The Antithesis Solution: Franklin Armory’s New Non-NFA Firearm

In recent years, we’ve seen plenty of attempts to reimagine what a “firearm” can be under American law. Franklin Armory has introduced the Antithesis, a new short-barreled firearm that stands apart from traditional rifle and shotgun classifications. Engineered to fire both single and multiple projectile ammunition, the Antithesis is regulated only under the Gun Control Act—meaning no NFA tax, registry, or long waiting period. Available in several configurations, it brings AR-platform ergonomics to those seeking versatility with minimal legal hurdles - just your standard Form 4473.

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The Antithesis Solution: Franklin Armory’s New Non-NFA Firearm

Franklin Armory Declares Independence from the NFA with Antithesis™

Antithesis™ creates a new class of rifled, short-barrel firearm with no need for NFA registration – Available and transferrable simply as a “firearm” on Form 4473

MINDEN, Nev. – September 17, 2024 – Franklin Armory, one of America’s leading manufacturers of innovative firearms and accessories, announced today the launch of Antithesis™, a new class of rifled, short-barrel firearm completely unregulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA). Franklin Armory is now shipping 12.5-inch, 12-inch, and 7.5-inch barreled configurations of the new Antithesis™ SBF™ (Short-barreled Franklin) firearm line, each chambered in 5.56 NATO.

Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ features a rifled barrel, yet is free and clear from any NFA restrictions due to its unique characteristic of being designed and intended to fire both single and multiple projectile fixed cartridges. A Federal District Court earlier this year ruled that Antithesis™ cannot be considered a rifle under either the NFA or the Gun Control Act (GCA) based on definitions used in both statutes. Antithesis™ is simply a GCA-only regulated “firearm.” As Judge Daniel M. Traynor opined:

Franklin Armory designed the Antithesis to fire multiple kinds of ammunition. The weapon does not fire only a single projectile. Firing multiple projectiles is not incidental or a by-product. The Antithesis is a square peg and calling it round will not change how it fits into the round hole of these statutes. Therefore, ATF exceeded its authority by not giving the plain meaning to the words of the statute.

This complete absolution of Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ from NFA regulations is further codified through a consent decree between the manufacturer and the U.S. Department of Justice. As affirmed in the agreement and adjudicated by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, Antithesis™ firearms are:

Not “firearm” under 26 U.S.C. § 5845(a),

Not “short-barreled rifle” under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(8),

Not subject to the requirements of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(4) and 18 U.S.C. § 922(b)(4)

 Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ SBF™ can now be purchased and transferred simply as a “firearm” on Form 4473. Furthermore, Antithesis™ SBF™ firearms are not subject to onerous NFA restrictions regarding interstate transport or interfamilial possession.

"Prior ATF officials called our ideas 'absurd,' but the court's plain reading of the statutes has vindicated our logical conclusions," said Franklin Armory President Jay Jacobson. "We have lived with the NFA for 91 years. Thanks to the current administration's willingness to resolve the matter, we now have more ways to enjoy our Second Amendment."

To learn more about the available configurations now shipping from Franklin Armory’s Antithesis™ SBF™ lineup, visit FranklinArmory.com. To inquire about testing and evaluation for Antithesis™ and other Franklin Armory products, please email media@franklinarmory.com. You can also keep up to date on new product announcements by following the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Rumble, and YouTube.

Licensing Antithesis™

Recognizing the potential for Antithesis™ to positively impact the larger firearms industry, Franklin Armory is offering licensing rights to other manufacturers. Manufacturers interested in licensing Antithesis™ can send emails of inquiry for additional details to licensing@franklinarmory.com.

The federal court ruling and ATF reclassification of the Antithesis firearm are a pretty significant turning point for American gun owners. Unlike short-barreled rifles or shotguns, the Antithesis is explicitly classified as a standard firearm under the Gun Control Act and not regulated by the National Firearms Act. This means buyers are no longer subject to NFA requirements—no tax stamp, registration, or extended waiting periods—opening the door for immediate, over-the-counter purchase and transfer through Form 4473. The legal settlement also removes more restrictions on interstate transport and allows simplified familial transfers, making ownership more accessible and convenient for responsible users.

For consumers and dealers, this clarity provides new freedom in selecting and transferring innovative firearms without fear of regulatory pitfalls or sudden reclassification. Antithesis sets a precedent for future firearm designs that challenge and refine federal definitions, promising further shifts in the way short-barreled and multi-projectile firearms are regulated in America. It’s a development that not only sharpens the lines of lawful commerce but also underscores the importance of continued engagement in Second Amendment jurisprudence.