NFA trusts
Federal rules leave little room for errorYour trust should be built with that in mind.
Items regulated under the National Firearms Act are registered to a specific owner, and possession by anyone else can create serious legal exposure. An NFA trust lets you name trustees who may lawfully possess and use trust items and sets out what happens to them when you are gone.
We draft NFA trusts that fit how you actually use your firearms, explain trustee responsibilities in plain terms, and coordinate the trust with your overall estate plan. Our firm’s law-enforcement insight means we understand how possession questions are evaluated in the real world. Related: suppressor trusts and gun trusts in Colorado.
Understanding Federal Regulation
What Is the National Firearms Act?
The NFA regulates certain categories of firearms and accessories. Purchasing or transferring these items generally requires ATF approval, payment of any applicable tax, and compliance with federal law.
Suppressors (Silencers)
One of the most common reasons Colorado gun owners create an NFA trust.
SBRs & SBSs
Short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns regulated under the NFA.
Machine Guns
Subject to strict federal restrictions beyond standard NFA items.
Destructive Devices & AOWs
Destructive devices and Any Other Weapons round out the NFA categories.
What Is an NFA Gun Trust?
A Trust Built Around Your Collection
An NFA Gun Trust is a revocable trust created to own firearms and other items regulated by the National Firearms Act. Instead of owning an NFA firearm individually, the trust becomes the legal owner. The trust can identify:
- The grantor (the person creating the trust)
- Current trustees
- Successor trustees
- Beneficiaries
- Instructions for managing and transferring NFA firearms
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Why Create an NFA Gun Trust?
Every gun owner’s situation is different, but many clients choose an NFA trust for benefits such as:
- Easier long-term estate planning
- Shared lawful access for trustees
- Centralized management as your collection grows
- Protection for your spouse and children
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Is a Gun Trust Better Than Individual Ownership?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Factors to consider include:
- Whether multiple people will lawfully possess the firearm
- Whether you own several NFA items
- Your estate planning goals
- Your family situation
- Future inheritance planning
Is This Right for You?
Who Should Consider an NFA Trust?
An NFA trust may be appropriate for:
- First-time suppressor buyers
- Firearm collectors
- Competitive shooters
- Hunters, veterans & law enforcement officers
- Firearms instructors
- Families with multiple responsible firearm owners
- Anyone wanting firearms in a comprehensive estate plan
How It Works
Our NFA Gun Trust Process
From your first consultation through ongoing support, we guide you through each step of creating a customized NFA Gun Trust.
Consultation
We learn about your goals, family, and firearm ownership plans.
Trust Drafting
We prepare a customized NFA Gun Trust tailored to your circumstances.
Review
We explain how your trust works and answer your questions.
Signing
We help ensure the trust is properly executed.
Ongoing Support
As your collection or family changes, we assist with amendments and updates.
Why Choose Trust Johnson Law?
Protecting Everything You’ve Built
At Trust Johnson Law, estate planning isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting everything you’ve built. Firearms are often more than valuable property — they may represent years of collecting, family history, military service, competitive shooting, or cherished traditions.
- We take time to understand your goals
- Your trust fits into your broader estate plan
- No generic, one-size-fits-all documents
- First Purchase or Lifetime Collection
Here For You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re purchasing your first suppressor or preserving a lifetime collection, we’re here to help you plan for the future.
Virtual consultations may also be available for many estate planning matters.
- Protect your legacy
FAQ
Common questionsStraight answers about your situation.
Do I need a trust to buy a suppressor?
Not necessarily. Many people purchase suppressors individually. However, depending on your circumstances, a trust may offer estate planning and management advantages.
Can my spouse use my suppressor?
The answer depends on several factors, including ownership structure, who has lawful possession, and applicable federal law. During your consultation, we’ll discuss how an NFA trust may affect shared access.
Can I add more firearms later?
Yes. Many trusts are designed to accommodate additional qualifying firearms acquired in the future.
Can I amend my trust?
In many cases, revocable trusts can be amended as your family or circumstances change.
What happens when I die?
A properly drafted trust can provide instructions regarding who will manage and receive trust-owned firearms, helping reduce uncertainty for your loved ones.
<strong>Schedule Your NFA Gun Trust Consultation</strong>
Don’t see your question? Call (720) 334-7305 for a free consultation.
Keep reading
Related servicesWhere to go next.
Gun Trusts in Colorado
How gun trusts work in Colorado and when one makes sense.
Suppressor Trust Attorney in Colorado
Trusts for suppressor ownership, shared use, and transfer.
Family Gun Trust Attorney in Colorado
Pass firearms to the next generation with clear, lawful instructions.
Firearm Estate Planning Attorney in Colorado
Plan how firearms and collections are managed and passed on.
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
Tell us what is happening. We will listen, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear next step. Your consultation is free and confidential.
This page provides general information about Colorado law, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different, and past experience does not guarantee a particular outcome.