Firearms Rulings

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

An out-of-State college student may establish residence in a State by residing and maintaining a home in a college dormitory or in a location off-campus during the school term.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1980

The recordkeeping requirements for licensed gunsmiths are clarified. ATF Rul. 73-13 amplified.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1976

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.

Published/Revised: May 1, 1976

Certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements of pawnbrokers are explained.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1976

Mere possession of a license and a special tax stamp as a dealer in firearms does not qualify a person to receive firearms transfer-tax-free. Rev. Rul. 58-432 superseded.

Published/Revised: February 1, 1976

Recordkeeping requirements for Title I firearms from which parts are salvaged for use in repairing firearms are clarified.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1976

A small caliber weapon ostensibly designed to expel only tear gas, similar substances, or pyrotechnic signals, which may readily be converted to expel a projectile by means of an explosive, classified as a firearm.

Published/Revised: June 1, 1975

A firearms licensee may continue operations until his renewal application for a license is finally acted upon.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1975

When NFA firearms are registered on Form 10 by governmental entities, subsequent transfers of such firearms shall be made only to other governmental entities.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1974

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.

Published/Revised: February 1, 1974

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.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1974

Because of the nature of operations conducted by a consultant or expert, he shall not be required to have business premises open to the general public or to have regular business hours.

Published/Revised: March 1, 1973

Published/Revised: February 1, 1973

Licensed firearms or ammunition dealers operating at multiple locations may establish a common expiration date for all licenses.

Published/Revised: January 1, 1973

Classification of a 4-inch diameter barrel extension

Published/Revised: January 1, 1957