Publications

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

It has been over 2 years since the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (Brady) was enacted. It is helping to prevent criminals from obtaining handguns and is doing so with minimal inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.

Published/Revised: August 30, 1996

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

In response to concerns voiced by the firearms industry, ATF has reduced the paperwork volume of the Federal firearms license application package.

Published/Revised: September 29, 1995

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

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

The purpose of this open letter is to advise federal firearms licensees in New Mexico the requirements of the Brady Law. 

Published/Revised: February 16, 1994

The USAS-12 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: January 1, 1993

ATF inspectors are discovering many instances where FFLs are incorrectly using the “Is Known To Me” block in Section B of ATF Form 4473. Use of this block indicates the dealer (or representative) knows the individual well enough to verify the purchaser’s identity, place of residence, and age.

Published/Revised: December 31, 1992

Questions have arisen concerning the lawfulness of firearms purchases from licensees by persons who use "straw purchasers" (another person) to acquire the firearms. Specifically, the actual buyer uses the straw purchaser to execute the Form 4473 purporting to show that the straw purchaser is the actual-purchaser of the firearm.

Published/Revised: December 31, 1992

On January 1, 1991, ATF assumed the responsibility for the collection and administration of firearms and ammunition excise taxes from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Excise taxpayers should now be submitting their deposit forms (ATF Forms 5300.27) and tax returns (ATF F 5300.26) to ATF. These forms were sent to all licensed manufacturers and importers

Published/Revised: December 27, 1991

ATF has recently examined certain types of weapons in caliber .22 and 9mm, which fired semiautomatically from the open bolt position with a fixed firing pin. These firearms are the MP-83 and the M P-22. Examination revealed that the disconnector mechanism of these firearms includes a small pin which can be readily removed thereby allowing the weapon to fire automatically.

Published/Revised: December 28, 1990

ATF has received numerous inquiries over the past several years regarding the use of facsimile transmitted copies of Federal firearms licenses, import applications, National Firearms Act (NFA) manufacture and transfer documents, etc.

Published/Revised: December 28, 1990

Contents:  Out-Of-State And Mail Order Sales; “Straw Purchases" Of Firearms; Firearms Transaction Records on Title II Transfers; ATF Distribution Center; Armor Piercing Ammunition – Update; Change of Control; Form 4473 Omissions and Discrepancies; Sales to Underaged Persons

Published/Revised: December 28, 1989

 ATF determines semiautomatic assault rifles cannot be imported into the United States.

Published/Revised: July 28, 1989

ATF has encountered with in-creasing frequency various AR15-type assault rifles such as those manufactured by Colt, E.A. Company, SGW, Sendra and others, which have been assembled with internal components designed for use in M16 machineguns.

Published/Revised: July 30, 1986

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

A National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm may not be imported for use as a sample for sales to law enforcement agencies if the firearm is a curio or relic unless it is established that the firearm is particularly suitable for use as a law enforcement weapon.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1985

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

Published/Revised: January 1, 1982

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

Published/Revised: June 21, 1982

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

Published/Revised: January 19, 1982

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

Published/Revised: November 1, 1981

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

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