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.

Titlesort descending Description Category Document Type
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 (470 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
Alaska Firearms Statutes and Codes (272 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
American Samoa Firearms Statutes and Codes (188 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
Arizona Firearms Statutes and Codes (436 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
Arkansas Firearms Statutes and Codes (271 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
ATF Disclosure Of Firearms Trace Data (ATF P 3312.11) (0 KB)
This brochure clarifies ATF's disclosure policy regarding trace data.
Firearms Guide
ATF eForms 4473 User Manual (3250 KB)

This user manual is to be used by federal firearms licensees who have downloaded ATF's e4473 form. 

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 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? (1273 KB)
ATF guidance to help the public understand when those who buy and sell firearms must have a federal firearms license.
Firearms Guide
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 (1386 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
California Municipal Firearms Statutes and Codes - A through L (1639 KB) Firearms Guide
California Municipal Firearms Statutes and Codes - M through Z (2040 KB) Firearms Guide
Colorado Firearms Statutes and Codes (723 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
Connecticut Firearms Statutes and Codes (641 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

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
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
Delaware Firearms Statutes and Codes (291 KB)

From the 34th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms (ATF P 5300.5)

Firearms Guide
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
Disaster Preparedness for Federal Firearms Licensees (ATF P 3317.7) (753 KB)

Information for FFLs on how to establish a disaster preparedness plan and key elements to include, as well as links to other disaster preparation resources.

Firearms Guide
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