What is the procedure for a pawnbroker to return a pawned firearm?

The redemption of a pawned firearm is a "disposition" subject to all the recordkeeping requirements under the Gun Control Act (GCA).

  1. Dispositions must be properly entered in the pawnbroker’s acquisition and disposition record,
  2. An ATF Form 4473 must be executed, and
  3. A NICS background check completed in connection with the redemption.

[18 U.S.C. 922(t), 923(g); 27 CFR 478.102, 478.124 and 478.125]

Last Reviewed July 9, 2020