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11/21/2014 9:18:48 PM EDT
I filled 4 sets of 5320.20 a few weeks ago.  All 4 were filled in duplicate, in the same envelope.  Today I received one form back - luckily it is the one that I really wanted.

Is it unusual to get one at a time back, even when they were all submitted in the same envelope?  Would they go to different Approval Officials?  Should I give the ATF a call on Monday?
11/21/2014 9:24:50 PM EDT
[#1]
Why don't you just fax them??

That's what I do and I get a few days to a few months turn around.
11/21/2014 9:36:32 PM EDT
[#2]
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Quoted:
Why don't you just fax them??

That's what I do and I get a few days to a few months turn around.
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I thought you shouldn't fax them unless there was a real need?

I had a turnaround time from Nov 5 to today, so 15 days for this one form.
11/21/2014 9:41:24 PM EDT
[#3]
I've always faxed them. Even the one that took 3 months to get back.
11/21/2014 9:47:41 PM EDT
[#4]
Hmm, I'll try that next time I want to get permission

Do you include a cover letter, or just the bare form?

What number? (IM if you prefer)  I couldn't find any definitive answer on where to fax it, which was another reason I used snail mail.
11/21/2014 10:40:38 PM EDT
[#5]
I did a total of 6, with duplicates, back in Sept, and they came in 3 different envelopes over a 2 week period, even though the same examiner approved all 6...
11/22/2014 10:01:22 AM EDT
[#6]
What is wait time from mailing to faxxing?
11/22/2014 5:45:44 PM EDT
[#7]
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Quoted:
What is wait time from mailing to faxxing?
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Doesn't seem to make a difference.  I've had anywhere from days to months with either method.

I usually mail them in, since I usually have a packet of a half-dozen or so sets.  It's really cut down on the number of pages since I started listing everything on the back of the form, rather than listing 3 guns per from.
11/22/2014 6:20:57 PM EDT
[#8]
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Quoted:
I usually mail them in, since I usually have a packet of a half-dozen or so sets.  It's really cut down on the number of pages since I started listing everything on the back of the form, rather than listing 3 guns per from.
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They're ok with using the back? I know the form says complete additional forms (but it also says signatures in ink, and they'll take a fax). I've considered typing it everything but the firearms, then writing them in by hand so I could fit more than 3.  The 7th SBR really made this processing annoying.
11/22/2014 8:14:18 PM EDT
[#9]
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Quoted:

They're ok with using the back? I know the form says complete additional forms (but it also says signatures in ink, and they'll take a fax). I've considered typing it everything but the firearms, then writing them in by hand so I could fit more than 3.  The 7th SBR really made this processing annoying.
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Quoted:
I usually mail them in, since I usually have a packet of a half-dozen or so sets.  It's really cut down on the number of pages since I started listing everything on the back of the form, rather than listing 3 guns per from.

They're ok with using the back? I know the form says complete additional forms (but it also says signatures in ink, and they'll take a fax). I've considered typing it everything but the firearms, then writing them in by hand so I could fit more than 3.  The 7th SBR really made this processing annoying.


I was instructed by an examiner a few years ago to use the back. Seems that they didn't care for getting 6 or 7 different forms any more than I did sending them.
11/22/2014 8:37:04 PM EDT
[#10]
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I was instructed by an examiner a few years ago to use the back. Seems that they didn't care for getting 6 or 7 different forms any more than I did sending them.
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Thanks. I may try the handwritten deal, and include a cover letter to explain. I'd at least like to add the 7th one to one of the other forms, so that way I can have one sheet front/back in my folder. I'll just pick a state I don't have forms for and see how it goes.
11/22/2014 10:09:53 PM EDT
[#11]
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They're ok with using the back?
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Sure. You're not even required to use their form.

Take a look at 27 CFR 478.28, which says an applicant must submit a "written request" in duplicate.  It lists what details are required.  It does not state that any certain form must be used.  I will admit, ATF's Form 5320.20 is as convenient a method as any, though. (efile would be better).

Theoretically you could submit a request on a bar napkin.  And I didn't see any specific requirement for the request to be signed in ink, blood, or signed at all for that matter.

For mine, I list guns on the first two lines of Section 4 of the 5320.20.  On the 3rd line, I put "See attached list on rear of this form".  Then I make up a spreadsheet, copying the format in Section 4, listing out everything else I want to transport.  (I throw my silencers on there too, even though it's not required.  It doesn't hurt anything.) Then I print it on the back side, and send it all in.
11/22/2014 11:31:29 PM EDT
[#12]
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Quoted:

Sure. You're not even required to use their form.

Take a look at 27 CFR 478.28, which says an applicant must submit a "written request" in duplicate.  It lists what details are required.  It does not state that any certain form must be used.  I will admit, ATF's Form 5320.20 is as convenient a method as any, though. (efile would be better).

Theoretically you could submit a request on a bar napkin.  And I didn't see any specific requirement for the request to be signed in ink, blood, or signed at all for that matter.

For mine, I list guns on the first two lines of Section 4 of the 5320.20.  On the 3rd line, I put "See attached list on rear of this form".  Then I make up a spreadsheet, copying the format in Section 4, listing out everything else I want to transport.  (I throw my silencers on there too, even though it's not required.  It doesn't hurt anything.) Then I print it on the back side, and send it all in.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
They're ok with using the back?

Sure. You're not even required to use their form.

Take a look at 27 CFR 478.28, which says an applicant must submit a "written request" in duplicate.  It lists what details are required.  It does not state that any certain form must be used.  I will admit, ATF's Form 5320.20 is as convenient a method as any, though. (efile would be better).

Theoretically you could submit a request on a bar napkin.  And I didn't see any specific requirement for the request to be signed in ink, blood, or signed at all for that matter.

For mine, I list guns on the first two lines of Section 4 of the 5320.20.  On the 3rd line, I put "See attached list on rear of this form".  Then I make up a spreadsheet, copying the format in Section 4, listing out everything else I want to transport.  (I throw my silencers on there too, even though it's not required.  It doesn't hurt anything.) Then I print it on the back side, and send it all in.


The form itself says you can also submit a letter instead. However, I've been told they deny those and send them back with instructions to use the form. I've never tried it, it's just what I've read online. Supposedly a change sometime in the last year or two.

Anyway...I used some fancy cut/copy/paste this evening and made up my own 5320.20. Shrunk up the "reason" section so I could add another box, and split all the other boxes in half. Typed in all my SBR info, plus my address. Figured I'll write in the dates and destination, then sign and date.

Went ahead and did two tonight for states I don't have approval for already and already faxed them in. No cover sheet to explain, figured I'd just fire it off and see. Looks like this:



I've faxed two copies in the past. Decided not to this time as I've seen people mention they only fax one. Maybe I'll know by Christmas...or maybe they'll call me Mon/Tue.
12/14/2014 8:03:51 PM EDT
[#13]
Figured I should update this...

I got three of the four filed back about two weeks after my OP, and last Thursday, a phone call from Janice Fields about the last.  She had an issue with the dates (Jan 1, 2015 to Jan 1, 2016) being more than a year - even though she approved one of the others that had the same dates.  I asked if she could change the end date to Dec 31, 2015, and she was able to.  Should be here soon.
12/17/2014 9:54:54 PM EDT
[#14]
Quick update. I ended up sending in four forms on Monday 11/24. They're a modified version of the 5320.20 that will hold all seven SBRs on a single form. Sent one in for each state that borders NC, and requested 1/1/15-12/31/15. I did send an explanation along with it as to my intention, since I already had approval for six of the SBRs for two of the states, one through 12/31/15, and the other was through 9/30/15. So it was extending approval three months for one state (along with adding one SBR), adding an SBR for another state, and then new requests for all seven in the other two states. I fully expected something to go wrong in the process.

Using normal forms it would've been 12 forms...I got it done on four. Approved on 12/12 and received 12/17. Next year will be simple. If you notice, the only handwriting is the year in box 3, then my signature and date at the bottom. Even already have "as trustee" on the form. Should just be a matter of minutes to handle them.  Obviously adding other SBRs could throw a wrench in the plan. And 1/3 the potential paperwork in my binders.

Also to note, since the discussion has come up before. One of the items is a different barrel/overall length than the Form 1, and one is both a different caliber and different barrel/overall length. I've never notified them of any changes and have been approved on four different occasions now. I know others have had different experiences in that regard.

Here's what the approved form looks like:

12/18/2014 10:41:34 PM EDT
[#15]
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Quoted:
Quick update. I ended up sending in four forms on Monday 11/24. They're a modified version of the 5320.20 that will hold all seven SBRs on a single form. Sent one in for each state that borders NC, and requested 1/1/15-12/31/15. I did send an explanation along with it as to my intention, since I already had approval for six of the SBRs for two of the states, one through 12/31/15, and the other was through 9/30/15. So it was extending approval three months for one state (along with adding one SBR), adding an SBR for another state, and then new requests for all seven in the other two states. I fully expected something to go wrong in the process.
Using normal forms it would've been 12 forms...I got it done on four. Approved on 12/12 and received 12/17. Next year will be simple. If you notice, the only handwriting is the year in box 3, then my signature and date at the bottom. Even already have "as trustee" on the form. Should just be a matter of minutes to handle them.  Obviously adding other SBRs could throw a wrench in the plan. And 1/3 the potential paperwork in my binders.
Also to note, since the discussion has come up before. One of the items is a different barrel/overall length than the Form 1, and one is both a different caliber and different barrel/overall length. I've never notified them of any changes and have been approved on four different occasions now. I know others have had different experiences in that regard.
Here's what the approved form looks like:
http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx151/thegreghorton/Mobile%20Uploads/D6743956-DCB4-4B8F-ACE5-1164407E132F_zpsr0f0wrxm.jpg
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Where did you get the form with more then 3 lines? Is there one that has 8 lines?

MAHA
12/18/2014 10:58:33 PM EDT
[#16]
I'm glad a custom form worked for you...but it's entirely arguable that you have not submitted a 5320.20....because a 5320.20 doesn't look like that. Maybe the examiner doesn't care, but in a legal entanglement....uhg. I'm to paranoid to even attempt that, I'd just submit lots and lots of sheets of paper.
12/19/2014 12:32:27 AM EDT
[#17]
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I'm glad a custom form worked for you...but it's entirely arguable that you have not submitted a 5320.20....because a 5320.20 doesn't look like that. Maybe the examiner doesn't care, but in a legal entanglement....uhg. I'm to paranoid to even attempt that, I'd just submit lots and lots of sheets of paper.
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There's no requirement in the statutes that you have to use the 5320.20...it only requires the request be in writing. Heck, the form itself says you can submit a letter in lieu of:

a. A written request and prior authorization from ATF to transport interstate or in foreign commerce any destructive device, machinegun, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun is required under the provisions of Section 922 (a)(4), Title 18, U.S.C., and Section 478.28, Title 27, CFR, a letter of request, in duplicate, containing all information required on this form, may be submitted in lieu of the form.

Far as I'm concerned, I submitted a written request. The NFA Branch has just decided on their own that they don't like the letters anymore.


And here's what the NFA Handbook says:

Section 13.8. Requesting permission to transport certain firearms in interstate or foreign commerce. A person, other than an FFL/SOT, may not lawfully transport in interstate or foreign commerce any destructive device, machinegun, short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, without prior written approval of ATF, specifically the NFA Branch.214 For definitions of these firearms and devices, refer to 27 CFR 478.11. Licensed collectors are not required to obtain such approval if the firearms and devices being transported are “curio or relic” firearms under the GCA. Approval for the transportation may be obtained by (1) a written request or (2) an approved application filed with ATF on Form 5320.20.

13.8.1 A written (letter) request. A written (letter) request must contain:
(1) A complete description and identification of the device or firearm to be
(2) A statement whether the transportation involves a transfer of title;
(3) The need for such transportation;
(4) The approximate date the transportation is to take place;
(5) The present location of the device or firearm and the place to which it is being transported.
(6) The mode of transportation to be used (including, if by common or contract carrier, the name and address of the carrier); and
(7) Evidence that the transportation or possession of the device or firearm is not inconsistent with the laws at the place of destination.

13.8.2 Form 5320.20. As stated above, transportation of these firearms and devices may also be approved by completing and filing this form and obtaining ATF approval of the form.

13.8.3 One-year approval. If a person will be transporting his/her firearm(s) to the same location on a continual basis, ATF will approve a transportation request for up to 1 year. Example: the person lives in State A, has a farm in State B (State B allows possession of the particular firearm), and wants to take the firearm to the farm throughout the year. The person may request permission for a 1-year period to transport the firearm interstate to the farm. Any other interstate transportation would still require a separate request and approval. Second example: the person lives in State A and wants to transport his/her firearm to a site in State B where competitions and shoots occur several times a year (State B allows possession of the particular firearm). The person may request permission for a 1-year period to transport the firearm interstate to the site for competitions and shoots. Any other interstate transportation would still require a separate request and approval.


I think I've met all their requirements. I guess the one thing I could've done was removed the form number off the one I made. That way I'm submitting all the information requested on the form, but not actually using the form.
12/19/2014 12:33:54 AM EDT
[#18]
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Where did you get the form with more then 3 lines? Is there one that has 8 lines?

MAHA
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I made it. Could probably be altered to fit 8...maybe 9 but I'm not sure.
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