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. ATF publications do not have the force and effect of federal statutes or Department of Justice regulations, and are not final agency actions. They may also be rescinded or modified at ATF’s discretion.
For more information, see “Memorandum for All Components: Prohibition of Improper Guidance Documents,” from Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions III, November 16, 2017.
Title |
Description | Category | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 1968-28-Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (2230 KB) |
This circular announces the transfer of the Arms Import Control Program from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Treasury. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
1970-14-Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (3268 KB) |
This circular announces the issuance of a new Treasury Department regulation, Part 180 of Title 26, Code of Federal Regulations, entitled Importation of Arms, Ammunition and Implements of War. | 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 |
|
1985-11-Surplus Military Firearms Frames or Receivers (653 KB) |
This circular announces that ATF will allow the importation of surplus military curio or relic firearms that were previously prohibited from importation by 18 U.S.C. section 925(d)(3). | Firearms | 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 |
|
1986-15-Armor Piercing Ammunition (841 KB) |
This circular announces that the President signed Public Law 99-408, on August 28, 1986. This law regulates the manufacture, importation and sale of armor piercing ammunition. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
1986-8-Curio and Relic Updates (1195 KB) |
This circular announces an addition of firearms that have been classified as curios and relics during the period January 1985 through March 1986. | Firearms | Industry Circular |
|
2015 Summary: Firearms Reported Lost and Stolen (853 KB) |
2015 Summary: Firearms Reported Lost and Stolen | Firearms | Report |
|
2019 Firearms Commerce Report (1132 KB) |
Firearms Commerce Statistical Update - 2019 | Firearms | Report |
|
Advisory Opinion on Licensing for Certain Gun Show Sellers (778 KB) |
This letter provides additional guidance on licensing for persons engaged in selling firearms at in-state gun shows.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Alabama Firearms Statutes and Codes (433 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Alaska Firearms Statutes and Codes (276 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes,
| Firearms | Guide |
|
American Samoa Firearms Statutes and Codes (175 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes,
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Arizona Firearms Statutes and Codes (409 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes,
| Firearms | Guide |
|
Arkansas Firearms Statutes and Codes (301 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes,
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF Disclosure Of Firearms Trace Data (ATF P 3312.11) (177 KB) |
This brochure clarifies ATF's disclosure policy regarding trace data.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF Firearms Tracing Guide (ATF P 3312.13) (3169 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF Guidebook - Importation & Verification of Firearms, Ammunition, and Implements of War (4743 KB) |
This publication was prepared by ATF's Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch (FEIB) to assist importers and other firearms industry members in identifying firearms, ammunition, and defense articles that may be imported into the United States and to further clarify and facilitate the import process. | 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 |
|
ATF I 5300.23A — Important Notice to Dealers and Other Participants at Gun Shows, Revised October 2016 – This is a foldable pamphlet (215 KB) |
This notice applies to activities permitted at bona fide gun shows, as defined in Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 478.100. Federal firearms licensees ("FFLs" or "Dealers") may only sell firearms at gun shows within the State in which their licensed premise is located.
| Firearms | Guide |
|
ATF National Firearms Act Handbook (ATF P 5320.8) (10614 KB) |
This handbook is primarily for the use of persons in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA) or persons intending to go into an NFA firearms business. It should also be helpful to collectors of NFA firearms and other persons having questions about the application of the NFA. | 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 |
|
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 |
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Bullets, Casings and You (ATF P 3315.2) (4216 KB) | This brochure provides information about ATF's National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). With ATF’s NIBIN Program, State and local agencies receive technology that they could likely not afford on their own, as well as the capability to exchange investigative information with other jurisdictions. | Firearms | Guide |
|
California Firearms Statutes and Codes (1362 KB) |
Firearms Statutes and Codes,
| Firearms | Guide |