| Title and Description |
|---|
| 2025-1: Importing Dual-Use Barrels
ATF has determined that federal firearms licensees may lawfully import “dual-use” firearm barrels—barrels that may be used on both sporting and non-sporting firearms—under 18 U.S.C. § 925(d)(3) if, at the time imported, there is an identified firearm sporting configuration for the barrel. Importation may be approved regardless of whether a barrel had been previously configured on non-sporting, military surplus, or National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. Further, once the barrel is in the United States, ATF has determined that nothing in the statutes prevent a dual-use barrel from being used to assemble a sporting, non-sporting, or NFA firearm, provided assembling such firearm complies with 18 U.S.C. § 922(r) (assembly of a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun) and the NFA, 26 U.S.C. chapter 53, as applicable. This Ruling supersedes a November 2005 ATF Open Letter on dual-use barrels. Published/Revised: |
| 2025-2: Importing Training Rounds
ATF authorizes the importation of certain marking rounds (“training rounds”) because these training rounds do not meet the definition of “ammunition” as defined by the Gun Control Act of 1968, 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A). These items are not designed for offensive and defensive combat and are not “designed for use in any firearm.” Similarly, training rounds are not regulated by the Arms Export Control Act because they are not designed for use in any “firearm” as defined in the permanent importation regulations implementing that statute. An importer of training rounds that are not designed for use in any firearm may import the rounds without submitting an ATF Form 6, Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (Form 5330.3A). Note, however, less-than-lethal ammunition, which is distinct from training rounds, is generally considered ammunition. This Ruling only applies to training rounds that are not designed for use in any firearm. Published/Revised: |
| Engaging as a Business - Texas et al. v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives et al., 2:24-cv-00089-Z (N.D. Tex.)
Before the Court is Plaintiffs’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction (“Motion”) (ECF No. 16), filed May 9, 2024. Defendants filed their response (“Response”) (ECF No. 31) on May 14, 2024. Having reviewed the briefing and relevant law, the Court GRANTS the Motion. Defendants are hereby ENJOINED from enforcing the regulations — “Definition of ‘Engaged in the Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms” (hereinafter “Final Rule”) — published at 89 Fed. Reg. 28968 (April 19, 2024) (to be codified at 27 C.F.R. pt. 478) against Plaintiffs Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Utah, Jeffrey Tormey (“Tormey”), the Gun Owners of America, Inc. (“GOA”), the Gun Owners Foundation (“GOF”), the Tennessee Firearms Association (“TFA”), and the Virginia Citizens Defense League (“VCDL”) pending the resolution of this lawsuit. Published/Revised: |
| 2022R-17 - Final Rule: Definition of Engaged in the Business as a Dealer in Firearms
The Department of Justice (“Department”) is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) regulations to implement the provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that broaden the definition of when a person is considered “engaged in the business” (“EIB”) as a dealer in firearms other than a gunsmith or pawnbroker. Published/Revised: |
| 2022-01 - Electronic Storage of Forms 4473
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) authorizes an alternate method or procedure from the provisions of Title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 478.121, 478.124, 478.129, and 27 CFR 479.131 that require Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to retain the ATF Firearms Transaction Record, Form 4473 (5300.9) (Form 4473), in a paper format. Specifically, ATF authorizes FFLs to retain an electronic version of each ATF Form 4473 created pursuant to ATF Ruling 2016-2 (or subsequent ruling), instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Additionally, ATF authorizes digital scanning and electronic retention of certain paper ATF Form 4473, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
| ATF Proc. 2020-2 – Recordkeeping and Background Check Procedure for Facilitation of Private Party Firearms Transfers
This procedure supersedes ATF Procedure 2017-1. The purpose of this ATF procedure is to set forth the recordkeeping and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) procedures for Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) who facilitate the transfer of firearms between private unlicensed individuals. This procedure does not apply to pawn transactions, consignment sales, or repairs. Published/Revised: |
| ATF Proc. 2020-1 – Recordkeeping Procedure for Non-over-the-counter Firearm Sales by Licensees to Unlicensed In-state Residents That Are NICS Exempt
This procedure supersedes 2013-2. This ATF procedure gives guidance to licensed importers, manufacturers, and dealers (licensees) on how to complete the Firearms Transaction Record, ATF Form 4473 (Form 4473), as revised effective May 2020, and record the sale of a firearm, when selling to an unlicensed person who (a) Has a valid alternate permit or otherwise is exempt from National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) requirements; (b) Resides in the same State as the licensee; and (c) Does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises. Published/Revised: |
| ATF Procedure 2017-1 - Facilitating Non-FFL Transfers of Firearms
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: |
| 2016-5 - Marking Variance for Government Defense Contractors
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure to the firearms marking requirements contained in title 27, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), sections 478.92 and 479.102. Specifically, ATF authorizes licensed manufacturers of certain destructive device munitions that are manufactured for and transferred to the U.S. Government (USG) to mark these destructive device munitions with sequential lot numbers, provided conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2016-4 - Electronic Transmission of Form 6A Information to Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure in lieu of the method or procedure prescribed in the regulations that currently require an importer to submit to U.S. CBP an original, paper copy of ATF Form 6A, Release and Receipt of Imported Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War (Form 6A), to import firearms, ammunition, and other defense articles.
Published/Revised: |
| 2016-1 - Requirements to Keep Firearms Records Electronically
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, and licensed collectors to maintain their firearms acquisition and disposition records electronically instead of in paper format provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Ruling 2013-5. Published/Revised: |
| 2016-2 - Electronic ATF Form 4473
Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs to use an electronic version of Form 4473, instead of the paper format, provided the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Rul. 2008-3.
Published/Revised: |
| ATF Rul. 2011-1 - Consolidation of Required Records for Importers - Jan. 26, 2011
ATF authorizes an alternate method or procedure from the firearms acquisition and disposition recordkeeping requirements of 27 CFR 478.122. Specifically, ATF authorizes licensed importers to consolidate their records of importation or other acquisition of firearms and their separate firearms disposition records, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met. Published/Revised: |
| 1969-59 - Gun show Sales at Non-Licensed Premises
Firearms or ammunition may not be sold at gun shows by a licensed dealer, but orders may be taken under specified conditions. Published/Revised: |
| 2014-1 - Manufacturing/Inventory of Machineguns for Law Enforcement and Military
A manufacturer licensed and qualified under the GCA and NFA may manufacture and maintain an inventory of machine guns for future sale to federal, state, or local government agencies without a specific government contract or official request; provided, the machine guns are properly registered, and their subsequent transfer is conditioned upon and restricted to the sale or distribution of such weapons for the official use of federal, state, or local government agencies.
Published/Revised: |
| 2015-1 - Manufacturing and Gunsmithing
Any person (including any corporation or other legal entity) engaged in the business of performing machining, molding, casting, forging, printing (additive manufacturing) or other manufacturing process to create a firearm frame or receiver, or to make a frame or receiver suitable for use as part of a "weapon … which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive," i.e., a "firearm," must be licensed as a manufacturer under the GCA; identify (mark) any such firearm; and maintain required manufacturer’s records.
Published/Revised: |
| 2013-1 - Electronic Form 6 and 6A
Approved alternate method or procedure for individuals, federal firearms licensees, and registered importers of articles enumerated on the U.S. Munitions Import List (USMIL) to file ATF Form 6 - Part I and Form 6A electronically using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met. Supersedes ATF Rulings 2003-6 and 2010-9.
Published/Revised: |
| 2013-2 - NFA Electronic Forms
Approved alternate method or procedure for FFLs, legal entities, and government agencies to file ATF Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10 using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2012-5 - Type 4 Magazine Construction
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store explosive materials in outdoor type 4 magazines with wood-only floors, provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2012-3 - Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER), Electronic Form
Approved alternate method or procedure for licensed manufacturers to submit the AFMER, ATF Form 5300.11, electronically using ATF eForms, provided all of the conditions set forth in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2011-4 - Pistols Configured from Rifles; Rifles Configured from Pistols
Unassembled parts and configurations of parts of pistols, rifles, handguns or other weapons that result in a firearm as defined under the NFA, 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3); 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3) and (a)(4); 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(3) and (a)(4); and 26 U.S.C. 5845(a)(4).
Published/Revised: |
| 2010-9 - Supporting Documentation for Import Permit Applications
Persons holding a valid federal firearms license and/or who are registered as importers of articles on the U.S. Munitions Import List importing surplus military defense articles importable as curios or relics, may submit photocopies of the original supporting statements and documents with ATF Form 6, if they certify, under penalties provided by law, that the supporting documentation is true, correct, and complete. Published/Revised: |
| 2010-7 - Perforating Gun Storage
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store loaded perforating guns outside of a locked magazine provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling are met.
Published/Revised: |
| 2010-6 - State of Residence
For the purpose of acquiring firearms under the GCA, a U.S. citizen who temporarily resides in a foreign country, but also demonstrates the intention of making a home in a particular state, is a resident of the State during the time period he or she actually resides in that state. The intention must be demonstrated to a federal firearms licensee by presenting valid identification documents.
Published/Revised: |
| 2010-3 - Identification of Maxim Side-Plate Receivers
The right side-plate of a Vickers/Maxim-type firearm, manufactured with its camming lobe affixed in the proper location, and without an ATF approved block that prevents installation of machinegun fire control components, is a machinegun receiver, and therefore, a machinegun as defined by the GCA and NFA. Provided it has not been disassembled into its component parts, a complete Vickers/Maxim-type machinegun that is currently registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record with its serial number located on a component part of the receiver box other than the right side-plate has been lawfully registered under the NFA and may be lawfully possessed by the registrant under 18 U.S.C. 922(o).
Published/Revised: |
Firearms Rulings
Last Updated:
August 21, 2025
