Publications Library
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.
| Title | Description | Category | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 Federal Firearms Licensees Newsletter 1989 Volume 2 (369 KB) |
What’s In This Issue: OUT-OF-STATE AND MAIL ORDER SALES; "STRAW PURCHASES" OF FIREARMS; FIREARMS TRANSACTION RECORDS ON TITLE II TRANSFERS; ATF DISTRIBUTION CENTER; ARMOR PIERCING AMMUNITION-UPDATE; CHANGE OF CONTROL; FORM 4473 OMISSIONS AND DISCREPANCIES; SALES TO UNDERAGED PERSONS; SPECIAL OCCUPATIONAL TAX; ATF IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS; PERMIT TO CARRY CONCEALED WEAPONS; ASSAULT RIFLES; GUN SHOW GUIDELINES
| Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Federal Firearms Licensees Newsletter - 1992, Volume 2 (353 KB) |
What's in this issue: Manufacturer's Annual Report Form 4483-A; Change of Address; Extension of Terms on Import Permits; Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax; Firearms Sales to Canadian Citizens; Renewal of Your License; List of Armor Piercing Ammunition
| Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Federal Firearms Licensees Newsletter – August 1997 (564 KB) |
What’s In This Issue: LEGISLATIVE ISSUES; NEW RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASERS; LICENSEE NOTIFICATION; ASSAULT WEAPON RECEIVERS; GOVERNMENTAL EXEMPTION TO SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPON BAN; IMPORTATION OF MACHINEGUNS; TRANSFER OF REGISTERED NFA WEAPONS IN A DECEDENT’S ESTATE; RETENTION OF REGISTERED MACHINEGUNS BY LICENSEES WHO DISCONTINUE BUSINESS; MEET THE NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST; GOING OUT OF BUSINESS; WALLET GUNS; IMPROVING SECURITY; ATF’S STOLEN FIREARMS PROGRAM
| Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Police Officer’s Guide to Recovered Firearms (ATF P 3312.12) (1967 KB) |
This guide provides basic information for law enforcement officers who recover firearms in the performance of their duties.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF P 5300.21: Best Practices: Transfers of Firearms by Private Sellers (165 KB) |
This publication provides best practices in regards to transfers of firearms by private sellers.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Gun Free School Zone Notice (ATF P 5310.1) (934 KB) |
This notice provides information about the laws and public responsibility regarding firearms near to or in school zones.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF I 5300.2 — Youth Handgun Safety Act Notice (97 KB) |
Federal law prohibits, except in certain limited circumstances, anyone under 18 years of age from knowingly possessing a handgun, or any person from selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun to a person under 18. A knowing violation of the prohibition against selling, delivering, or otherwise transferring a handgun to a person under the age of 18 is, under certain circumstances, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Curios or Relics List - Update January 2009 through June 2010 (223 KB) |
Firearms automatically attain curio or relic (C&R) status when they are 50 years old. Any firearm that is at least 50 years old, and in its original configuration, would qualify as a C&R firearm. It is not necessary for such firearms to be listed in ATF’s C&R list.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF P 5310.2 - Do I need a license to buy or sell firearms? (1401 KB) |
ATF guidance to help the public understand when those who buy and sell firearms must have a federal firearms license.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Curios or Relics List - Update January 2008 through June 2014.pdf (69 KB) |
Firearms automatically attain curio or relic (C&R) status when they are 50 years old. Any firearm that is at least 50 years old, and in its original configuration, would qualify as a C&R firearm. It is not necessary for such firearms to be listed in ATF’s C&R list.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
How to Conduct a Firearms Inventory, ATF P 5380.2 (207 KB) |
This publication provides guidelines on how to conduct a firearms inventory.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Loss Prevention for Firearms Retailers (441 KB) |
Loss prevention for firearms retailers. As a firearms retailer you have a risk of burglary, theft, and loss. This guide will help you evaluate the security of your premises and help you develop a strategy for preventing losses.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Federal Firearms Newsletter - July 2017 (1106 KB) |
What's in this issue: Announcement - ATF stands up the National Firearms Act (NFA) Division; Firearm Thefts & Burglaries; Burglary and Robbery Statistics; ATF Ruling 2016-1; ATF Ruling 2016-2; ATF Ruling 2016-3; ATF Ruling 2016-5; Revised ATF form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record); Rental of Firearms On-Premises; Rental of Firearms Off-Premises; FFLs are Responsible for Retrieving Status when Using E-Check; Tips from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section; Gun Shows | Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Federal Firearms Licensees Newsletter - July 2017.pdf (1106 KB) |
What’s In This Issue: Announcement – ATF stands up the National Firearms Act (NFA) Division; Firearm Thefts & Burglaries; Burglary and Robbery Statistics; ATF Ruling 2016-1: Electronic A&D Records; ATF Ruling 2016-2; ATF Ruling 2016-3; ATF Ruling 2016-5; Revised ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record); Rental of Firearms On-Premises; Rental of Firearms Off-Premises; FFLs are Responsible for Retrieving Status when Using E-Check; Tips from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section; Gun Shows.
| Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Department of Defense Contractor Inspections: ATF Inspection Process (Firearms) (74 KB) |
This document provides information on ATF’s compliance inspection process and is intended to help Federal firearms or explosives licensees who are DOD contractors prepare for and participate in an ATF compliance inspection.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter - June 2021 (943 KB) |
What's in this issue: What is a Straw Purchase; Silencer Markings and Registration Requirements; Changes to ATF Form 4473; State of Residence and Identification; NICS Alternative Permits and Age Restrictions; Medical Marijuana and CBD Products; Private Party Sales; Internet Sales; Firearm Raffles; Firearm Registry; Variance Requests and the Approval Process; Special Occupational Tax Requirement – Business Locations; Reminders – Renewals / RPs / FFLC Address / AFMER ; and NFA Forms Processing Times | Firearms | Newsletter |
|
ATF Industry Circular 1985-2: Importation of National Firearms Act Curio and Relic Firearms (691 KB) |
This circular provides information concerning the importation of National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms for use as a sample for sales to law enforcement agencies when such firearms have been determined to be curios or relics. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
ATF Industry Circular 2003-2: Establishing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (54 KB) |
The purpose of this industry circular is to advise firearms and ammunition excise taxpayers that effective January 24, 2003, a new Treasury agency, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, will be responsible for administering the firearms and ammunition excise tax laws and regulations currently administered by ATF. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
1975-1-Penguns Classified as Firearms (902 KB) |
This circular announces the reclassification of small caliber weapons (such as penguns) ostensibly designed to expel only tear gas, similar substances or pyrotechnic signals, which may be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosive, as firearms. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
2020 Firearms Commerce Report (2914 KB) |
2020 Firearms Commerce Report in the United States. | Firearms | Report |
|
Explanation of the Hearing Process (336 KB) |
This is a brochure provides general guidance and an overview of the hearing process for federal firearms licensees (FFLs).
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Facilitating Private Sales: A Federal Firearms Licensee Guide (2397 KB) |
We’ve put together this guide to educate federal firearms licensees (FFLs) on how to facilitate private party sales of firearms. When individuals decide to use FFLs to facilitate the private sale of their firearms, it can enhance public safety, assist law enforcement, and help ensure firearms end up only in the hands of those who are legally allowed to possess them. | Firearms | Guide |
|
Federal Firearms Licensees Newsletter - February 1979 (192 KB) |
What’s In This Issue: REGISTERED FIREARMS AND WEAPONS Certain Firearms And Weapons Must Be Registered with The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Examples Of NFA Weapons; Tax To make Or Transfer An A Weapon, By An Individual; Licensed Collectors Of Curios And Relics; Application To Make Or Transfer An NFA Weapon; Storage Of NFA Weapons; Bringing An NFA Weapon Into The United States; Turning In An Unregistered NFA Weapon; The 1968 Amnesty Period; Penalties
| Firearms | Newsletter |
|
Firearms Commerce in the United States-2011 (873 KB) | Firearms | Report | |
|
Firearms Commerce in the U.S. Annual Statistical Update - 2013 (638 KB) | Firearms | Report |