Publications

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is issuing this notice of proposed rulemaking, in part, pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) which requires an agency to review within ten years of publication, rules for which an agency prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis addressing the impact of the rule on small businesses or other small entities. Based on comments we have received in response to the RFA analysis, this document proposes amendments to the explosives regulations relating to fireworks.

Published/Revised: September 25, 2015

The purpose of this Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) procedure is to set forth the recordkeeping and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) procedures for a Federal firearms licensee (FFL) who facilitates the transfer of firearms between private unlicensed individuals. This procedure does not apply to pawn transactions, consignment sales, or repairs. Supersedes 2013-1 Procedure.

Published/Revised: July 28, 2017

37/38 mm gas/flare guns possessed with cartridges containing wood pellets, rubber pellets or balls, or bean bags are classified as destructive devices for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53. 

Published/Revised: January 1, 1994

Certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements of pawnbrokers are explained.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1976

ATF prescribes alternate bullet resistance construction standards for explosives storage facilities.

Published/Revised: June 23, 1976

Mere possession of a license and a special tax stamp as a dealer in firearms does not qualify a person to receive firearms transfer-tax-free. Rev. Rul. 58-432 superseded.

Published/Revised: February 1, 1976

The KG-9 pistol is a machinegun as defined in the National Firearms Act.

Published/Revised: January 19, 1982

The SM10 and SM11A1 pistols and SAC carbines are machineguns as defined in the National Firearms Act.

Published/Revised: June 21, 1982

The YAC STEN MK II carbine is a machinegun as defined in the National Firearms Act.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1982

Surplus military firearms frames or receivers alone not specifically classified as curios or relics by ATF will be denied importation.

Published/Revised: August 29, 1985

The Striker-12/Streetsweeper shotgun has a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter and is not generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. Therefore, it is classified as a destructive device for purposes of the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1994

Auctioneers who regularly conduct consignment-type auctions of firearms, e.g., held every 1-2 months, on behalf of firearms owners where the auctioneer takes possession pursuant to a consignment contract with the owner of the firearms, giving the auctioneer authority to sell the firearms and providing for a commission to be paid upon such sale, are required to obtain a license as a dealer in firearms.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1996

Recordkeeping requirements for Title I firearms from which parts are salvaged for use in repairing firearms are clarified.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1976

A hand-held device designed to expel by means of an explosive two electrical contacts (barbs) connected by two wires attached to a high voltage source in the device classified as a firearm.

Published/Revised: May 1, 1976

When NFA firearms are registered on Form 10 by governmental entities, subsequent transfers of such firearms shall be made only to other governmental entities.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1974

Whether a 1919 A-4 semiautomatic firearm and 1919 A-6 semiautomatic rifle are "portable" firearms subject to tax when sold by their importer or manufacturer pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 4181.

Published/Revised: February 1, 1997

The AR15 auto sear is a machinegun as defined by 26 U.S.C. 5845(b).

Published/Revised: November 1, 1981

A small caliber weapon ostensibly designed to expel only tear gas, similar substances, or pyrotechnic signals, which may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosive, classified as a firearm.

Published/Revised: June 1, 1975

Explosives manufacturer license required for certain companies that manufacture explosive materials for use in their own operations.

Published/Revised: September 12, 1975

Nonresident U.S. citizens returning to the United States and nonresident aliens lawfully immigrating to the United States may obtain a permit to import firearms acquired outside of the United States, provided such firearms may be lawfully imported.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1981

An out-of-State college student may establish residence in a State by residing and maintaining a home in a college dormitory or in a location off-campus during the school term.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1980

Applications to import surplus military firearms or nonsporting firearms or ammunition for individual law enforcement officers for official use must be accompanied by the agency's purchase order.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1980

A hand-held device with a hand grip bent at an angle to the bore and having a rifled bore which is designed to expel, by means of an explosive, two electrical contacts (barbs) connected by two wires to a high voltage source within the device is classified as a firearm. ATF Rul. 76-6 is amplified.

Published/Revised: February 1, 1980

Alternate magazine construction standards for storage of electric blasting caps with other explosive materials are prescribed.

Published/Revised: June 3, 1977

The recordkeeping requirements for licensed gunsmiths are clarified. ATF Rul. 73-13 amplified.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1976