Just go the trust route. Some class 3 dealers will help you out with the paperwork. No fingerprints, no CLEO sign off, just fill it out, get it notarized, pay the fee for setting up the trust (mine was $50), pay for your item and the $200 tax stamp, and you are good to go.
Then sit back and forget about it for a while, mine took 6 months for ATF approval.