt & Bell, we help clients protect what matters most through thoughtful estate planning and trusted legal guidance. Our attorneys are available to help you determine whether an NFA gun trust fits into your overall plan.
Christian Schneider
Attorney
Tell us something fun about you: I’ve always had a strong interest in history and earned my bachelor’s degree in the subject. While U.S. history is my favorite, I enjoy learning about a variety of historical periods and regions. I’m especially drawn to the stories and perspectives that show how past events shape the world today.
What are you currently reading?: Reflecting that interest, I’m currently reading The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer, which recounts the U.S. Navy’s extraordinary victory in the Battle off Samar during World War II. I particularly enjoy the firsthand accounts, which add a personal perspective and bring the history to life.
Most memorable place you have vacationed?: Rome, Italy. I can still taste the Carbonara!
Instant Pot Baby Back Pork Ribs*
I love BBQ ribs, but let’s be honest, they can be a total chore to make. A few years ago, I started looking for a shortcut and found this Instant Pot recipe. It’s been a family staple ever since!
Ingredients:
- 3 lb baby back pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp liquid smoke, optional
- 1/2 cup bbq sauce
Directions:
- Remove the lining from the bottom side of the ribs by running a butter knife under the skin and then using a paper towel to grip and remove completely.
- Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, parsley, salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper in a small dish and rub all over the ribs.
- Place the rack in your pressure cooker and place the ribs inside the pot, standing on their side, wrapping around the inside of the pot. Pour in the water, apple cider and liquid smoke (if using), being careful to not wash off any of the seasonings.
- Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed. Press the Meat button and set to 25 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest of the way.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the pressure cooker and set on a foil lined baking sheet. Brush down with your favorite BBQ sauce, and pop under the broiler for 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn (some ovens are more hot than others). Enjoy!
* Source: I Wash You Dry
Meet Christian
Estate Planning & Peace of Mind
Have you found yourself making excuses for why not to get your estate in order? Maybe you’re convinced that you really don’t need estate planning. If you have assets and loved ones, you need an estate plan. Having an estate plan that is right for you ensures your loved ones are taken care of and that the transition is as easy as possible.
Attend one of our complimentary estate planning webinars and see for yourself. Having your estate plan prepared and understanding the why’s behind the importance of estate planning can bring you the peace of mind you have been needing.
From Our Clients
“Great staff and incredibly knowledgeable. They made our trust and will revision amazingly easy. Thank you Leigh!” – Bill S.
“The finest, most detailed and professionally well thought out estate planning possible.” – Morris M.
Families choose Myatt & Bell to design their estate plans with honest optimism and meticulous attention to detail.
Do you have feedback for us?
Please continue giving us feedback about your experience with Myatt & Bell. We want to make sure our clients are happy.
And, if you run into someone who needs help with a will or trust, please tell them about Myatt & Bell. Thank you!
