Firearms Publications

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: May 5, 2008

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: July 7, 2007

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: June 25, 2007

What's In This Issue: Federal Firearms License Enhancements; Scanned or Emailed Copies of Federal Firearms Licenses; New Email Service Available to Federal Firearms Licensees; Changes and Improvements to FFL eZ Check; Requirements of Pawn Dealers Performing a Pre-Pawn NICS Check; ATF Requirement to Update Licensee Contact Information; Violent Crime Impact Teams Stop Criminals From Unlawfully Engaging in the Business of Dealing in Firearms; Use of Trade Names in Conducting Internet Sales of Firearms; Results from FY05 Firearms Compliance Inspections; ATF Form 4473 Completion and NICS Checks

Published/Revised: January 30, 2007

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: January 26, 2007

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: December 13, 2006

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

Published/Revised: October 1, 2006

This letter is to provide information to tribal law enforcement departments regarding the Omnibus Consolidation Appropriations Act of 1997.  This Act made it unlawful for any person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (MCDV) to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunitions.

Published/Revised: August 16, 2006

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the Kentucky Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon License (CCDWL) issued on or after July 12, 2006, will qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

Published/Revised: July 12, 2006

The purpose of this letter is to advise you of an important change to the procedure you may follow beginning July 1, 2006. On this day, Georgia's Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) will again qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check. Accordingly, the Oct. 17, 2005, Open Letter to Georgia Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) is superseded.

Published/Revised: July 1, 2006

ATF is offering federal firearms licensees (FFLs) a new option to receive ATF information by email. This voluntary service will allow FFLs to receive newsletters, open letters, and important notices by email.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2006

This open letter provides information regarding the effect of adding a vertical fore grip to a handgun, therefore making it a firearm that falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Published/Revised: May 4, 2006