Rules and Regulations Library

Titlesort ascending Description Category Document Type
1955-699 - Classification of a burglar alarm device (113 KB)

This ruling clarifies that a burglar alarm device consisting of a metal cylinder, hinged in the middle so it can be opened to chamber a 20-gauge shotgun is not a firearm within the purview of the National Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1955-569 - Classification of a submarine spear fishing device (147 KB)

This ruling clarifies when a device ostensibly designed for submarine spearfishing but capable of chambering and firing .22 caliber rimfire ammunition would be considered a firearm within the purview of the National Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1955-528 - Classification of crank-operated gear-driven Gatling guns (127 KB)

This ruling clarifies at what point a crank-operated gear-driven Gatling guns would fall or would not fall within the purview of the National Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1955-342 - FFLS Assembling Firearms from Component Parts (173 KB)

A dealer who engages in the business of assembling firearms from component parts for purposes of sale or distribution in interstate or foreign commerce must be licensed as a manufacturer of firearms, pursuant to provisions of the Federal Firearms Act.  The manufacturer’s excise tax is imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1934 on the sale of firearms so produced. 

Firearms Ruling
1955-341 - Classification of a 20 gauge gun having two barrels (130 KB)

This ruling clarifies that a 20-gauge gun having two barrels pointing in opposite directions, each of which is threaded to a centerpiece containing a firing mechanism and may be concealed on a person, is a firearm within the purview of the National Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1954-519 - Classification of a plastic "pistol" (122 KB)

This ruling advises that a plastic "pistol" is not a firearm under the Federal Firearms Act although designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

Firearms Ruling
1954-389 - Removal of firearms from a foreign trade zone (228 KB)

This ruling clarifies that removal of firearms from a foreign trade zone for any purpose other than reshipment to a place outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. constitutes importation as of the time they were originally brought within the limits of the U.S.

Firearms Ruling
1954-372 - Concealed cane gun (150 KB)

A .410 gauge gun concealed in a cane, or a pistol grip handgun with 8-inch chambered for a .410 gauge shotgun shell, are firearms within the purview of the NFA.  A flare pistol is not a firearm if capable of firing only pyrotechnic shells or cartridges designed for use with it.

Firearms Ruling
1954-247 - Device for trapping animals (75 KB)

A device for trapping animals that fires a special plastic cartridge but is not capable of firing projectiles is not a firearm within the Federal Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1954-245 - A tool powered by blank .22 and .38 cartridges (196 KB)

A tool powered by blank .22 and .38 cartridges which is used for setting studs or driving anchors into masonry or metal is not a firearm within the Federal Firearms Act.

Firearms Ruling
1954-233 - Revolver refitted with a 10-inch barrel (107 KB)

A revolver refitted with a 10-inch barrel and classified as an “any other weapon” and is a firearm under Sec. 2733(a) of the IRC.

Firearms Ruling
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