All of my NFA stuff has been done as an individual. I have several reasons for that, but there are times when I wish I had a trust because I'm not getting any younger and it would make transfer to my heirs more simple since I could list them on the trust beforehand because I would not be around to help them wade through the paperwork after I kick the bucket obviously.
They will still transfer tax free to whomever I choose regardless of whether individual or trust, and the executor of the estate would still be legally allowed to be in possession and handle the transfer in my absence, but I would feel better about it if I could just write a few names down and be done.
That is the only reason that I would prefer a trust.
As for allowing other people access to my NFA stuff, I don't do that now, so the short answer is I won't do it later either. For that matter, only close family even know about their existence. It's not like my neighbors knocks on my door to borrow my suppressed machinegun. Privacy and OPSEC takes precedence to keep the thieves at bay. You can't steal what you don't know about or can't find. Don't advertise.
They will still transfer tax free to whomever I choose regardless of whether individual or trust, and the executor of the estate would still be legally allowed to be in possession and handle the transfer in my absence, but I would feel better about it if I could just write a few names down and be done.
That is the only reason that I would prefer a trust.
As for allowing other people access to my NFA stuff, I don't do that now, so the short answer is I won't do it later either. For that matter, only close family even know about their existence. It's not like my neighbors knocks on my door to borrow my suppressed machinegun. Privacy and OPSEC takes precedence to keep the thieves at bay. You can't steal what you don't know about or can't find. Don't advertise.