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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 2005 - October - Nevada - All FFLs - Nevada's Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permits No Longer Alternative to NICS Check [PDF - 37.38 KB]

This letter is superseded by ATF's Jan. 5, 2006, open letter.  The purpose of this letter is to inform Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that beginning Oct. 19, 2005, 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 2005 - October - Alaska - All FFLs - Alaska Concealed Handgun Permits Marked "NICS Exempt" Qualify as NICS Check Alternative [PDF - 38.9 KB]

This open letter informs Alaska Federal firearms licensees that beginning Oct. 19, 2005, only Alaska Concealed Handgun Permits marked "NICS EXEMPT" will qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - October - Northern Mariana Islands - All FFLs - Northern Mariana Island Weapons Identification [PDF - 38.5 KB]

This open letter informs Northern Mariana Island Federal firearms licensees that beginning Oct. 19, 2005, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island Weapons Identification Card Permits no longer qualifies as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005-4 - Ported Device Attached to the Barrel of a Paintball Gun [PDF - 13.4 KB]

Certain integral devices intended to diminish the report of paintball guns are not “firearm silencers” or “firearm mufflers” under the Gun Control Act of 1968 or the National Firearms Act.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - August - All FFLs - Extension of Time to Effect Importation of Approved Permits for Frames, Receivers or Barrels [PDF - 33.62 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to provide important updated information to importers concerning the lawful importation of certain frames, receivers and barrels.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - July - All FFLs - Importation of Frames, Receivers or Barrels of Firearms Under Title 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3) [PDF - 40.9 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to provide important information to importers concerning the lawful importation of certain frames, receivers and barrels.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - July - All FFLs - Importation of U.S. Manufactured Surplus Military Firearms Classified as Curios or Relics [PDF - 100.63 KB]

This Open Letter is to advise all Federal Firearms Licensees and registered importers of U.S. munitions import list articles that ATF was advised by the Department of State, on a case-by-case basis, permit the retransfer of U.S. manufacturing military firearms that were sold or granted by the United States Government classified by ATF as curios or relics.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - July - All FFLs - Department of State Rescinded Sanctions on Trade in Defense Articles and Services From South Africa [PDF - 70.81 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to inform licensed firearms importers and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles that the United States Department of State has rescinded the sanctions on trade in defense articles and services from South Africa.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - April - Georgia - All FFLs - Georgia Crime Information Center Ceases Operations as NICS Point of Contact [PDF - 35.18 KB]

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that on July 1, 2005, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) will cease to operate as the point of contact (POC) for the National Instant Background Check (NICS) program, and to further advise you of the affect these changes may have on firearms transactions conducted under your Federal firearms license.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2005 - January - National - All FFLs - Fabrique Nationale FR 5.7 Pistol [PDF - 530 KB]

The letter provides information in response to numerous questions that ATF has received regarding the capabilities of the 5.7 X 28mm cartridge and the FR 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) pistol.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2004 - December - All FFLs - Establishment of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System Voluntary Appeal File [PDF - 14.87 KB]

The purpose of this letter is to inform Federal firearms licensees that the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System's (NICS) Voluntary Appeal File (VAF) has been established.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2003 - November - Washington - Washington Concealed Weapons Permits No Longer Valid Alternative to NICS Checks [PDF - 144.67 KB]

The open letter is to inform all Washington State federal firearms licensees that as of Nov. 30, 2003, all the grandfathered permits will have expired, and Washington FFLs may longer accept a Washington concealed weapons permit as an alternative to a NICS check.

Published/Revised:

Last Updated: December 2, 2025

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