Any Other Weapon (AOW)s in 2026?

[TheRatDragon]

I still don't get what a AOW is either, or why I want it

This is my Serbu Super Shorty, an Any Other Weapon. I had to go through two disapprovals of my own before I finally got approved on the third attempt. AOWs are a weird catch-all category of Title 2 Firearms that fall under the NFA scope of laws but don't fit into the categories of the other NFA categories.

Edit, picture was acting a bit weird and was too f*cking big. Here's my picture on the /r/CAGuns subreddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CAguns/comments/1ixllc0/check_out_my_serbu_super_shorty_huge_shout_out_to

 

[CadeH]

I still don't get what a AOW is either, or why I want it

Pistol with an overall length of under 26" and a vertical foregrip is an AOW, shotgun with an OAL under 26" and no stock is an AOW. I have two stamps pending- a 300bo pistol I want a VFG on and a PGO maverick cruiser I want to chop the barrel down on.

 

[TheRatDragon]

I still don't get what a AOW is either, or why I want it

You still don't know if you want one?

 

[TheRatDragon]

Well you'd be wrong I guess, one of my reps is a Republican https://ad07.asmrc.org/

For once I'm actually glad I'm wrong lol

 

[M_N04H]

I have a Shockwave in pieces right now that I want to put together. And an AR pistol I want to put a VFG on once approved.

You can AOW any pistol and put a VFG on it IIRC. P320, Echelon, change out the chassis, etc. It'll give you better legal protection.

 

[M_N04H]

Sent a msg to the ATF director, let's see if I get a reply.

 

[TheRatDragon]

Sent a msg to the ATF director, let's see if I get a reply.

Oh trust me, you definitely will my guy.

 

[Gawernator]

You still don't know if you want one?

This? https://hk-usa.com/product/mp5k/

SP5K-PDW - HK USA

Who wants a copy when you can own the real thing? The SP5K-PDW is semi-automatic civilian sporting version of the ultimate close quarters weapon – The HK MP5K. The “K” designation is from the German word for short – kurz; thus the K model’s shorter barrel and receiver. But no…

hk-usa.com

 

[joefrank64k]

This? https://hk-usa.com/product/mp5k/

SP5K-PDW - HK USA

Who wants a copy when you can own the real thing? The SP5K-PDW is semi-automatic civilian sporting version of the ultimate close quarters weapon – The HK MP5K. The “K” designation is from the German word for short – kurz; thus the K model’s shorter barrel and receiver. But no…

hk-usa.com

Could be.

But if you had an SEF trigger group in it, then it’s also a machine gun.

There are ‘two stamp’ firearms (e.g. SBR and MG).

 

[Gawernator]

Could be.

But if you had an SEF trigger group in it, then it’s also a machine gun.

There are ‘two stamp’ firearms (e.g. SBR and MG).

the SP5 version is semi auto so it takes care of the machine gun issue, it's a pistol (??) with no stock so not a SBR... right? These legal differences are somewhat mental gymnastics

 

[M_N04H]

the SP5 version is semi auto so it takes care of the machine gun issue, it's a pistol (??) with no stock so not a SBR... right? These legal differences are somewhat mental gymnastics

Pistol with a brace = not SBR
Pistol with a brace and VFG = AOW

Never needs saying around here: correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[joefrank64k]

the SP5 version is semi auto so it takes care of the machine gun issue, it's a pistol (??) with no stock so not a SBR... right? These legal differences are somewhat mental gymnastics

Yes, SP5 with a VFG = AOW

I have a few AOWs.

One is your basic Remington 870. It was a PG from the factory, so it was never a shotgun (‘shotgun’ is designed or redesigned to fire from the shoulder). It was an ‘other’. With short barrel, it’s an AOW. Here it is next to a KSG for scale.



Next is a Remington Shockwave 870 DM. In free states, no stamp needed. In CA, need an AOW stamp (not my pic but mine is just like this):



I’ve also got an AR-10 308 pistol with a VFG. No pic of it handy. It’s an AOW too.

 

[M_N04H]

My Shockwave can fire short shells out of the box, it's the 590S. Cmoooon ATF help us out here.

 

[Gawernator]

Yes, SP5 with a VFG = AOW

I have a few AOWs.

One is your basic Remington 870. It was a PG from the factory, so it was never a shotgun (‘shotgun’ is designed or redesigned to fire from the shoulder). It was an ‘other’. With short barrel, it’s an AOW. Here it is next to a KSG for scale.

View attachment 226916

Next is a Remington Shockwave 870 DM. In free states, no stamp needed. In CA, need an AOW stamp (not my pic but mine is just like this):

View attachment 226917

I’ve also got an AR-10 308 pistol with a VFG. No pic of it handy. It’s an AOW too.

So how do we go about getting a legal AOW here? I can just buy it?

 

[M_N04H]

So how do we go about getting a legal AOW here? I can just buy it?

Depends on what you're looking to get. Any ideas?

 

[joefrank64k]

So how do we go about getting a legal AOW here? I can just buy it?

It gets tricky because CA considers some AOWs to be pistols (the Remington 870 for example).

They’re obviously off-roster, so there needs to be a clear path to roster-exempt via SSE2 so the AOW can be delivered in DROS. They get delivered via Form 4.

All that said, you can also make your own AOW via Form 1. This is where a lot of folks in CA are running into roadblocks with the ATF right now. The ATF needs to verify that what you’re building is legal in your state. CA has gone radio silent and isn’t responding to ATF’s requests. The ATF then delays/denies the stamp.

This happened to me a few years ago trying to AOW a Taurus Judge by adding a VFG. CA told the ATF that it would be an SBS (even though AOW’s are exempt from SBS status under CA law). ATF denied the stamp. We tried to appeal, show the laws, etc but ATF wouldn’t budge.

With this much more 2A friendly admin, here’s hoping this latest BS gets addressed!!

 

[Gawernator]

Depends on what you're looking to get. Any ideas?

The SP5k

 

[M_N04H]

The SP5k

WTS Zenith ZF5P SSE MP5K SP5k

Limited Stock

• Seller
• May 11, 2026
• Updated Sep 28, 2026
• Expires Nov 7, 2026
• Views: 2K
• Reaction score: 6
• Category: Commercial Listings

$2,199.99

22 watching

I think these are clones but feature wise it looks like what you're looking for. The point is, we can get them. If you want a forward VFG, then you apply for Form 1 with it. It's essentially what I'm doing with my AR pistol. Just needs to be mag locked since it's a pistol and mag is outside the grip.

 

[M_N04H]

Nice thing about 320s or Echelon in a chassis? No mag lock required. But the same forward grip rules apply.

 

[Gawernator]

Nice thing about 320s or Echelon in a chassis? No mag lock required. But the same forward grip rules apply.

I can put my M18 into a chassis? How does that work? Isn't that an AW

Raider X P320 - FLUX Defense

The Flux Raider X P320 Chassis System — a stronger, lighter, and faster PDW upgrade for your Sig P320, M17, or M18. Built from special operations feedback, with over a dozen enhancements for durability, reliability, ergonomics, and compatibility. Not a firearm. Know your local laws and upgrade...

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