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7/1/2026 9:19:09 PM EDT
I wanted to test what happens with ATF and Form 1 approvals for VA residents now that we are post 6/30.  All the SBRs that mattered were already submitted and approved, so I submitted a old M&P15 that is currently outfitted with a 16" barrel; I put 11.5" as the new barrel length.  I submitted two photos - close up of markings (as I always do), and a full size showing the gun is already an "assault weapon" but currently with 16" barrel.  

I was tempted to submit the receipt (from 2009) to show I already possessed it, but I did not feel like digging it out of storage.  

I will report back what happens, and if they ask for any additional info.





7/1/2026 9:32:17 PM EDT
[#1]
Does ATF even enforce state laws?
“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
7/1/2026 9:45:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AndBen][Edited] [#2]
https://www.ar15.com/forums/hometown/SBR-process-after-potential-ban/24-680694/?
“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
7/1/2026 11:00:35 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By AndBen:
Does ATF even enforce state laws?
View Quote


ATF will not approve forms that would violate state law.
7/2/2026 7:36:59 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By AndBen:
Does ATF even enforce state laws?
View Quote


They typically will not approve anything that would violate a state law.  Here is their new statement regarding VA (on the eForms splash page).  They took down the one about approving forms before and after 7/1 (screen shots of that are in the other threads):

Important information for Virginia applicants, transferees, and transferors
Virginia “Assault Firearms” as of July 1. Firearm may not be configured in violation of Va. Code §§ 18.2-302.2:2, 18.2-287.4:1 (prohibition of assault firearms), unless possession falls within an exemption in 18.2-287.4:1(C)


7/2/2026 10:19:28 AM EDT
[#5]
So I guess it comes down to if SBRing a rifle is considered “manufacturing”?

“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
7/2/2026 10:31:31 AM EDT
[Last Edit: dalle0001][Edited] [#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By triode:


They typically will not approve anything that would violate a state law.  Here is their new statement regarding VA (on the eForms splash page).  They took down the one about approving forms before and after 7/1 (screen shots of that are in the other threads):

Important information for Virginia applicants, transferees, and transferors
Virginia “Assault Firearms” as of July 1. Firearm may not be configured in violation of Va. Code §§ 18.2-302.2:2, 18.2-287.4:1 (prohibition of assault firearms), unless possession falls within an exemption in 18.2-287.4:1(C)


View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By triode:


They typically will not approve anything that would violate a state law.  Here is their new statement regarding VA (on the eForms splash page).  They took down the one about approving forms before and after 7/1 (screen shots of that are in the other threads):

Important information for Virginia applicants, transferees, and transferors
Virginia “Assault Firearms” as of July 1. Firearm may not be configured in violation of Va. Code §§ 18.2-302.2:2, 18.2-287.4:1 (prohibition of assault firearms), unless possession falls within an exemption in 18.2-287.4:1(C)




The section you're referring to has this:

the sale of an assault firearm by a person who lawfully purchased and possessed such assault firearm prior to July 1, 2026, to a firearms dealer or to an individual outside of the Commonwealth who may lawfully possess such assault firearm;


Which the OP does. If the OP shows that he has the firearm prior to July 1st, he'll have it. Since the word "manufacturing" and "import/transfer" are not defined in the law, I would assume the ATF would follow what their own definition of it would mean.

However keep in mind the injunction, as far as I know, only applies to VSP and some CAs in certain cities/localities. As far as federal level, I'm not sure if they'll give it. One thing I know at least at the gun shop yesterday is that people are in fact transferring still due to the injunction.

I think the OP is valid in testing this out in exactly what defines the whole "manufacturing" and "import" mean exactly.
7/2/2026 12:50:36 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ridinshotgun][Edited] [#7]
No matter what the ATF head babbled about the other day there are still plenty of Virginia form 1 applications that have not been approved and are still waiting in the queue. I have one. We will see what happens in time.
Be a hard-ass. Every day should be like his first day in prison, and he's all alone in the yard without a shiv.
7/2/2026 9:11:08 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ridinshotgun:
No matter what the ATF head babbled about the other day there are still plenty of Virginia form 1 applications that have not been approved and are still waiting in the queue. I have one. We will see what happens in time.
View Quote

Right there with you.
"F*ck it I'm done. Nothing to say other than I'm done giving a f*ck." - xerxes2695 - 1-6-2021 - 1849hrs.

“If you live here and your allegiance is to another nation, you are an enemy.” - C10 - 6-7-25 - 1816hrs
7/2/2026 10:12:55 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ridinshotgun:
No matter what the ATF head babbled about the other day there are still plenty of Virginia form 1 applications that have not been approved and are still waiting in the queue. I have one. We will see what happens in time.
View Quote



They said they have processed, not approved - they likely mean that every application has been opened and actions taken. Anything that isn't approved yet is likely waiting on background since they require a "proceed" response prior to approval.
7/3/2026 8:30:03 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Longboat][Edited] [#10]
Their report out that they cleared VA forms was odd....
7/3/2026 9:12:16 AM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:



They said they have processed, not approved - they likely mean that every application has been opened and actions taken. Anything that isn't approved yet is likely waiting on background since they require a "proceed" response prior to approval.
View Quote


Sure sure. Applications put in well after mine have been approved. And I have a singular name that literally no one else has. I along with a few others have a theory on what they did but will wait to see what actually happens.
Be a hard-ass. Every day should be like his first day in prison, and he's all alone in the yard without a shiv.
7/3/2026 3:15:55 PM EDT
[#12]
I wasn't organized enough to submit a Form 1 before July 1. Long story, retiring from the military, never done one before, etc. I had a conversation with someone recently who said that the Prince William County Sheriff has been very easy and quick with signing off as the local LE official. That would obviously be the first gate that has to be passed now, regardless of the ATF's stance. I'll see if I can inquire about the sheriff's position on it now, post-July 1.
7/3/2026 4:37:15 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
I wasn't organized enough to submit a Form 1 before July 1. Long story, retiring from the military, never done one before, etc. I had a conversation with someone recently who said that the Prince William County Sheriff has been very easy and quick with signing off as the local LE official. That would obviously be the first gate that has to be passed now, regardless of the ATF's stance. I'll see if I can inquire about the sheriff's position on it now, post-July 1.
View Quote
there will be smarter people along to correct me if i'm wrong but you shouldn't need local LE sign off

the only requirement is notification , a copy of the form will print to mail to them

and hopefully soon that requirement will be gone also




7/3/2026 5:14:19 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 1AEGW][Edited] [#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
I wasn't organized enough to submit a Form 1 before July 1. Long story, retiring from the military, never done one before, etc. I had a conversation with someone recently who said that the Prince William County Sheriff has been very easy and quick with signing off as the local LE official. That would obviously be the first gate that has to be passed now, regardless of the ATF's stance. I'll see if I can inquire about the sheriff's position on it now, post-July 1.
View Quote


CLEO sign off went away a while ago. Now it is just send a copy of the application to the CLEO and you can choose which one VSP, Sheriff, etc.... That person was not a good source of info.

If you want to do it the super easy way, you can spend $50 and have silencer shop do everything for you including submit fingerprints. Otherwise, watch a youtube video on how to fill out a form 1 and get some fingerprint cards, you need 2 per stamp. You can get them free from the ATF and then grab a fingerprint kit and roll your own. You can get them electronically from various places (google it) and it's one and done for all of the follow on stamps.
7/3/2026 6:32:40 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 1AEGW:
If you want to do it the super easy way, you can spend $50 and have silencer shop do everything for you including submit fingerprints.
View Quote


Their kiosk system is so awesome. They hit it out of the park with that idea.
“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
7/3/2026 6:51:40 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
I wasn't organized enough to submit a Form 1 before July 1. Long story, retiring from the military, never done one before, etc. I had a conversation with someone recently who said that the Prince William County Sheriff has been very easy and quick with signing off as the local LE official. That would obviously be the first gate that has to be passed now, regardless of the ATF's stance. I'll see if I can inquire about the sheriff's position on it now, post-July 1.
View Quote


WTF are you even talking about

LEO signoff has been gone for a decade
7/3/2026 8:29:17 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 3ACR_Scout:
I wasn't organized enough to submit a Form 1 before July 1. Long story, retiring from the military, never done one before, etc. I had a conversation with someone recently who said that the Prince William County Sheriff has been very easy and quick with signing off as the local LE official. That would obviously be the first gate that has to be passed now, regardless of the ATF's stance. I'll see if I can inquire about the sheriff's position on it now, post-July 1.
View Quote


As the other poster here said go into a shop to fill out the forms. Some of the bigger shops, especially ones that sell suppressors will generally fill the forms out for you and get everything taken care of. It's not a question of if it can be transferred to you or not.
7/4/2026 12:59:07 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 1AEGW:
CLEO sign off went away a while ago. Now it is just send a copy of the application to the CLEO and you can choose which one VSP, Sheriff, etc.... That person was not a good source of info.
View Quote

Thanks, I thought that sounded off when he was talking about it. He was picking up a pistol AK that he was planning to SBR and talked about it like he had just done one recently. I guess he really had no idea what he was talking about! It’s been quite a few years since I studied the process.
7/4/2026 7:36:18 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vellnueve:


ATF will not approve forms that would violate state law.
View Quote


The way I read their latest notification, they will approve Form 1 and it’s the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they build it into something that complies with state law.

There is some confusing language regarding the legality of “making” a Form 1 weapon as long as it was “possessed” prior to July 1.
7/4/2026 12:09:04 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By GimmeLibertee:


The way I read their latest notification, they will approve Form 1 and it’s the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that they build it into something that complies with state law.

There is some confusing language regarding the legality of “making” a Form 1 weapon as long as it was “possessed” prior to July 1.
View Quote


Ya there seems to be some confusion over making and manufacturing which are two different things with the NFA. If I have a 16" AR and put a different 18" upper on it, it is still a grandfathered AR as it was in the configuration that the ban is trying to target before 1 Jul. If I take that same AR, get a stamp, and put an 11" upper on it, I'm making an SBR, but I am not manufacturing a new weapon that violates what they are attempting to ban.
7/7/2026 6:39:38 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 1AEGW:


Ya there seems to be some confusion over making and manufacturing which are two different things with the NFA. If I have a 16" AR and put a different 18" upper on it, it is still a grandfathered AR as it was in the configuration that the ban is trying to target before 1 Jul. If I take that same AR, get a stamp, and put an 11" upper on it, I'm making an SBR, but I am not manufacturing a new weapon that violates what they are attempting to ban.
View Quote



It’s really not that complicated, you just need to believe harder

Old You Tube video never gets old
ATF: 'Is it a rifle, pistol, shotgun, or felony?'
7/9/2026 11:35:18 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By chipling:



It’s really not that complicated, you just need to believe harder

Old You Tube video never gets old
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nfCyhOX42g
View Quote


Too funny.  I just used this last week to explain to a family member just how stupid and arbitrary the laws are when he thought a pistol looked like a rifle and wanted to know what the difference was.  I hope he believes harder now!
7/9/2026 2:10:55 PM EDT
[#23]
The Form 1 I submitted on 30 June was approved today. In the description I said the firearm is already an "assault firearm" under the VA Code.
7/9/2026 2:11:40 PM EDT
[#24]
I believe the way atf interpreted this law if you owned item before 7/1/26 in a banned configuration that you can sbr it into that banned configuration. Just my .02
7/9/2026 5:28:01 PM EDT
[#25]
I wonder if the state wide injunction from yesterday has any effect on the ATF.

If I buy an ar15 on July 22nd and want to sbr it, will they approve it? I have no idea.
7/9/2026 6:00:01 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rocky480:


Too funny.  I just used this last week to explain to a family member just how stupid and arbitrary the laws are when he thought a pistol looked like a rifle and wanted to know what the difference was.  I hope he believes harder now!
View Quote


I sent it to a friend that was trying to figure it all out and get a PCC pre-June 30.

He’s a bit uptight to begin with and was not amused
7/9/2026 10:30:24 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Glarus:
The Form 1 I submitted on 30 June was approved today. In the description I said the firearm is already an "assault firearm" under the VA Code.
View Quote


I had one approved today as well. I had a photo of the firearm in assault weapon configuration included along with the normal pics of markings.
7/10/2026 12:48:16 AM EDT
[#28]
I submitted a form 1 on June 25 to see what would happen. I fully expected it to not be approved. I was shocked when it was approved on June 30th
7/10/2026 4:09:22 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Glarus:
The Form 1 I submitted on 30 June was approved today. In the description I said the firearm is already an "assault firearm" under the VA Code.
View Quote


Did you do individual or Trust? I have several on a Trust that were submitted 4/30 and 5/1 and haven’t heard squat.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
7/10/2026 9:42:26 AM EDT
[#30]
Trusts are slow AF. My father in law has been waiting on approval for a suppressor since February with no update. He has a very common name, though. I did a trust suppressor back in Jan. and it took a month. My two suppressors since each took 5 days for individual.

I would recommend doing individual initially, then transfer into a trust later.
What is the right number of guns? JUST ONE MORE!!
7/10/2026 12:35:31 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Originally Posted By JustOneMore:
Trusts are slow AF. My father in law has been waiting on approval for a suppressor since February with no update. He has a very common name, though. I did a trust suppressor back in Jan. and it took a month. My two suppressors since each took 5 days for individual.

I would recommend doing individual initially, then transfer into a trust later.
View Quote



Wish I had known that. I did 2 cans on a trust in May and was approved in 12 days.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
7/13/2026 2:10:51 PM EDT
[#32]
Trust Form 1 submitted 4/30 approved 7/13.
Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
7/14/2026 12:33:53 PM EDT
[#33]
As an experiment:

Submitted an F1 for a stripped lower as an individual very late on 6/30, it was approved 7/9.

Included pics of the lower in it's completely stripped form with zero parts installed because I was curious if there would be any conditions or notes.  There were none.
Nothing to see_here folks, move along.
7/17/2026 6:27:02 PM EDT
[#34]
Any update on this?
I’m trying to see if it is possible to go through the Form 1 process after 7/1 using my AR that I purchased and transferred before 7/1.
7/18/2026 10:15:48 AM EDT
[#35]
i submitted a form 4 to transfer something from me to my trust at the end of June.   Still waiting.  There was a problem with how the ATF had my middle name entered in the system (there was a space after it) and without putting that space it wouldn’t populate my items to transfer in the form 4 (so stupid)

so now i get to see if they will let me transfer something from myself to my trust (where my wife is also a responsible party)
7/31/2026 8:23:47 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History
Originally Posted By bainbridge:
Any update on this?
I’m trying to see if it is possible to go through the Form 1 process after 7/1 using my AR that I purchased and transferred before 7/1.
View Quote


No update on my submission - still pending.  I have seen reports of others (submitted after mine) being approved.
8/5/2026 1:38:47 PM EDT
[#37]
3 form 1s submitted on 07/27 for SBR, one was approved on 08/03, the other 2 approved today
8/5/2026 5:46:52 PM EDT
[#38]
Submitted 3x Trust Form 1s on 5/16/2026 approved 8/5/2026
8/6/2026 9:10:20 PM EDT
[#39]
Might as well wait 7 days now...see where this lawsuit goes.
“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
8/11/2026 9:02:20 AM EDT
[#40]
Eform 1
EFT upload
Trust - 1 RP
Submitted: 6-11-26
Approved: 8-11-26
Wait: 59 Days

VIRGINIA - NO CONDITIONS

"F*ck it I'm done. Nothing to say other than I'm done giving a f*ck." - xerxes2695 - 1-6-2021 - 1849hrs.

“If you live here and your allegiance is to another nation, you are an enemy.” - C10 - 6-7-25 - 1816hrs
8/11/2026 9:59:18 AM EDT
[#41]
Since I am a GOA member I think I might be cancelling my pending applications that have been there over 30 days now and just roll my own when the stay ends in the NFA case.  We shall see.
Be a hard-ass. Every day should be like his first day in prison, and he's all alone in the yard without a shiv.
8/13/2026 7:27:59 AM EDT
[#42]
Still waiting.  Who knows what happens now...
8/13/2026 10:46:57 AM EDT
[#43]
FATF. Canceled my form 1 apps and rolled my own.

Be a hard-ass. Every day should be like his first day in prison, and he's all alone in the yard without a shiv.
8/13/2026 2:40:08 PM EDT
[#44]
I submitted a SBR Form 1 end of June, ironically it was approved today. Wonder if they are mass approving their queue, or if the timing was just a coincidence.
“It’s only treason if you lose.”
-George Washington
8/13/2026 8:27:02 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History

Attached File


I was already covered under FPC but figured GOA deserved some love so I grabbed a membership with them, too.
8/13/2026 8:46:43 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 1AEGW:

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/80457/HYB_jpg-3811070.JPG

I was already covered under FPC but figured GOA deserved some love so I grabbed a membership with them, too.
View Quote


I’ve been a FPC member for a while. Figured I do GOA last week because the writing was on the wall for anyone paying attention.
Be a hard-ass. Every day should be like his first day in prison, and he's all alone in the yard without a shiv.
8/14/2026 1:20:42 PM EDT
[#47]
The Form 1 that started this thread came back approved today 8/14.  No conditions, no email from examiner to confirm assault-worthiness, nothing.  Very anti-climatic.

As noted in the first post, the only thing I did different in the submission was include a photo with a 16" upper to show it as assault-worthy.

I did also join the GOA this morning (right before the approval) - doubtful it had any impact but it sure was coincidental.  Was already VCDL and NRA, but they were not covered in this injunction.  

So I have an approval that I may not have needed.  Life goes on.
8/14/2026 2:02:45 PM EDT
[#48]
Attached File
"F*ck it I'm done. Nothing to say other than I'm done giving a f*ck." - xerxes2695 - 1-6-2021 - 1849hrs.

“If you live here and your allegiance is to another nation, you are an enemy.” - C10 - 6-7-25 - 1816hrs
8/14/2026 2:33:45 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By triode:
I did also join the GOA this morning (right before the approval) - doubtful it had any impact but it sure was coincidental.  Was already VCDL and NRA, but they were not covered in this injunction.
View Quote

The Jensen group plaintiffs received an injunction for the GCA requirement to engrave NFA items. If you haven’t done that already, you can join one of those organizations, such as TSRA. I was a TSRA member for years while living in Texas and renewed my membership this week for $25.

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