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 They may also be rescinded or modified at ATF’s discretion.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
 West Virginia Firearms Trace Data – 2014 (1764 KB) |
This brochure contains trace data related information from January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Wisconsin Firearms Trace Data - 2014 (1611 KB) | This brochure contains trace data related information from January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Wyoming Firearms Trace Data - 2014 (1717 KB) | This brochure contains trace data related information from January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
 Age of Possessor - Firearms Recovered and Traced in the United States and Territories (19 KB) | About ATF | Report | |
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Categories Associated with Firearms Recovered and Traced in the United States and Territories (33 KB) | About ATF | Report | |
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Firearm Types Recovered and Traced in the United States and Territories (20 KB) |
This is an Excel spreadsheet containing the type of firearms that have been traced and recovered in the U.S. and territories from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Number of Firearms Sourced and Recovered in the United States and Territories (30 KB) |
This is an Excel spreadsheet containing a source and recovery states for firearms that have been traced and recovered in the U.S. and territories from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Time to Crime - Firearms Recovered and Traced in the United States and Territories (19 KB) |
This is an Excel spreadsheet containing a numerical list of how many firearms have been traced and recovered in the U.S. and territories between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Top Calibers Recovered and Traced in the United States and Territories (26 KB) |
This is an Excel spreadsheet containing a numerical list of how many specific calibers have been traced and recovered in the U.S. and territories from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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Explosives Industry Newsletter - August 2015 (406 KB) |
What’s in this Issue: New Acting Director; New Assistant Director, Enforcement; Programs and Services; New Chief of EIPB; Magazine Identification Program; Less Lethal Devices; Fireworks Reminders; NPRM to Remove Reference Note; Marking and Recording Bulk Explosives; Internal Transfers of Explosives; Plywood, Hardwood and ATF Ruling 76-18; Using Commercial Records Explosives Thefts—2013 thru 2014
| Explosives | Newsletter |
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Nebraska Firearms Trace Data - 2014 (1755 KB) | This brochure contains trace data from January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014. | About ATF | Report |
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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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How ATF Traces Firearms (297 KB) |
A firearm is recovered by law enforcement. ATF receives recovery information in e-Trace. Trace reveals origin of firearm manufacturer or importer. Trace leads to the original Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) * FFL manually looks through firearm transaction records to find the first purchaser. ** The first purchaser is identified and the investigative process is initiated. ** 364,000+ trace requests in FY14. * Not all traces may lead to original FFL; sales sometimes lead beyond that to a subsequent FFL. ** First purchaser is not always identified, sometimes traces lead to a more recent purchaser or an unlicensed purchaser. | News | Guide |
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Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act Information Guide (297 KB) |
The Attorney General has delegated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to administer and enforce the PACT Act. ATF is providing this document on the PACT Act’s amendments to the Jenkins Act (15 U.S.C. §375-378), which governs the collection of taxes on, and trafficking in, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. There are specified responsibilities that require independent action, coordination of efforts, and information sharing. | Alcohol & Tobacco | Guide |
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2015 Summary: Firearms Reported Lost and Stolen (853 KB) |
2015 Summary: Firearms Reported Lost and Stolen | Firearms | Report |
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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 |
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Safety and Security for Firearm Owners (ATF P 5300.22) (391 KB) |
The purpose of firearm safety is to eliminate or minimize the risks of unintentional damage, injury or death caused by improper possession, storage, or handling of a firearm. Firearm owners should handle the firearm safely and protect themselves and the public from the theft, loss or misuse of their firearm.
| Firearms | Guide |
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Suspicious Packages (ATF P 5400.26) (285 KB) |
This publication provides vital safety information to persons and organizations encountering suspicious packages and/or bomb threats. | Explosives | Guide |
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2014 USBDC Explosive Incident Report (1969 KB) |
The Annual Explosives Incident Report (EIR) reviews bombing and explosives related incidents and threats from data reported to the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC) through the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS). | Explosives | Report |
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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 |
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Explosive Industry Newsletter-June 2016 Addendum (73 KB) |
ATF’s June 2016 Explosives Industry Newsletter included a brief discussion of Nitrocellulose, and attempted to clarify the circumstances under which wetted Nitrocellulose is considered a high explosive under 27 CFR, Part 555. As with all explosives, ATF’s focus is on the potential public safety risks associated with materials that can be misused or diverted to unlawful purposes. Subsequent contact from industry members who import, transport, store or employ wetted Nitrocellulose in the production of ammunition, however, has brought to our attention issues that were not fully addressed in the Newsletter and require further consultation and consideration with the industry. Accordingly, ATF has and will conduct further industry outreach concerning wetted Nitrocellulose. In the interim, previously authorized industry practices concerning wetted Nitrocellulose will not be affected.
| Explosives | Newsletter |
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2015 USBDC Arson Incident Report (3308 KB) | The annual Arson Incident Report (AIR) reviews arson-related incidents from data reported to the United States Bomb Data Center (USBDC) through the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS). | Arson | Report |
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FFL Newsletter - September 2016 (168 KB) |
In this issue: FFL Advisory - Attempted Thefts of Firearms, NFA Trust "41 F", Theft/Loss in Transit Ruling, and much more!
| Firearms | Newsletter |
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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 |
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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 |