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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
Report Firearms Trace Data: United States and Territories - 2014 - Firearm Types Recovered and Traced [XLSX - 19.87 KB]

This is an Excel spreadsheet containing the type of firearms that have been traced and recovered in the U.S. and territories from Jan. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2014.

Published/Revised:

Report Firearms Trace Data: United States and Territories - 2014 - Categories Associated with Firearms Recovered and Traced [XLSX - 32.52 KB]

This report provides detailed firearms trace data to assist law enforcement with criminal investigations. It includes statistics from Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2014.

Published/Revised:

Report Firearms Trace Data: United States and Territories - 2014 - Age of Possessor - Firearms Recovered and Traced [XLSX - 18.24 KB]

Information from the 2014 Firearms Trace Data report. Data includes the firearms sourced and recovered in the United States and territories, sorted by age of the possessor.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2014–18392 - Elimination of Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume) (2008R–21P) - Final Rule [PDF - 198.81 KB]

The effective date of this final rule is Oct. 3, 2014.The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by eliminating the Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Low Volume (LV)), Parts I and II. Federally licensed firearms dealers used this form as an alternate record for the receipt and disposition of firearms. Because licensees rarely use Form 4473 (LV), ATF has determined that continued use of this form is unwarranted and it should be eliminated. Licensees will be required to use the standard Form 4473 for all dispositions and maintain a record of the acquisition and disposition of firearms in accordance with the regulations. 

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2016 - May - Ohio - All FFLs - Concealed Handgun License Qualifies as Alternative to Background Check [PDF - 62.79 KB]

The purpose of this open letter is to advise all Ohio FFLs that Ohio's concealed handgun license qualifies as an alternative to the background check requirement.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2016-1 - Requirements to Keep Firearms Records Electronically [PDF - 156.2 KB]

Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors to maintain their firearms acquisition and disposition records electronically instead of in paper format provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.  Supersedes ATF Ruling 2013-5.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2016-2 - Electronic ATF Form 4473 [PDF - 159.83 KB]

Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs to use an electronic version of Form 4473, instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.  Supersedes ATF Rul. 2008-3.

Published/Revised:

Publication Firearms Identification and Tracing Poster - ATF I 3317.5 [PDF - 1.91 MB]

Complete description of firearm, possessor, associate and recovery information  to ensure comprehensive tracing of all recovered firearms using ATF Form 3312.1 dated January 2007.

Published/Revised:

Publication ATF Firearms Tracing Guide - ATF P 3312.13 [PDF - 3.09 MB]

This booklet will help you understand the firearms trace process. It contains instructions on requesting a trace; understanding trace results; capabilities of comprehensive firearms tracing; and, how to establish a tracing program.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory ATF Rul. 2011-1 - Consolidation of Required Records for Importers - Jan. 26, 2011 [PDF - 75.33 KB]

ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure from the firearms acquisition and disposition recordkeeping requirements of 27 CFR 478.122. Specifically, ATF authorizes licensed importers to consolidate their records of importation or other acquisition of firearms and their separate firearms disposition records, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2012–13770 - Interim Final Rule - Residency Requirements for Aliens Acquiring Firearms (2011R–23P) - June 7, 2012 [PDF - 236.18 KB]

The Department of Justice is amending the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by removing the 90- day State residency requirement for aliens lawfully present in the United States to purchase or acquire a firearm. The Department has determined that the Gun Control Act does not permit ATF to impose a regulatory requirement that aliens lawfully present in the United States are subject to a 90-day State residency requirement when such a requirement is not applicable to U.S. citizens. In addition, upon the effective date of this interim final rule the provisions of ATF Ruling 2004–1 will become obsolete.

Published/Revised:

Regulatory 2012–13762 - Final Rule - Firearms Disabilities for Certain Nonimmigrant Aliens (2001R–332P) - June 7, 2012 [PDF - 238.73 KB]

In 2002, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) published an interim final rule implementing the provision of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, relating to firearms disabilities for certain nonimmigrant aliens. That regulation implemented the law by prohibiting, with certain exceptions, the sale or disposition of firearms or ammunition to, and the possession, shipment, transportation, or receipt of firearms or ammunition by, nonimmigrant aliens.

Published/Revised:

Last Updated: December 2, 2025

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