Frequently Asked Questions Freedom Forge Armory
Q: Do you have a retail storefront?
A: No. Freedom Forge Armory operates by appointment only. This allows us to focus on transfers, gunsmithing work, and scheduled customer service without maintaining a traditional retail showroom.
Q: What services do you currently offer?
A: Current services include: Firearm transfers, NFA transfers, Gunsmithing and repair work, Custom firearm work by request.
Q: Are you still accepting gunsmithing work?
A: Yes, but on a limited basis. We are selective about the projects we take in and prioritize quality over volume.
Q: Do you handle firearm transfers?
A: Yes. Standard firearm transfers are available by appointment.
Q: Do you handle NFA transfers?
A: Yes. We handle NFA transfers for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and other NFA-regulated items where legally permitted.
Q: Do I need an appointment for a transfer pickup?
A: Yes. All transfers and pickups are appointment only.
Q: What do I need to bring for a transfer?
A: You will need: A valid government-issued photo ID that has been issued 30 days prior to the date of the transfer, Any required state documentation, Cash payment for transfer fees.
Q: Can you receive firearms shipped from individuals?
A: Yes, where legally permitted. Contact us before shipment to confirm requirements and shipping instructions.
Q: What kind of gunsmithing work do you do?
A: We handle general repair work, refinishing, diagnostics, limited custom builds, and select specialty projects.
Q: Do you work on all firearm types?
A: Not always. Some projects may be declined based on parts availability, liability concerns, condition of the firearm, or workload.
Q: Does Freedom Forge Armory still do variance marking for other 07 FFLs?
A: No. Variance marking operations ceased at the end of July 2025 to focus on our brand and the emerging Ordnance Development Division.
Q: How long do repairs usually take?
A Turnaround time depends on current workload, parts availability, and the complexity of the job. We will provide an estimated timeline after evaluating the firearm.
Q: Are walk-ins accepted?
A: No. All business is conducted by appointment only.
Q: Will you work on prohibited or questionable projects?
A: No. Any project that violates federal, state, or local law, or creates unnecessary liability concerns will be declined.
Q: Can I ship my firearm directly to you?
A: In many cases, yes. Contact us before shipping any firearm so we can verify compliance and provide instructions.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: Appointments are scheduled directly through the website contact form on the home page that says, "schedule an appointment."
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We primarily serve Virginia customers, but certain services may be available to out-of-state customers depending on federal and state law.
Q: Are Virginia firearm laws changing in 2026?
A: As of right now yes. Virginia has passed several major firearm-related laws affecting firearm sales, transfers, magazine capacity, storage requirements, and certain semi-automatic firearms. Some provisions are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.
Q: Can Freedom Forge Armory provide legal advice, or tell me what exactly what firearms will be restricted under the new laws?
A: No. We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or legal interpretations. Customers are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws.
Q: Under the Virginia AWB that goes into effect on July 1, 2026, what defines an "assault weapon?"
A: Per SB 749 / HB 217 an “assault firearm” means:
• Any semi-automatic centerfire rifle that accepts a detachable magazine and has one or more specified features, including items such as folding/collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, pistol grips, forward grips, barrel shrouds, grenade launchers, or similar enumerated features.
• Any semi-automatic centerfire rifle or pistol with a fixed magazine capacity over 15 rounds.
• Any semi-automatic centerfire pistol accepting detachable magazines with certain listed features.
• Certain semi-automatic shotguns with listed features or capacities.
• Shotguns with revolving cylinders.
• Firearms capable of accepting belt-fed ammunition devices.
• Firearms modified to function as one of the above categories.
The bill language also specifically excludes:
- Antique firearms
- Permanently inoperable firearms
- Manually operated firearms (bolt, pump, lever, slide action)
Freedom Forge Armory cannot provide legal determinations regarding individual firearm configurations.
Q: Can Freedom Forge Armory mark (serialize) my Personally Made Firearm (PMF) to comply with the incoming law in Virginia that takes effect July 1, 2027, requiring all PMF's to have a serial number?
A: Possibly, these requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and not all PMF's will be accepted.
Q: Will you continue firearm transfers under the new laws?
A: Yes, where legally permitted. However, some firearm configurations, magazines, or transfers may no longer be lawful under Virginia law after the effective dates of the new legislation.
Q: Will magazine restrictions affect current owners?
A: Virginia’s legislation includes restrictions involving magazines over certain capacities, particularly future sales and transfers. Existing possession may be treated differently than future acquisition or transfer depending on the final implementation and enforcement guidance.
Q: Are private sales still legal in Virginia?
A: Yes. However, after July 1, 2026, firearms that have configurations that meet the definition of Assault Firearms will not be able to be transferred. Effective July 1, 2026, Virginia has reinstated broader background check requirements, including many private firearm sales and transfers.
Q: Several Commonwealths Attorneys have publicly stated that they will not enforce the new firearms laws, can they do that?
A: Yes. Commonwealths Attorneys have prosecutorial descension to charge or, not to charge individuals as they see fit. As a licensed FFL Freedom Forge Armory is still subject to all Federal and State firearms law and regulations. Individuals should contact their Commonwealths Attorney or consult legal counsel if they have questions about enforcement, ownership, or transfer restrictions.
Q: Can you still transfer NFA items?
A: NFA transfers remain governed primarily by federal law, but state restrictions may affect certain firearm configurations or host firearms. Transfers will only be conducted where lawful under both federal and Virginia law.
Q: Are lawsuits expected regarding these new laws?
A: Yes. Several firearm-rights organizations, legal groups, and the US Department of Justice have indicated they are reviewing or preparing or filed legal challenges to portions of the legislation.
Q: Should I buy firearms or magazines before July 1, 2026?
A: We cannot advise customers on personal purchasing decisions. Customers should review the current law, proposed implementation guidance, and consult legal counsel if they have questions about future ownership or transfer restrictions.
Q: I ordered a firearm that will be restricted after July 1, 2026, but it's not scheduled to be delivered until after that date. Can I still get it?
A: All firearms affected by HB217/SB749 must be physically transferred and disposition completed no later than close of business June 29, 2026. Orders not completed by that time may be subject to cancellation or return. At this time Virginia State Police has not issued formal guidance on delayed or pending transfers. Customers should assume all regulated firearms must be fully transferred before July 1, 2026, to avoid complications.
Q: Are currently owned firearms still legal in Virginia?
A: Many current Virginia firearm laws distinguish between existing legally owned firearms and future manufacture, sale, or transfer. However, restrictions may still apply to transport, transfer, inheritance, configuration changes, or magazine capacity. Customers should review the current and future laws carefully and consult qualified legal counsel if needed.
Q: Will Freedom Forge Armory continue operating under the new laws?
A: Yes. Freedom Forge Armory will continue operating within the limits of federal, state, and local law while focusing on the services and projects that remain viable under the evolving regulatory environment.
Q: Can Freedom Forge mill out an 80% receiver or frame for me?
A: No, per BATFE industry letter 2015-1 if we make or finish a receiver or frame in our facility, it becomes a Freedom Forge Armory product and must be marked with our markings, it then becomes a regulated item and must be transferred on a form 4473. Per the same letter you can't rent time on our tools, tooling, or machines to carry out the manufacturing operations yourself.
Q: I machined out an 80% lower or frame. Can Freedom Forge Armory install the lower parts for me?
A: No, there a wide variation in 80% designs and dimensions. We have no control over the tools and methods used to mill the lower. Receivers made by using 80% jigs are often out of tolerance and require re-machining, significant amounts of hand fitting, or may not be safe or usable at all. We can measure it and advise you if it is in or out of tolerance, and we can finish it in the color of your choice. ATF Rule 2021R-05F requires that any Personally Made Firearm without a serial number be marked and entered into our records.
Q: I bought parts online from different manufacturers to assemble a rifle or pistol with a lower or frame, can Freedom Forge Armory advise me how to properly assemble it?
A: No, because there are so many variations in parts between manufacturers, we can't possibly know them all, and we don't know if parts from different manufacturers will fit and function when put together.
Q: Will Freedom Forge Armory install customer-supplied parts?
A: Possibly. However, customer-supplied parts may be declined based on quality, compatibility, legality, safety concerns, or liability considerations. Freedom Forge Armory is not responsible for defective third-party components.
Q: I have a Freedom Forge Armory suppressor and I need another QD for a different gun, how do I get one?
A: Additional QD mounts are available to purchase here on the website. It takes us about one to three weeks to make one and ship it. Please know what thread pitch you need for your particular rifle, we will not exchange a muzzle device if you ordered the wrong thread pitch. All muzzle devices for suppressors should be installed and aligned by a competent gunsmith.
Q: I purchased an NFA firearm how do I fill out the ATF Form 4?
A: We have filled out a lot of form 4's and will assist you with siting up an ATF eforms account if you don't already have one.
Q: The transfer or sale of my firearm was denied, can I have my wife, husband, friend come in and do the background check?
A: No, Per federal and state laws that would be a straw purchase. If we suspect that a sale or transfer is a straw purchase we will deny the sale or transfer and notify law enforcement.
Q: I've read to the end of the FAQ's and I didn't see the answer to my question. What Now?
A: Calm down, take a deep breath, and drink some water. First off thanks for reading to the end of the FAQ's and contact us through the website. We'll help you out.