In instances where firearms are ordered and have not arrived, may an FFL postpone recording serial number information in item 3 of Form 4473 until after the transferee has completed Section B, and then complete item 3 after the arrival of the firearm?

No. The heading to Section A of Form 4473 requires the federal firearms licensee (FFL) to identify the firearm(s) to be transferred by recording the serial number in response to Section A, item 3, prior to the transferee/buyer completing Section B. Thus, a transferee/buyer may not complete Section B on the Form 4473 before the licensee identifies the firearm(s) to be transferred by serial number in Section A, item 3.

Additionally, item 21.a. states: “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form and any continuation sheet(s)?” In order to accurately answer question 21.a., the transferee/buyer must be able to review the firearm information recorded in Section A.

[27 CFR 478.21

Last Reviewed July 8, 2021