AOW & "Others" FAQ

An AOW (Any Other Weapon) is a firearm that is UNDER 26″ in overall length, meant to be fired with 2 hands and not meant to be shouldered.

Rifled AOW are require to have a vertical foregrip (This shows intent to be shot with 2 hands)

Smooth bore AOWs do not need a vertical grip as per ATF guideline. 

AOWs are NFA items and require a tax stamp issued by the ATF.

An AOW is NOT a rifle, pistol, or shotgun.

Don't be misled, AOW do NOT and will NEVER have a stock. They utilize a pistol brace or nothing. 

Affixing a stock to your "Other" has serious legal repercussion, as it makes your weapon an un-registered short barreled rifle or shotgun.

I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This is simply information about the classification of certain firearms.

A non-NFA “Other” is a firearm GREATER than 26″ in overall length, meant to be fired with 2 hands and not meant to be shouldered.

Rifled "Others" are require to have a vertical foregrip (This shows intent to be shot with 2 hands)

Smooth bore "Others" do not need a vertical grip as per ATF guideline.

“Others” are not NFA items and do not require a tax stamp issued by the ATF.

An “Other” is NOT a rifle, pistol, or shotgun.

Don't be misled, "Other" do NOT and will NEVER have a stock. They utilize a pistol brace or nothing. 

Affixing a stock to your "Other" has serious legal repercussion, as it makes your weapon an un-registered short barreled rifle or shotgun.

I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This is simply common information about the classification of certain firearms.

The primary difference between an AOW (Any Other Weapon) and a non-NFA “Other” is their overall length and classification under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

AOW (Any Other Weapon)

• Overall length: Under 26 inches.
• Classified as an NFA firearm and requires ATF approval.
• Transfers via ATF Form 4

Non-NFA “Other”

• Overall length: Greater than 26 inches.
• Does not fall under the NFA when configured in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Does not require an NFA tax stamp and transfers through the standard firearm transfer process. 4473 and NJ COE

Both classifications involve the presence of a vertical foregrip.

We like to be very clear:

AOWs and  "others" are NOT a rifles, pistols, or shotguns.

Don't be misled, NEITHER will EVER have a stock. They utilize a pistol brace or nothing. 

Affixing a stock to your "Other" or AOW has serious legal repercussion, as it makes your weapon an un-registered short barreled rifle or shotgun.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

AOWs offer significantly more flexibility than non-NFA “Others,” particularly when building compact firearms.

Overall length is measured in the shortest configuration in which the firearm can fire a round, subject to applicable ATF measurement rules. This is especially important when considering folding braces and other compact configurations.

With a non-NFA “Other,” maintaining an overall length greater than 26 inches limits your configuration options.

For compact firearms, AOWs are the winner. They allow for shorter, more versatile configurations without needing to maintain the minimum overall length associated with non-NFA “Others.”

The primary advantage of a non-NFA “Other” is avoiding the NFA registration and approval process when the firearm is properly configured.

In short: If compactness is the goal AOWs are the better choice.

Here at Trinity we favor AOWs far more over "Others". Its the superior option. The NFA transfer process today is very simple.

FUN FACT: The only time an "other" would be recommended is if you are rocking an 11.5" barrel on a firearm that uses a buffer system.

Disclaimer: Firearm classification depends on the complete configuration and applicable federal and state regulations. This information is not legal advice.

STEP ONE:

Create an Eforms account. This takes no more than 5 minutes. Use the link below.

Click here and make an Eforms account 

STEP 2:

Get EFT digital prints, these are good for forever. Use Printscan they are the most affordable option with tons of locations (UPS stores). 

Helpful Tips when making appointment:

• It will ask if you have a code, Chose "I do not have a code'" 
• Make sure to get "Livescan" for "ATF form 1 and form 4". 

It is a self service kiosk and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Click here to find a location by you

GRAND FINALE 

Congratulations your ready for your first NFA item. Your options are limited only by your imagination. 

Through our remanufacturing service almost every AR/AK pistol can be an AOW... but why stop there ?

"Tommy gun pistol to AOW", yep we've done it. 

"B&T TP9"... yup that too. 

"HK UMP Clone ?!", that was one of the first AOWs we made. 

What were trying to say is, your dream gun is closer to being in your safe than you think.