Publications

ATF has issued a new ruling determining that the projectiles and projectile cores used to assemble SS109/M855 cartridges are exempt from the definition of “armor piercing ammunition” under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B). Although SS109/M855 cartridges themselves were exempted in 1986 as primarily intended for sporting purposes, their steel‑core projectiles remained classified as armor‑piercing. ATF has now concluded that these projectiles are likewise primarily intended for sporting purposes and therefore must be included within the existing exemption. As a result, they may be manufactured, sold, and delivered in accordance with the Gun Control Act provisions applicable to ammunition under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A).

Published/Revised: July 2, 2026

ATF has issued a new ruling determining that the BolaWrap 150, a remote non‑lethal restraint device, is not a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA) and not an “any other weapon” (AOW) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Because the device functions as an instrument of restraint rather than an instrument of offensive or defensive combat, it does not meet the statutory definition of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3). Citing the Supreme Court’s 2025 definition of “weapon” as an instrument of combat, ATF concluded that the BolaWrap 150 is neither a firearm nor a weapon‑like device regulated under the NFA, 26 U.S.C. §§ 5845(a) and 5845(e).

Published/Revised: July 2, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(13). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. 

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.  

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(12). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.  

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. 

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(14). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.  

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General information sheet on whistleblower information for employees of DOJ contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees, or personal services contractors.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(3). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(10). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

This information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

U.S. Office of Special Counsel information sheet on prohibited personnel practices. Last updated 2026.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

U.S. Office of Special Counsel information sheet on disclosures of wrongdoing, prohibited personnel practices, and MSPB appeals. Last updated 2026. 

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

2024 - Annual Firearms Manufacturers and Export Report (AFMER)

Published/Revised: May 15, 2026

ATF’s National Tracing Center (NTC) identifies shooters within hours of mass casualty events. It dismantles trafficking networks moving weapons to cartels and foreign criminal organizations. It gives investigators the lead they need when no other lead exists. Read the full fact sheet to learn more about how the NTC works.

Published/Revised: May 14, 2026

Program information for the National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) for 2026-2027.

Published/Revised: May 13, 2026

These are management system documents utilized by ATF Laboratories. They are provided for informational purposes only. These documents are current as of Feb. 23, 2026.

Published/Revised: March 10, 2026

Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) must report to ATF each missing, lost, or stolen firearm from the FFL's inventory or collection within 48 hours of discovery of the loss or theft by completing and forwarding a Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report (ATF Form 3310.11). In addition, the FFL must also report the firearm theft or loss to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. 

Published/Revised: March 5, 2026

 In this package you will find a “draft” Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), Canine Program Application, and procedural flow chart.

Published/Revised: March 3, 2026