Why a 3-Day ATF Approval Is a Big Deal

If you’re new to the world of NFA firearms, this headline might not seem like much. But trust us—it’s huge.

Jimmy G, the Italian Guerilla Gorilla, recently filed an ATF Form 1 to build a short-barreled shotgun. The approval came back in just three days. That’s nearly unheard of.

For years, wait times for NFA items—especially short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and suppressors—could stretch from two months to over a year. Historically, gun owners joked about “mailing off your Form 1 and hoping to hear back before your kid graduates.”

The reason for the delay? The National Firearms Act (NFA), a 1934 law regulating certain types of weapons, including:

Short-barreled shotguns (barrel under 18")
Short-barreled rifles (barrel under 16")
Suppressors
Machine guns
AOWs (Any Other Weapons)

Building or owning these weapons requires federal approval. In Jimmy’s case, the 14-inch barrel on his Remington 870 meant it legally qualified as a short-barreled shotgun—an NFA item. That meant he needed to:

File ATF Form 1
Pay a $200 tax stamp
Get fingerprinted and submit a passport-style photo
Have the shotgun engraved to NFA standards
Wait for ATF approval before final assembly

A 3-day turnaround? That’s lightning-fast—and a sign the ATF’s eForms system is finally streamlining the process.

The Build: Remington 870 Police Magnum

This project centers on a Remington 870 Police Magnum 12-gauge with a 14” barrel. Jimmy’s goal was to build something “old school”—a home-defense shotgun that felt classic, functional, and affordable.

Key features:

Barrel: 14" Police Magnum barrel sourced on GunBroker
Sight: XS Big Dot front sight, mounted with JB Weld epoxy
Porting: Mag-Na-Port custom barrel porting—completed and returned in 3 days
Stock: Original Police stock, sanded and refinished with Restoleum high-temp ceramic primer
Shell Carrier: TacTALoad stock with an integrated 5-round magazine

“I didn’t want to spend an ass ton of money on a newer weapon with a bunch of accouterments. I wanted something clean and classic.”

NFA Engraving: Legal Requirements Done Right

To comply with federal law, Jimmy had to engrave the firearm with his name, city, and state. The markings must be at least 1/16” tall and 0.003” deep.

He used Liberty Laser Engraving in Fayetteville, run by a fellow Army veteran named Jason. The results were clean, professional, and better than any Jimmy’s had done before.

“He took me back, showed me the whole process—very professional, very skilled.”

The ATF Filing Process, Step by Step

If you’re thinking of doing your own short-barreled build, here’s Jimmy’s simplified roadmap:

Create an ATF eForms account online
Get fingerprinted – Jimmy used his local sheriff’s office
Engrave your firearm to legal NFA standards
Upload a passport-style photo
Fill out and submit Form 1 digitally
Print two fingerprint cards and send them via mail
Mail one copy of the application to your local law enforcement

After that? You wait. And if you’re lucky like Jimmy, maybe only three days.

“Honestly, the process was painless. A little work, but no big deal.”

What’s Next?

Jimmy’s planning to get some range time with the 870 soon—video coming later this week, weather permitting. Check back for updates and future builds!

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Want More from Jimmy G?

If you appreciate Jimmy’s straight-shooting insights, be sure to follow him on Instagram and check back every Monday for new posts. For those who want to support his content and mission, visit the GoFundMe here.

Disclaimer:
This blog reflects my personal opinions and experiences and is not legal advice. Always follow your local, state, and federal laws regarding firearms. Get trained. Stay informed. Be responsible. And above all, shoot safe—know your limits, your gear, and your surroundings.