Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪɒw] (IPA) 
The word "AOW" is a non-standard spelling of the sound /aʊ/, which is a diphthong that is commonly heard in the English language. This sound is made up of a combination of two vowel sounds, namely /a/ and /ʊ/. A common way to spell this sound is with the letters "au" or "ow" (e.g. "house," "about"). However, the spelling "AOW" is not commonly used and may cause confusion for those unfamiliar with this non-standard spelling.
AOW is an acronym that stands for "Any Other Weapon." It is a legal classification under the National Firearms Act (NFA) in the United States. According to the NFA, AOW refers to a specific type of firearm or weapon that does not fit into other defined categories like rifles, shotguns, or handguns.
An AOW is defined by its own distinct characteristics. It typically includes weapons such as smoothbore pistols, firearms with both rifled and smooth barrels of less than 18 inches in length, disguised firearms, and certain concealable weapons that can be fired from within a briefcase or similar container.
A key aspect of AOWs is that they require a tax stamp and the completion of an ATF Form 4 for legal possession. This means that individuals who wish to own or transfer an AOW must undergo a background check and pay a required tax to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The classification of AOWs aims to ensure that these unconventional firearms are subject to strict regulations due to their potential for misuse or concealability. The NFA's inclusion of AOW as a separate category emphasizes the need for increased control over these weapons to maintain public safety and prevent their potential misuse.
Overall, AOW is a legal classification under the NFA that refers to unconventional firearms or weapons that do not fit into other defined categories. It requires a tax stamp and complies with specific regulations enforced by the ATF.
