Firearms Publications

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: July 13, 2005

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: July 12, 2005

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and registered importers of U.S. Munitions Import List Articles that the United States Department of State has rescinded the sanctions on trade in defense articles and services from South Africa.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: July 11, 2005

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: April 29, 2005

In an effort to keep Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) abreast of changing firearms laws and regulations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will provide semi-annual FFL Newsletters. In furtherance of our goal to provide you with up-to-date information, ATF will publish the newsletters in February and August of each year and distribute them to each FFL.

Published/Revised: February 28, 2005

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: January 20, 2005

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: December 15, 2004

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: December 15, 2004

The letter provides information on ATF's findings with regards to the improperly destroyed Russian GP-30 grenade launcher, which is classified as a destructive device.   

Published/Revised: October 14, 2004

This open letter is to advise the import community of the provisions of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 that no longer apply to the manufacture, transfer and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAWs) and to transfer and possess large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFDs).

Published/Revised: September 13, 2004

On April 1, 2004, Attorney General John Ashcroft announced that Carl J. Truscott will serve as the new Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), where he will be responsible for the Bureau’s enforcement of Federal firearms, explosives, and arson laws, as well as its jurisdiction relative to the Federal alcohol and tobacco diversion laws.

Published/Revised: August 30, 2004

The 7.62mm Aircraft Machine Gun, identified in the U.S. military inventory as the "M-134" (Army), "GAU-2B/A" (Air Force), and "GAU-17/A" (Navy), is a machinegun as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(b). Rev. Rul. 55-528 modified.

Published/Revised: August 4, 2004