Firearms Publications Library
ATF occasionally issues publications to inform the industries it regulates and the general public about the laws and regulations administered and enforced by ATF. These include guidebooks, newsletters, brochures, studies, and reports.
| Title | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
 North Dakota-Apr2000-Open Letter-Correction Notice-Qualifying Permit Alternatives to NICS Check (1.91 MB) |
This open letter has been rescinded. The provisions of North Dakota law regarding the issuance of concealed weapons permits were recently amended. Based on these changes, concealed weapons permits issued on or after December 1, 1999, will now qualify as alternatives to a NICS check at the time of transfer. | Firearms |
|
Vermont-Dec2000-Open Letter-Notice of Amendment for Vermont Firearms Background Checks (3.46 MB) |
This open letter has been rescinded. The State of Vermont has advised us that effective February 1, 2002, it will no longer act as a point of contact for NICS checks. In the absence of any further Vermont legislation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will assume responsibility for conducting NICS checks for firearms transactions in Vermont on February 1, 2002. | Firearms |
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Oregon-Dec2000-Open Letter-Notice of Amendment for All Oregon Firearms Background Checks (100.58 KB) |
This letter has been rescinded. The provision of Oregon State law regarding all firearms background checks was recently amended. Effective December 8, 2000, the Oregon State Police will act as the point of contact for all firearms background checks (handguns and long guns). | Firearms |
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All FFLs-Jan2001-Open Letter-"Do's" and "Don'ts" for Curio or Relic Firearms Collectors (113.71 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to apprise Federally licensed collectors of pertinent regulations of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA). In this letter are some major “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for collectors that are based on these provisions.
| Firearms |
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All FFLs-Apr2001-Open Letter-End of Registration Period for Streetsweeper, Striker-12, and USAS-12 Shotguns (87.53 KB) |
On February 9, 2001, ATF published a ruling that establishes a final deadline and ends the registration period for individuals who are currently in possession of the Streetsweeper, Striker-12, and the USAS-12 shotguns. The registration period for these shotguns will expire on May 1, 2001.
| Firearms |
|
Idaho-Oct1998-Firearms-Establishment of National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) (2.63 MB) |
This open letter has been rescinded. The purpose of this open letter is to advise you of an important change to the procedure you may follow to comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, when transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person. This open letter supersedes the document by the same title, posted on April 8, 2010. | Firearms |
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California-May2015-Open Letter-Guidance for Completing ATF Forms 4473 while Complying with California DOJ DROS DES Transaction Procedures. (174.88 KB) |
The ATF has received inquiries from California Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) concerning the correct procedure for completing Firearms Transaction Records, ATF Forms 4473, while complying with the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) Entry System (DES) transaction procedures.
| Firearms |
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Kentucky-May-2015-Open Letter-Guidance on Alternative Permit Procedures that Comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act (62.49 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to provide clarification and guidance on alternative permit procedures that comply with the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act (Brady law) for firearms transfers to unlicensed persons in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This open letter supersedes the 2006 Open Letter to All Kentucky Federal Firearms Licensees with respect to alternatives to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) background check.
| Firearms |
|
NFA Advisory to FFLs - Scams Using Fraudulent or Manipulated NFA Registration Documents (21.47 KB) |
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is advising the public to be aware of fraudulent National Firearms Act (NFA) tax registration forms being used to sell NFA firearms. Some individuals are presenting altered NFA Form 4’s to prospective buyers in order to obtain a deposit, but never deliver the firearms. | Firearms |
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New Mexico-Nov1998-Open Letter-Correction Notice-Permanent Provisions of the Brady Law (3.11 MB) |
This open letter has been rescinded. This correction notice is to advise all New Mexico Federal firearms licensees that the New Mexico Department of Public Safety will no longer participate as the NICS point of contact. | Firearms |