What is ATF’s firearm destruction policy?

ATF’s firearm destruction policy requires destruction of the entire firearm, including all parts. ATF does not resell firearms or firearm parts. ATF recognizes that state and local law enforcement agencies may have different laws and policies governing their disposition of seized firearms. If the policy of a state or local law enforcement agency is to lawfully dispose of firearms through destruction, the recommended best practice is to destroy the entire firearm, including all parts (slides, barrels, etc.). This is particularly important given the increasing criminal use of untraceable privately made firearms (“ghost guns”), which are often assembled with used firearm parts.

Last Reviewed May 14, 2024