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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
Newsletter February 2011 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 709.99 KB]

What's In This Issue: SHOT Show 2011; Presentations; Important Notice to Dealers and Other Participants at This Gun Show, ATF I 5300.23a; Hunting Licenses Used as Government Identification; ATF Rulings Discussed at the SHOT Show; FFL eZ Check: Collectors; Changes in Legal Entity; Special Characters in Serial Numbers; Purchase of Firearms by Organizations; Sole Proprietors and Logging Personal Firearms In/Out of the A&D Records; National Firearms Act: Restrictions Stamped on an NFA Form; Combination Firearms; Small Arms Ammunition; Outcome from the SHOT Show; and more. 

Published/Revised: February 28, 2011

Firearms
Newsletter January 2007 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 2.42 MB]

What's In This Issue: Federal Firearms License Enhancements; Scanned or Emailed Copies of Federal Firearms Licenses; New Email Service Available to Federal Firearms Licensees; Changes and Improvements to FFL eZ Check; Requirements of Pawn Dealers Performing a Pre-Pawn NICS Check; ATF Requirement to Update Licensee Contact Information; Violent Crime Impact Teams Stop Criminals From Unlawfully Engaging in the Business of Dealing in Firearms; Use of Trade Names in Conducting Internet Sales of Firearms; Results from FY05 Firearms Compliance Inspections; ATF Form 4473 Completion and NICS Checks

Published/Revised: January 30, 2007

Firearms
Newsletter June 2021 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 398.58 KB]

What's In This Issue: What is a Straw Purchase; Silencer Markings and Registration Requirements; Changes to ATF Form 4473; State of Residence and Identification; NICS Alternative Permits and Age Restrictions;  Medical Marijuana and CBD Products; Private Party Sales; Internet Sales; Firearm Raffles; Firearm Registry; Variance Requests and the Approval Process; Special Occupational Tax Requirement – Business Locations; Reminders – Renewals / RPs / FFLC Address / AFMER ; and NFA Forms Processing Times

Published/Revised: June 29, 2021

Firearms
Newsletter November 2009 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 598.97 KB]

What's In This Issue: Protecting America; ATF Strives to Improve Customer Service Through Online Notification; Improving Firearms Security; Here Are Some Reminders for Completing ATF Form 4473; FFL Newsletter Questions; Clarification on Submission of Multiple Handgun Sale Forms; ATF Encourages Support of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC); Pistol Grips and Shotguns; NFA Forms and Their Use

Published/Revised: November 30, 2009

Firearms
Newsletter March 2006 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 2.88 MB]

What's In This Issue: Revised ATF Form 4473; Child Safety Lock Act of 2005; New Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide; Importation of Dual Use Firearms Barrels; License Renewal Applications; New ATF Program Impacts the Nation's Violent Crime Rates; Responsible Persons Listed on the Federal Firearms License; Reporting Theft or Loss of Firearms; Online Learning Theater Available to FFLs; Questions and Answers

Published/Revised: March 30, 2006

Firearms
Newsletter March 2013, Volume 1 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 608.64 KB]

What’s In This Issue: SHOT Show 2013; ATF Outreach Activities; Best Practices; FBI/NICS News

Published/Revised: March 28, 2013

Firearms
Newsletter July 1989 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 4.06 MB]

What's In This Issue: ATF Determines Semiautomatic Assault Rifles Cannot Be Imported Into The United States; ATF News

Published/Revised: July 28, 1989

Firearms
Newsletter June 2010 - Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Newsletter [PDF - 1.61 MB]

What's In This Issue: New Appointments in Enforcement Programs and Services–Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director; Valid Identification Document; State Firearms Freedom Acts; Gun Show Guidelines; ATF Form 6 Import Applications; eTrace Claims of Illegal Gun Owner Registration; Internet Sales

Published/Revised: June 30, 2010

Firearms
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Employee Possessor [PDF - 271.62 KB]

This presentation defines an Employee Possessor and provides the procedures for reporting Employee Possessors to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the clearance process, and at what point an employee may possess explosives.

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Federal Explosives Licensing Center (FELC) [PDF - 325.24 KB]

This presentation provides an overview of the Federal Explosives Licensing Center’s (FELC) responsibilities for reviewing and processing all new applications for federal explosives licenses and/or permits as well as renewals, the background check process, and ensuring sufficiency of information received.

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Type 3 Magazines [PDF - 261.28 KB]

This presentation provides an overview of Type 3 magazine construction, reporting requirements and use intended for temporary attended storage on a worksite. 

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Underground Storage [PDF - 2.19 MB]

This presentation provides a history of the implementation of the Safe Explosives Act, the intention of the legislation and the authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to regulate the storage of explosives, above ground or underground. Through a Memorandum of Understanding with ATF, the Mine Safety and Health Administration will inspect underground explosives storage sites for compliance with 27 CFR part 555, subpart K, Storage and will cite for any violations.

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - General Variance Requests [PDF - 2.65 MB]

This presentation details when a variance to deviate from the explosive's regulations may be requested, to whom they may be issued, where to direct such requests and documentation from the requestor to assist in evaluation of those requests.

Published/Revised: June 15, 2022

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Fireworks [PDF - 1.31 MB]

This presentation on fireworks provides an overview of the classification of explosive materials and exemptions under Part 555. The presentation also addresses storage, identifying appropriate Tables of Distances and determining if a variance to deviate from the regulations might be needed.

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication 2020 - September - Presentation - Institute of Makers of Explosives Safety Analysis for Risk (IMESAFR) [PDF - 1.62 MB]

This presentation details the process for requesting a variance for deviating from the explosives regulations through use of a quantitative risk assessment software tool known as "Institute of Makers of Explosives Safety Analysis for Risk." The software tool is designed, in part, to evaluate the risks of a fatality from an accident involving stored explosives.

Published/Revised: September 30, 2020

Explosives
Publication New Training Aid for the Overview of Final Rule 2021R-05F Definition of "Frame or Receiver" and Identification of Firearms and SBA Compliance Guide [PDF - 858.76 KB]

Training aid to go with the final rule overview for federal firearms licensees and small businesses. 

Published/Revised: May 24, 2022

Firearms
Publication AFMER eForms Registration Instructions [PDF - 132.4 KB]

Instructions have been outlined to assist you with your eForms registration.

Published/Revised: September 28, 2023

Firearms
Publication July 2023 - F.A.I.R. Imports Conference Outreach Training Materials - Marking Requirements, Gunsmithing Rules [PDF - 505.54 KB]

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 14, 2023.  

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

Firearms
Publication July 2023 - F.A.I.R. Imports Conference Outreach Training Materials - Govt Contracts, Furnished Equipment [PDF - 2.11 MB]

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 14, 2023.  

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

Firearms
Publication July 2023 - F.A.I.R. Imports Conference Outreach Training Materials - Govt Contracts, Furnished Equipment [PDF - 2.11 MB]

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 14, 2023.  

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

Firearms
Publication July 2023 - F.A.I.R. Imports Conference Outreach Training Materials - NFA 922(o) [PDF - 1.07 MB]

The Office of Enforcement Programs and Services (EPS) has provided a downloadable version of the presentation of sessions held on July 12, 2023. 

Published/Revised: July 5, 2023

Firearms
Publication Firearms Curios or Relics List - 1972-2007 [PDF - 520.39 KB]

A regulation implementing federal firearms laws, 27 CFR § 478.11, defines curio or relic (C&R) firearms as those which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons.

Published/Revised: May 11, 2015

Firearms
Publication Firearms Curios or Relics List - January 1972-April 2018 [PDF - 587.34 KB]

A regulation implementing federal firearms laws, 27 CFR § 478.11, defines curio or relic (C&R) firearms as those which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. This document includes a complete list of firearms curios or relics classifications from the previous editions of the Firearms Curios or Relics (C&R) List, ATF P 5300.11, combined with those made by FATD through April 2018.

Published/Revised: June 11, 2018

Firearms
Publication Firearms Curios or Relics List - January 1972-April 2025 [PDF - 631.64 KB]

A regulation implementing federal firearms laws, 27 CFR § 478.11, defines curio or relic (C&R) firearms as those which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. This document includes a complete list of firearms curios or relics classifications from the previous editions of the Firearms Curios or Relics (C&R) List, ATF P 5300.11, combined with those made by FATD through April 2025.

Published/Revised: July 17, 2025

Firearms
Publication Overview of Final Rule 2021R-05F Definition of Frame or Receiver and Identification of Firearms [PDF - 2.62 MB]

Topics Covered: Definition of Firearm, Frame and Receiver, Privately Made Firearms (PMFs), Marking requirements, Recordkeeping requirements, Record retention, ATF Rulings/Procedure affected.  These are the broad topics, but they are all interrelated.  

Published/Revised: May 9, 2022

Firearms
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

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