Firearm Trusts

Create a Gun Trust Today – Call (325) 653-6721

A trust is a legal entity that allows third parties, often known as trustees, to hold and manage property on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts are oftentimes used as an estate planning tool or as a means of preserving a person’s assets for future generations. Trusts can be specially designed to hold the ownership of firearms, known as “gun trusts.” Gun trusts can be used to handle the transfer of ownership of firearms to a person’s beneficiaries upon the owner’s death, thereby protecting surviving family members from accidentally violating the law. Additionally, gun trusts can be used to help individuals acquire certain weapons, weapon accessories, and weapon attachments that are ordinarily subject to heavy state and federal regulations.

At Smith Rose Finley, our highly-trained San Angelo gun trust lawyers are intimately familiar with the processes of creating and maintaining firearms trusts. With more than 65 years or dedicated legal experience, we can help you create a gun trust that not only respects your rights as a gun owner, but ensures you and your family can legally enjoy using your firearms for generations to come.

What Are the Benefits of a Gun Trust?

Under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and Title II of the Gun Control Act of 1968, Class 3 firearms such as machine guns, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, suppressors, grenades, and other types of destructive devices may only be possessed by a registered owner. Applying to become an owner of a Class 3 firearm can be an extremely laborious and complex endeavor, requiring the submitting of fingerprints, photos, and acquiring a signature from a county chief law enforcement officer (CLO) – many of whom now refuse to sign. Transferring ownership of a Class 3 firearm can be just as complex, requiring a person to pay expensive transfer taxes and file transfer forms.

A gun trust can allow a person to cut through the red tape, as the firearm would be registered to the trust itself, not the individual owner. The gun trust’s owner can then name however many trustees and beneficiaries as they desire, all of trustees will then have the right to possess or use the firearms.

A firearm trust can provide the following benefits:

• No CLE sign off required
• No fingerprints required
• No photographs required
• Completely confidential
• Easy transfer of ownership
• No need for probate

Protect Your Second Amendment Rights

At Smith Rose Finley, our firearms trust lawyer, Attorney James C. Skinner, has helped countless clients throughout San Angelo and the surrounding areas acquire and transfer their firearms without the need for government or court involvement. Whether you are looking to purchase a Class 3 firearm or simply looking to ensure your beneficiaries legally receive your firearms upon your passing, our attorneys can walk you step-by-step through the associated legal channels with ease. You have a constitutional right to own and bear arms – let us help ensure that right is asserted!