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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about NFA items and services, firearm purchases and transfers in North Carolina, and Zeroed Solutions service offerings. If you still have questions, schedule a quick call or appointment.

NFA: Process & How Zeroed Solutions Streamlines It

This section covers what the National Firearms Act (NFA) is, how Form 1 / Form 4 workflows work, what you’ll need, and how Zeroed Solutions simplifies your appointment and paperwork.

1) What is the NFA, and what falls underneath the NFA?

The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates certain firearms and devices and requires specific ATF paperwork and registration for lawful possession and transfer. Common NFA-regulated items include:

  • Suppressors
  • Short-Barreled Rifles (SBR)
  • Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBS)
  • Other NFA categories (depending on configuration)

If you’re unsure whether your item falls under the NFA, schedule an appointment and we’ll walk through your specific setup.

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2) What is the difference between an ATF eForm 1 vs eForm 4?

eForm 1 is typically used when you are making/manufacturing an NFA item (for example, making an SBR from a rifle). It’s the “make” pathway.

eForm 4 is typically used when you are transferring an NFA item from a dealer to you (most commonly a suppressor purchase). It’s the “transfer” pathway.

If you tell us what you’re doing (buying vs making), we’ll point you to the correct service and requirements.

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3) What is required to complete an NFA eForm?

Most NFA eForm workflows require:

  • Valid government-issued photo ID (state or federal)
  • ATF eForms account (username + PIN for submission)
  • Fingerprint submission (EFT file for eForms, or physical prints where applicable)
  • Passport-style photo (current, correct format)
  • Trust documents if filing under a trust (and any responsible person requirements)

Zeroed Solutions can provide EFT fingerprints and passport photos (and other supporting services) based on your filing type and situation.

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4) What is the current wait time?

ATF processing times change frequently. The most reliable reference is the official ATF “Current Processing Times” page:

View ATF Current Processing Times

We recommend checking that page close to your filing date for the most current information.

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5) Are engravings required for NFA devices, and when?

Engraving requirements generally apply when an individual or trust is the maker of an NFA firearm (commonly via Form 1). Federal regulations require the firearm to be marked with the maker’s identifying information, and there are minimum depth/size standards for the markings.

The controlling regulation is 27 CFR § 479.102, which describes identification/marking requirements, including minimum depth and character size for required markings.

Official references: ATF eRegulations (27 CFR § 479.102)  |  Cornell Law (27 CFR § 479.102)

If you’re unsure whether engraving is required for your specific build or configuration, contact us before final assembly or use.

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6) Does Zeroed Solutions offer digital fingerprints (EFT), passport photos, and engraving services?

Yes—Zeroed Solutions provides the common supporting services used in NFA workflows:

If you’re not sure which of these you need, schedule a quick appointment and we’ll map the requirements to your exact scenario.

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7) What does the actual process look like when I buy an NFA device and book my appointment?
  1. Choose your item (in-stock or inbound transfer from another dealer).
  2. Decide filing type (individual vs trust).
  3. Book your appointment so we can collect/verify required items (EFT/photo, trust docs, eForms credentials).
  4. We prepare and submit the required ATF eForm steps for your situation (Form 4 transfer or Form 1 making).
  5. Wait for ATF approval (timelines vary; check the official ATF processing times page).
  6. Complete lawful pickup/transfer when approval and transfer requirements are satisfied.

Our goal is to reduce errors, avoid rework, and keep your submission clean and compliant from the start.

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North Carolina Firearm Sales & Transfers

This section covers common buyer questions in North Carolina for pistols and long guns, transfer workflow, and what to bring to pickup.

1) What are the requirements in North Carolina to buy a pistol and a long rifle?

In general, you must be legally eligible to purchase/receive a firearm and provide valid identification. Dealer sales and transfers require completion of required federal forms and processes (including ATF Form 4473), and background checks are performed through the FBI NICS system unless an exception applies.

If you’re unsure what applies to your specific situation, contact us before you order or schedule pickup.

References: FBI NICS overview  |  ATF Form 4473 info

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2) What is the process to buy a pistol or rifle in North Carolina?
  1. Select your firearm (in-stock, special order, or inbound transfer).
  2. Schedule pickup/transfer appointment.
  3. Bring valid ID and required documents.
  4. Complete required forms and processes at pickup (including federal paperwork and background check when applicable).
  5. Complete pickup after all requirements are satisfied.

We’ll tell you exactly what to bring and what to expect when you schedule.

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3) Do you need a purchase permit anymore?

North Carolina repealed the state pistol purchase permit requirement in 2023. Federal requirements and dealer processes still apply.

References: Durham County Sheriff notice (SB 41 repeal)  |  NC General Assembly: Session Law 2023-8 (SB 41 PDF)

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4) What do I need to bring to my appointment to pick up (complete purchase/transfer) of my firearm?
  • Valid government-issued photo ID
  • Order confirmation (if you bought online or via special order)
  • Selling dealer/shipper info (if it’s an inbound transfer)
  • Any supporting documents we requested for your specific situation

If you’re doing any NFA-related submission at the same time, also bring your ATF eForms username and PIN and trust documentation (if applicable).

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Services, Fingerprints, EFT, and Gunsmithing

This section covers what’s included in your service packages and what to expect for fingerprints, EFT delivery, and gunsmithing.

1) What is included with the in-person fingerprint services, and do I get to keep the fingerprint card?

In-person services typically include capturing your fingerprints for ATF eForms use and taking a passport-style photo if required for your submission. Yes—you can keep your fingerprint artifacts for future ATF eForms workflows.

Important: These fingerprints are provided for ATF eForms use in the NFA context.

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2) How long is the EFT package good for—does it expire?

EFT files do not “expire.” Once you have a valid EFT file, it can generally be reused for future ATF eForms submissions. (You should still ensure your photo and personal details are current and correct for each submission.)

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3) How does the Physical to Virtual fingerprint service work?
  1. Scan your fingerprint cards at 600 DPI or higher.
  2. Upload the scans to our secure submission method.
  3. We convert and validate the file format for eForms use.
  4. Typical turnaround is 6–24 hours from receipt (volume-dependent).

For remote conversion: Physical to EFT Conversion

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4) What gunsmithing services are included?

Zeroed Solutions gunsmithing services commonly include:

  • Cleaning & basic maintenance
  • Troubleshooting / diagnostics
  • Parts installation and upgrades
  • Rifle & pistol build services

View service options: Gunsmithing Services

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5) Firearm Sales: What firearms can be purchased?

We can source and special order a wide range of firearms, including popular models from Glock, Shadow Systems, Taurus, SIG Sauer, LMT, and more (subject to distributor availability and legal eligibility).

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6) Firearm Parts: What parts can be purchased?

We can source parts and accessories from brands like BCM, Radian, Faxon, Aero Precision, Geissele, Criterion, Midwest Industries, and more, depending on availability.

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7) Lead Times: What is the lead time for regulated (FFL/firearm) purchases?

Typical lead time for regulated purchases is 2–3 business days from purchase (weather/shipping and availability dependent), followed by lawful transfer steps and appointment-based pickup.

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8) Lead Times: What is the lead time for parts?

Typical lead time for parts is 3–5 business days unless expedited shipping is requested and available (some items may be overnighted).

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Want help fast?

Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/zeroedsolutions/30min