Firearms
The Bureau and Law Enforcement
ATF recognizes the role that firearms play in violent crimes and pursues an integrated regulatory and enforcement strategy. Investigative priorities focus on armed violent offenders and career criminals, narcotics traffickers, narco-terrorists, violent gangs, and domestic and international arms traffickers. Sections 924(c) and (e) of Title 18 of the United States Code provide mandatory and enhanced sentencing guidelines for armed career criminals and narcotics traffickers as well as other dangerous armed criminals.
ATF uses these statutes to target, investigate and recommend prosecution of these offenders to reduce the level of violent crime and to enhance public safety. ATF also strives to increase State and local awareness of available Federal prosecution under these statutes. To curb the illegal use of firearms and enforce the Federal firearms laws, ATF issues firearms licenses and conducts firearms licensee qualification and compliance inspections. In addition to aiding the enforcement of Federal requirements for gun purchases, compliance inspections of existing licensees focus on assisting law enforcement to identify and apprehend criminals who illegally purchase firearms.
The inspections also help improve the likelihood that crime gun traces will be successful, since inspectors educate licensees in proper record keeping and business practices.
Federal Firearms Licensees
The Tools and Services for Licensees section contains information for the firearms industry and its members, classifications of firearms and the interpretation of the regulations codified under 27 CFR, Parts 447, 478 and 479.
If you need assistance regarding firearms enforcement-related issues, please contact your local ATF office.
National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment (NFCTA): Firearms in Commerce - Volume One
The National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment is a comprehensive report on firearms commerce and trafficking. This volume presents and analyzes data collected by ATF and other federal agencies related to the manufacture, exportation, and importation of firearms.
Download the NFCTA - Volume One
What's New
NEW May 9, 2022: Overview of Final Rule 2021R-05F Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms
NEW May 9, 2022: Training Aid for Final Rule 2021R-05F Definition of "Frame or Receiver" and Identification of Firearms
May 6, 2022: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested – Action: 60-day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Manufacturers of Ammunition, Records and Supporting Data of Ammunition Manufactured and Disposed of - Comment period: May 6, 2022 - July 5, 2022
April 27, 2022: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested – Action: 30-day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Forensic Firearm Training Request for Non-ATF Employees (Form 7110.15) - Comment period: April 27, 2022 - May 27, 2022
April 26, 2022: Final Rule - Definition of ‘‘Frame or Receiver’’ and Identification of Firearms
March 31, 2022: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection of eComments Requested – Action: 60-day; Records of Acquisition and Disposition, Collectors of Firearms - Comment Period: March 31, 2022 - May 31, 2022
March 24, 2022: Open Letter to All Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) - Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs)
February 24, 2022: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed eCollection; eComments Requested – Action: 60-day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Forensic Firearm Training Request for Non-ATF Employees (Form 7110.15 (January 2022)) - Comment period: February 24, 2022 - April 25, 2022
January 4, 2022: Final Rule – Secure Gun Storage and Definition of ‘‘Antique Firearm’’
Current Processing Times for ATF Applications (Paper and eForms)