One of the most popular ways to apply for an NFA item is using a gun trust. A gun trust is simply a revocable living trust specific for firearms that addresses any legal stipulations that may result in dealing with NFA/Class 3 items. These should be prepared by an attorney and not created on your own. There are several cases where the BATFE has over-turned cases as a result of a self-created trusts with Quicken or other legal software. I am not a lawyer and I do not play one on TV. Any information contained in this article is provided without warranty. Gun trusts are more commonly used as a means of applying for NFA items because they offer a certain amount of legal protection should you unknowingly violate the Nations Firearms Act. It also allows you to list other individuals who can obtain or possess NFA items under the same trust. Finally, like any other trust, it allows you to legally transfer the property to a beneficiary once you die. Applying with a gun trust has several advantages:

It eliminates the need for a passport photo, finger prints, and chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) signature which is required if you apply as an individual. In some states or counties, the CLEO will not sign off for NFA items and therefore using a trust may be the only option.

It also allows you to add or remove individuals to the trust, and unlike applying as an individual, will transfer the NFA items to a beneficiary.

There are numerous attorneys which specialize in gun trusts and the fee for preparation usually runs between $250-500. Most of them can be delivered electronically via e-mail within a few days. It will need to be notarized, signed an initialed by all parties included. The notary CAN act as a witness as well. A copy of your gun trust will need to be included with your NFA paper work and a $200 check for each item you apply for.

The wait time for NFA items fluctuates depending on the demand and speed of the examiners. Expect to wait anywhere from 5-8 months. It doesn't matter which method you choose to apply with, you are stuck waiting. The only part that happens quickly is the government cashing your check. Once the form is returned from the Department of Justice, you will need to complete a standard form 4473 to take ownership.

Applying as an individual may be cheaper depending on your situation. If you only want one or two NFA items, it is probably cheaper than having a gun trust created by an attorney. However, you loose a limited amount of protection should you unknowingly violate the Nation Firearms Act. Also, since the NFA item will be granted to you individually, there may be some legal issues after you die.

You will need the following when applying as an individual:

• Photo of the applicant
• Finger print card
• Signature of chief law enforcement officer

The first two are simply a pain in the butt. You will have to go somewhere that takes passport photos and pay to have one done. It must be an original. It cannot be a copy, scanned image, or self-taken photo.
The finger prints will have to be done at a local police station which means they will charge you and you will probably need to make an appointment or know the specific hours they are willing to do finger print cards.

The CLEO signature is a tough one. Some will sign them, others will not. If you cannot obtain a CLEO signature your next option should be to apply using a gun trust. You should check with your local law enforcement agency and see if you can get the CLEO signature on such forms. If not, there is not sense in going through the first two steps.

The ATF recently announced they are omitting the CLEO sign off. However, it is unclear at this time when they will actually start accepting individual forms without it.

Remember, that when NFA items are granted to an individual, those items must be turned over to the government or transferred via re-application by next of kin when primary holder dies. This is usually why a trust is used because it allows you to pass the items onto certain individuals listed on the trust with less paper work and a $5 fee per item.

Read more about using a gun trust.

The Five Seven by FN Herstal is a unique gun. The cartridge used is what makes it most unique as it is rarely used. The 5.7x28mm is an interesting choice as it's more powerful than a .22 but less than a .223.
The stye of the gun is nice although some (myself included) find on the ugly side. The double stacked magazine will hold up 20 rounds in a standard size. You won't find another hand gun with that capacity unless you are taking about the extended magazines which stick out 7" from the bottom of the gun.

So what exactly is wrong with the Five Seven?

Well, FN doesn't make junk. So you can expect a reliable and well built pistol. The biggest hurdle is the price and availability of ammo. You won't find any 5.7x28mm at your local Walmart. Local gun stores/chains will be hit or miss but expect to pay around $.50/round if you can find it. For that price I'd rather shoot 5.56 or .45 ACP...

There are threaded barrels available if you want to run suppressed. However, the 5.7x28mm is terrible round for suppression. It's loaded supersonic so unless you can make custom ammo, you won't be able to find any subsonic rounds for it.

While the 5.7x28mm is available in armor piercing designation, the use of them in a pistol is illegal. Some indoor ranges will not allow you to fire the standard 5.7x28mm rounds on a pistol range because of their high velocity/penetration potential.

Last, the gun is priced around $1100. There are many other quality guns in standard calibers for $1100. This makes the FN Five-Seven more of a novelty gun. To each their own, but I would personally buy a .50 Desert Eagle if I was shopping for a novelty gun. Food for thought.