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Publications

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.

Document Type Description Category
Publication Silencer Destruction Diagram [PDF - 407.49 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm silencer. View more information on how to properly destroy a silencer.

Published/Revised: March 22, 2022

Firearms
Publication Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act Information Guide [PDF - 296.23 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.PACT Act Law

Published/Revised: February 11, 2016

Alcohol & Tobacco
Publication Special Agent Informational Packet - ATF P 2310.4 [PDF - 319.95 KB]

This informational packet provides detailed information about the ATF special agent position to include major duties, basic qualifications, conditions of employment and specific requirements.

Published/Revised: February 13, 2025

Careers
Publication Safety and Security Information for Federal Firearms Licensees - ATF P 3317.2 [PDF - 1.77 MB]

This booklet provides safety and security information for federal firearms licensees (FFL) and their businesses. In this booklet you will find information pertaining to ATF's stolen firearms program, steps for reducing your vulnerability to theft or loss, properly identifying and recording firearms information, recording suspicious person descriptions and how to report a theft or loss of firearms inventory. 

Published/Revised: April 21, 2022

Firearms
Publication Fact Sheet - Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program - 2024 [PDF - 422.82 KB]

PDF version of the G.R.E.A.T. program fact sheet, last updated July 2024. ATF’s G.R.E.A.T. program teaches young people to avoid gangs, resist peer pressure and build relationships with law enforcement officers. 

Published/Revised: April 11, 2025

Workforce and Mission
Publication Fact Sheet - National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) - FY 2024 [PDF - 345.77 KB]

PDF version of the NIBIN fact sheet for fiscal year 2024. NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.

Published/Revised: June 27, 2025

Firearms
Publication Fact Sheet - Tobacco Enforcement - FY 2024 [PDF - 1.93 MB]

PDF version of the Tobacco Enforcement fact sheet, last updated in 2025. ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act and the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, which now includes Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, such as vapes.

Published/Revised: June 23, 2025

Alcohol & Tobacco
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Improper Recommendations - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2) [PDF - 739.04 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(2). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Granting an Unauthorized Preference - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6) [PDF - 573.37 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(6). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Violating Veterans’ Preference - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11) [PDF - 502 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(11). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Nepotism - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7) [PDF - 496.04 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(7). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Influencing Withdrawal From Competition - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5) [PDF - 683.42 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(5). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here. 

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Hiring Offense Information Sheet: Obstructing Right to Compete - 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4) [PDF - 500.38 KB]

This U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) information sheet provides general guidance and background information on 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(4). This document does not serve as legal advice and should not be cited as legal authority. Rather, the statute and current case law control with respect to matters discussed here.

Published/Revised: May 20, 2026

Careers
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: M16/AR-type Receiver [PDF - 218.16 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the M16/AR-type receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: MP5/SP5-type [PDF - 262.72 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the MP5/SP5-type.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: M60 Receiver [PDF - 220.51 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the M60 receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: PPSh-41 Receiver [PDF - 197.34 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the PPSh-41 receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: PPS-43 Receiver [PDF - 197.45 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the PPS-43 receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: STEN Receiver [PDF - 230.04 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the STEN receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: Browning M1917 Machinegun [PDF - 255.95 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the Browning M1917 machinegun.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: AK47, AKM, AKS74 Type Firearms [PDF - 257.25 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of AK47, AKM, and AKS74 type firearms.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: Erma EMP Receiver [PDF - 216.38 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the Erma EMP receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Firearm: RPD / Type 56 / Type 62 Light Machinegun [PDF - 215.83 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of RPD/type 56/ type 62 light machineguns.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: Finnish Suomi KP/-31 Receiver [PDF - 224.46 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of the Finnish Suomi KP/-31 receiver.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Publication Firearm Destruction Diagram: Japanese Type 96/99 Light Machinegun [PDF - 255.6 KB]

To meet the requirement for removal from GCA and NFA provisions, ATF has previously explained that acceptable methods of destruction include completely melting, shredding, or crushing the firearm. View more information on the destruction of Japanese type 96/99 light machineguns.

Published/Revised: June 30, 2025

Firearms
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

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