Rules and Regulations Library
| Title | Description | Category | Document Type |
|---|---|---|---|
 2006-2 - Classification of Devices Exclusively Designed to Increase the Rate of Fire of a Semiautomatic Firearm (68 KB) |
The NFA and GCA definition of machinegun includes a part or parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun. This language includes a device that, when activated by a single pull of the trigger, initiates an automatic firing cycle that continues until the finger is released or the ammunition supply is exhausted.
| Firearms | Ruling |
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1985-10 - Surplus Military Frames or Receivers, Alone, Denied Importation (32 KB) | Surplus military firearms frames or receivers alone not specifically classified as curios or relics by ATF will be denied importation. | Firearms | Ruling |
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1985-2 - Importation of NFA Firearms as Sales Samples (29 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Ruling |
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1994-1 - USAS-12 Shotgun as NFA Weapon (34 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Ruling |
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1994-2 - Striker 12 Shotgun Defined as NFA Weapon (35 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Ruling |
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2008-1 - Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC Rifle (12 KB) |
The upper assembly of the Fabrique Nationale Herstal SA (FN) FNC rifle is classified as the receiver of the firearm for purposes of the Gun Control Act, 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, and the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.
| Firearms | Ruling |
|
1995-3 - 37/38mm Gas/Flare Guns with Anti-Personnel Ammunition are Defined as NFA Weapons (31 KB) | 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. Document Number: | Firearms | Ruling |
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1996-2 - Estate Sale Auctioneers and FFL Requirements (32 KB) | 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. | Firearms | Ruling |
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2010-1 - Temporary Assignment of a Firearm by an FFL to an Unlicensed Employee (20 KB) |
Requirements for temporary assignment of a firearm by an FFL to its unlicensed employees for bona fide business purposes, where the actual custody of the firearm is transferred for a limited period of time, and where title and control of the firearm remain with the FFL; and by an FFL to its unlicensed agents, contractors, volunteers, or any other person who is not an employee of the FFL, even for bona fide business purposes. Supersedes Revenue Ruling 69-248 and modifies ATF Ruling 73-19. Industry Circular 72-23 is no longer in effect.
| Firearms | Ruling |
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1976-25 - Recordkeeping Requirements Salvaged Firearms (69 KB) | Recordkeeping requirements for Title I firearms from which parts are salvaged for use in repairing firearms are clarified. | Firearms | Ruling |
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2010-6 - State of Residence (98 KB) |
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.
| Firearms | Ruling |
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2010-7 - Perforating Gun Storage (86 KB) |
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.
| Explosives | Ruling |
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1976-6 - Tasers as Firearms (26 KB) | A hand-held device designed to expel by means of an explosive two electrical contacts (barbs) connected by two wires attached to a high voltage source in the device classified as a firearm. | Firearms | Ruling |
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2011-3 - Alternate Locks Authorized for Explosives Magazines (98 KB) |
ATF authorizes alternate use of hidden-shackle "hockey puck" locks, recessed padlocks, and padlocks with boron alloy shackles to secure explosives magazines, provided all of the requirements stated of this ruling have been met.
| Explosives | Ruling |
|
2012-2 - Storage of Display Fireworks in Picking Bins (74 KB) |
ATF authorizes alternate storage of display fireworks in fixed, unmarked, and uncovered bins inside explosives storage magazines provided all of the requirements of this ruling are met
| Explosives | Ruling |
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2012-5 - Type 4 Magazine Construction (69 KB) |
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.
| Explosives | Ruling |
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1973-13 - Gunsmithing Premises and Regular Business Hours (28 KB) |
Because of the nature of operations conducted by a gunsmith, he shall not be required to have business premises open to the general public or to have regular business hours.
| Firearms | Ruling |
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1974-13 - Importation of Firearms by Members of the U.S. Armed Forces (26 KB) | A member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a resident of any State or territory which requires that a permit or other authorization be issued prior to possessing or owning a handgun shall submit evidence of compliance with State law when applying to import a handgun. | Firearms | Ruling |
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1974-20 - Disposition of Replacement Firearms (108 KB) | Form 4473 shall not be required to record disposition of a like replacement firearm when such firearm is delivered by a licensee to the person from whom the malfunctioning or damaged firearm was received, provided such disposition is recorded in the licensee’s permanent records. | Firearms | Ruling |
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1974-8 - NFA Firearms for Official Use Only (68 KB) | When NFA firearms are registered on Form 10 by governmental entities, subsequent transfers of such firearms shall be made only to other governmental entities. | Firearms | Ruling |
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2011-2 - Locking Requirements for Outdoor Type 5 Bin and Silo Magazines (85 KB) |
ATF authorizes alternate storage for explosives licensees and permittees to store bulk blasting agents in outdoor type 5 bin or silo magazines without the specified locks provided all of the requirements stated in this ruling have been met.
| Explosives | Ruling |
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All FFLs-Nov2003-Open Letter-Procedual Guidance Regarding the Handling of ATF Form 4473 After a Firearms Transaction (1121 KB) |
This letter serves to provide Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) with procedural guidance regarding the handling of ATF From 4473, Firearms Transaction Record, after a firearm transaction has occurred.
| Firearms | Open Letter |
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All FELs-Sept2012-Open Letter-Table of Distance Requirements (116 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to provide information regarding ATF revisiting its guidelines for the application of the tables of distances for the storage of certain explosive materials.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
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National-Apr2012-Open Letter-Unmarked Plastic Explosives (116 KB) |
The purpose of this letter is to remind all Federal law enforcement agencies and military components of certain provisions of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 pertaining to plastic explosives that do not contain a detection agent.
| Explosives | Open Letter |
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All FFLs-Dec2011-Open Letter-Future Amendment of Nonimmigrant Alien Provisions (67 KB) |
The purpose of this open letter is to inform all Federal firearms licensees that ATF is in the process of amending its regulations and forms related to nonimmigrant alien provisions of the Gun Control Act.
| Firearms | Open Letter |