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Firearms Publications

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.

Document type Title and Description
Regulatory 2008 - August - South Carolina - All FFLs - Amendment to South Carolina Law Prohibiting Handgun Sales to Persons Under 18 Years of Age [PDF - 103.51 KB]

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the recent amendment to Section 16-23-30, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to the unlawful sale of handguns to certain person, so as to prohibit the sale of a handgun to persons under eighteen years of age rather than under twenty-one years of age has no effect on federal firearms laws and regulations.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2008 - June - All FFLs - Clarification for Firearms Importers on the Importability of Firearms Barrels [PDF - 178.41 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance to federally licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles and clarification on the importability of firearms barrels.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2008 - May - All FFLs - Security Firms Temporarily Assigning Firearms to Unlicensed Employees [PDF - 95.91 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to inform security firms and other persons who have federal firearms licenses (FFLs), and who may temporarily assign firearms to their unlicensed employees in furtherance of legitimate business purposes, of the statutory and regulatory requirements that affect them.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2008 - May - Nevada- All FFLs - Nevada's Carry Concealed Weapon Permits No Longer Qualify as NICS Check Alternative [PDF - 92.51 KB]

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that beginning July 1, 2008, Nevada's Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) permits will no longer qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2008-1 - Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC Rifle [PDF - 11.32 KB]

The upper assembly of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC rifle is classified as the receiver of the firearm for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2008 - May - All FFLs - Procedural Guidance for Licensed and/or Registered Importers for ATF Form 6A [PDF - 299.9 KB]

This open letter is a reminder of the procedures to follow when completing ATF Form 6A as outlined in 27 CFR 478.112 and on the instruction page of the form.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2007 - June - All FFLs - Post Office Boxes or Rural Route Numbers as Residence Address [PDF - 295.3 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance regarding firearms transferees whose only identification documents indicate only Post Office Box or Rural Route number as a residence address.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2007 - June - Kentucky - Amendment to What Was Formerly Known as Kentucky's Contiguous State Law [PDF - 249.97 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to advise that the recent amendment to what was formerly known as Kentucky's contiguous state law has no effect on federal firearms laws and regulations.

Published/Revised:

Newsletter January 2007 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 2.42 MB]

Based upon feedback from the industry and ATP personnel, ATF is enhancing the Federal firearms license (FPL). The enhancements will give the license a new updated look, including larger print for ease ofreadability. A wallet-sized information card with your license number will also be provided.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2007-3 - Preloading and Temporary Storage of Blasting Agents on Bulk Delivery Vehicles [PDF - 20.31 KB]

Under specified conditions, blasting agents may be stored in mobile type 5 magazines (bulk trucks) without meeting 27 CFR 555.211 immobilization requirements.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2006-2 - Classification of Devices Exclusively Designed to Increase the Rate of Fire of a Semiautomatic Firearm [PDF - 67.72 KB]

The NFA and GCA definition of machinegun includes a part or parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. This language includes a device that, when activated by a single pull of the trigger, initiates an automatic firing cycle that continues until the finger is released or the ammunition supply is exhausted.

Published/Revised:

Publication Gun Free School Zone Notice - ATF P 5310.1 [PDF - 933.2 KB]

This notice provides information about the laws and public responsibility regarding firearms near to or in school zones. 

Published/Revised:

Last Updated: December 2, 2025

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