Prentice Hall Documents Library: Federal Gun Control Act (1968)

Federal Gun Control Act of 1968

The Gun Control Act of 1968, Public Law 90-618

An Act to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for better control of 
the interstate traffic in firearms.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, that this Act may be cited as the "Gun Control 
Act of 1968".
Title I -- State
Firearms Control
Assistance
Purpose
Sec. 101. The Congress hereby declares that the purpose of this title is to 
provide support to Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials in their 
fight against crime and violence, and it is not the purpose of this title to 
place any undue or unnecessary Federal restrictions or burdens on law-abiding 
citizens with respect to the acquisition, possession, or use of firearms 
appropriate to the purpose of hunting, trapshooting, target shooting, personal 
protection, or any other lawful activity, and that this title is not intended to 
discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms by law-abiding 
citizens for lawful purposes, or provide for the imposition by Federal 
regulations of any procedures or requirements other than those reasonably 
necessary to implement and effectuate the provisions of this title.
* * * * 
Chapter 44 Firearms
Sec.
921. Definitions.
922. Unlawful acts.
923. Licensing.
924. Penalties.
925. Exceptions: Relief from disabilities.
925A. Remedy for erroneous denial of firearms.
926. Rules and regulations.
926A. Interstate transportation of firearms.
927. Effect on State law.
928. Separability.
929. Use of restricted ammunition.
930. Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities.
§ 921. Definitions
(a) As used in this chapter --
(1) The term "person" and the term "whoever" include any individual, 
corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint stock 
company.
(2) The term "interstate or foreign commerce" includes commerce between any 
place in a State and any place outside of that State, or within any possession 
of the United States (not including the Canal Zone) or the District of Columbia, 
but such term does not include commerce between places within the same State but 
through any place outside of that State. The term "State" includes the District 
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United 
States (not including the Canal Zone).
(3) The term "firearm" means (A) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will 
or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the 
action of an explosive; (B) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (C) any 
firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or (D) any destructive device. Such term 
does not include an antique firearm.
(4) The term "destructive device" means--
(A) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas --
(i) bomb,
(ii) grenade,
(iii) rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces,
(iv) missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than
one-quarter ounce,
(v) mine, or
(vi) device similar to any of the devices described in the
preceding clauses;
(B) any type of weapon (other than a shotgun or a shotgun shell which
the Secretary finds is generally recognized as particularly suitable
for sporting purposes) by whatever name known which will, or which may
be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an
explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of
more than one-half inch in diameter; and
(C) any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in
converting any device into any destructive device described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) and from which a destructive device may be
readily assembled.
The term "destructive device" shall not include any device which is neither 
designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally 
designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signaling, 
pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordinance sold, 
loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of 
section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10; or any other device which the 
Secretary of the Treasury finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, is an 
antique, or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting, 
recreational or cultural purposes.
(5) The term "shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, 
and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made 
or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire 
through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for 
each single pull of the trigger.
(6) The term "short-barreled shotgun" means a shotgun having one or more barrels 
less than eighteen inches in length and any weapon made from a shotgun (whether 
by alteration, modification, or otherwise) if such weapon as modified has an 
overall length of less than twenty-six inches.
(7) The term "rifle" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and 
intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or 
remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire 
only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the 
trigger.
(8) The term "short-barreled rifle" means a rifle having one or more barrels 
less than sixteen inches in length and any weapon made from a rifle (whether by 
alteration, modification, or otherwise) if such weapon, as modified, has an 
overall length of less than twenty-six inches.
(9) The term "importer" means any person engaged in the business of importing or 
bringing firearms or ammunition into the United States for purposes of sale or 
distribution; and the term "licensed importer" means any such person licensed 
under the provisions of this chapter.
(10) The term "manufacturer" means any person engaged in the business of 
manufacturing firearms or ammunition for purposes of sale or distribution; and 
the term "licensed manufacturer" means any such person licensed under the 
provisions of this chapter.
(11) The term "dealer" means (A) any person engaged in the business of selling 
firearms at wholesale or retail, (B) any person engaged in the business of 
repairing firearms or of making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger 
mechanisms to firearms, or (C) any person who is a pawnbroker. The term 
"licensed dealer" means any dealer who is licensed under the provisions of this 
chapter.
(12) The term "pawnbroker" means any person whose business or occupation 
includes the taking or receiving, by way of pledge or pawn, of any firearm as 
security for the payment or repayment of money.
(13) The term "collector" means any person who acquires, holds, or disposes of 
firearms as curios or relics, as the Secretary shall by regulation define, and 
the term "licensed collector" means any such person licensed under the 
provisions of this chapter.
(14) The term "indictment" includes an indictment or information in any court 
under which a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year may 
be prosecuted.
(15) The term "fugitive from justice" means any person who has fled from any 
State to avoid prosecution for a crime or to avoid giving testimony in any 
criminal proceeding.
(16) The term "antique firearm" means --
(A) any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock,
percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or
before 1898; and
(B) any replica of any firearm described in subparagraph (A) if such
replica --
(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional
centerfire fixed ammunition, or
(ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is
no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily
available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.
(17)(A) The term "ammunition" means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, 
bullets, or propellent powder designed for use in any firearm.
(B) The term "armor piercing ammunition" means --
(i) a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and
which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other
substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron,
brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or
(ii) a full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and
intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than
25 percent of the total weight of the projectile.
(C) The term "armor piercing ammunition" does not include shotgun shot required 
by Federal or State environmental or game regulations for hunting purposes, a 
frangible projectile designed for target shooting, a projectile which the 
Secretary finds is primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any 
other projectile or projectile core which the Secretary finds is intended to be 
used for industrial purposes, including a charge used in an oil and gas well 
perforating device.
(18) The term "Secretary" or "Secretary of the Treasury" means the Secretary of 
the Treasury or his delegate.
(19) The term "published ordinance" means a published law of any political 
subdivision of a State which the Secretary determines to be relevant to the 
enforcement of this chapter and which is contained on a list compiled by the 
Secretary, which list shall be published in the Federal Register, revised 
annually, and furnished to each licensee under this chapter.
(20) The term "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" 
does not include --
(A) any Federal or State offenses pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair 
trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses relating to the 
regulation of business practices, or
(B) any State offense classified by the laws of the State as a misdemeanor and 
punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less.
What constitutes a conviction of such a crime shall be determined in accordance 
with the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceedings were held. Any 
conviction which has been expunged, or set aside or for which a person has been 
pardoned or has had civil rights restored shall not be considered a conviction 
for purposes of this chapter, unless such pardon, expungement, or restoration of 
civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, 
possess, or receive firearms.
(21) The term "engaged in the business" means --
(A) as applied to a manufacturer of firearms, a person who devotes time,
attention, and labor to manufacturing firearms as a regular course of
trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit
through the sale or distribution of the firearms manufactured;
(B) as applied to a manufacturer of ammunition, a person who devotes
time, attention, and labor to manufacturing ammunition as a regular course
of trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit
through the sale or distribution of the ammunition manufactured;
(C) as applied to a dealer in firearms, as defined in section
921(a)(11)(A), a person who devotes time, attention, and labor to dealing
in firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal
objective of livelihood and profit through the repetitive purchase and
resale of firearms, but such term shall not include a person who makes
occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms for the enhancement
of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or part of his
personal collection of firearms;
(D) as applied to a dealer in firearms, as defined in section
921(a)(11)(B), a person who devotes time, attention, and labor to engaging
in such activity as a regular course of trade or business with the
principal objective of livelihood and profit, but such term shall not
include a person who makes occasional repairs of firearms, or who
occasionally fits special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to
firearms;
(E) as applied to an importer of firearms, a person who devotes time,
attention, and labor to importing firearms as a regular course of trade
or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through
the sale or distribution of the firearms imported; and
(F) as applied to an importer of ammunition, a person who devotes time,
attention, and labor to importing ammunition as a regular course of trade or 
business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through
the sale or distribution of the ammunition imported.
(22) The term "with the principal objective of livelihood and profit" means that 
the intent underlying the sale or disposition of firearms is predominantly one 
of obtaining livelihood and pecuniary gain, as opposed to other intents, such as 
improving or liquidating a personal firearms collection: Provided, That proof of 
profit shall not be required as to a person who engages in the regular and 
repetitive purchase and disposition of firearms for criminal purposes or 
terrorism. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "terrorism" means activity, 
directed against United States persons, which --
(A) is committed by an individual who is not a national or permanent resident 
alien of the United States;
(B) involves violent acts or acts dangerous to human life which would be a 
criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States; 
and
(C) is intended --
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or
coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by assassination or
kidnapping.
(23) The term "machinegun" has the meaning given such term in section 5845(b) of 
the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5845(b)).
(24) The terms "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" mean any device for 
silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including 
any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in 
assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part 
intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.
(25) The term "school zone" means --
(A) in, or on the grounds of, a public, parochial or private school; or
(B) within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public, parochial or 
private school.
(26) The term "school" means a school which provides elementary or secondary 
education, as determined under State law.
(27) The term "motor vehicle" has the meaning given such term in section 10102 
of title 49, United States Code.
(28) The term "semiautomatic rifle" means any repeating rifle which utilizes a 
portion of the energy of a firing cartridge to extract the fired cartridge case 
and chamber the next round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to 
fire each cartridge.
(29) The term "handgun" means --
(A) a firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and fired by 
the use of a single hand; and
(B) any combination of parts from which a firearm described in subparagraph (A) 
can be assembled.
(30) The term "semiautomatic assault weapon" means --
(A) any of the firearms, or copies or duplicates of the firearms in any caliber, 
known as --
(i) Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs (all
models);
(ii) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil;
(iii) Beretta Ar70 (SC-70);
(iv) Colt AR-15;
(v) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC;
(vi) SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M-12;
(vii) Steyr AUG;
(viii) INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9 and TEC-22; and
(ix) revolving cylinder shotguns, such as (or similar to) the Street
Sweeper and Striker 12;
(B) a semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable
magazine and has at least 2 of --
(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of
the weapon;
(iii) a bayonet mount;
(iv) a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a
flash suppressor; and
(v) a grenade launcher;
(C) a semiautomatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable
magazine and has at least 2 of --
(i) an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the
pistol grip;
(ii) a threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash
suppressor, forward handgrip, or silencer;
(iii) a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely
encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the 
nontrigger hand without being burned;
(iv) a manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is
unloaded; and
(v) a semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm; and
(D) a semiautomatic shotgun that has at least 2 of --
(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
(ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of
the weapon;
(iii) a fixed magazine capacity in excess of 5 rounds; and
(iv) an ability to accept a detachable magazine.
(31) The term "large capacity ammunition feeding device" --
(A) means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device manufactured 
after the date of enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act 
of 1994 that has a capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to 
accept, more than 10 rounds of ammunition; but
(B) does not include an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable 
of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
(32) The term "intimate partner" means, with respect to a person, the spouse of 
the person, a former spouse of the person, an individual who is a parent of a 
child of the person, and an individual who cohabitates or has cohabited with the 
person.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, a member of the Armed Forces on active 
duty is a resident of the State in which his permanent duty station is located.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 226, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1214; Pub.L. 93-639, § 
102, Jan. 4, 1975, 88 Stat. 2217; Pub.L. 99-308, § 101, May 19, 1986, 100 Stat. 
449; Pub.L. 99-360, § 1(b), July 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 766; Pub.L. 99-408, § 1, 
Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 920; Pub.L.101-647, Title XVII, § 1702(b)(2), Title 
XXII, § 2204(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4844, 4857; Pub.L. 103-159, Title I, § 
102(a)(2), Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1539; Pub.L. 103-322, Title XI, §§ 
110102(b), 110103(b), 110401(a), 110519, Title XXXIII, § 330021(1), Sept. 13, 
1994, 108 Stat. 1997, 1999, 2014, 2020, 2150.)
§ 922. Unlawful acts
(a) It shall be unlawful --
(1) for any person --
(A) except a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, to 
engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, or 
in the course of such business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in 
interstate or foreign commerce; or
(B) except a licensed importer or licensed manufacturer, to engage in the 
business of importing or manufacturing ammunition, or in the course of such 
business, to ship, transport, or receive any ammunition in interstate or foreign 
commerce;
(2) for any importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector licensed under the 
provisions of this chapter to ship or transport in interstate or foreign 
commerce any firearm to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, except that --
(A) this paragraph and subsection (b)(3) shall not be held to preclude a 
licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector 
from returning a firearm or replacement firearm of the same kind and type to a 
person from whom it was received; and this paragraph shall not be held to 
preclude an individual from mailing a firearm owned in compliance with Federal, 
State, and local law to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed 
dealer, or licensed collector;
(B) this paragraph shall not be held to preclude a licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer from depositing a firearm for conveyance in the 
mails to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who, pursuant to the 
provisions of section 1715 of this title, is eligible to receive through the 
mails pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the 
person, for use in connection with his official duty; and
(C) nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as applying in any manner in 
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any possession of 
the United States differently than it would apply if the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the possession were in fact a State of the 
United States;
(3) for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State 
where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, 
the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or 
otherwise obtained by such person outside that State, except that this paragraph 
(A) shall not preclude any person who lawfully acquires a firearm by bequest or 
intestate succession in a State other than his State of residence from 
transporting the firearm into or receiving it in that State, if it is lawful for 
such person to purchase or possess such firearm in that State, (B) shall not 
apply to the transportation or receipt of a firearm obtained in conformity with 
subsection (b)(3) of this section, and (C) shall not apply to the transportation 
of any firearm acquired in any State prior to the effective date of this 
chapter;
(4) for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector, to transport in interstate or foreign 
commerce any destructive device, machinegun (as defined in section 5845 of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1954), short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, 
except as specifically authorized by the Secretary consistent with public safety 
and necessity;
(5) for any person (other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector) to transfer, sell, trade, give, 
transport, or deliver any firearm to any person (other than a licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector) who the 
transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe does not reside in (or if 
the person is a corporation or other business entity, does not maintain a place 
of business in) the State in which the transferor resides; except that this 
paragraph shall not apply to (A) the transfer, transportation, or delivery of a 
firearm made to carry out a bequest of a firearm to, or an acquisition by 
intestate succession of a firearm by, a person who is permitted to acquire or 
possess a firearm under the laws of the State of his residence, and (B) the loan 
or rental of a firearm to any person for temporary use for lawful sporting
purposes;
(6) for any person in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition 
of any firearm or ammunition from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector, knowingly to make any false or 
fictitious oral or written statement or to furnish or exhibit any false, 
fictitious, or misrepresented identification, intended or likely to deceive such 
importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector with respect to any fact material 
to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition 
under the provisions of this chapter;
(7) for any person to manufacture or import armor piercing ammunition, except 
that this paragraph shall not apply to --
(A) the manufacture or importation of such ammunition for the use of the United 
States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, 
agency, or political subdivision thereof;
(B) the manufacture of such ammunition for the purpose of exportation; and
(C) any manufacture or importation for the purposes of testing or 
experimentation authorized by the Secretary;
(8) for any manufacturer or importer to sell or deliver armor piercing 
ammunition, except that this paragraph shall not apply to --
(A) the sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of such ammunition for 
use of the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any 
department, agency, or political subdivision thereof;
(B) the sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of such ammunition for 
the purpose of exportation;
(C) the sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of such ammunition for 
the purposes of testing or experimenting authorized by the Secretary; and
(9) for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector, who does not reside in any State to 
receive any firearms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting purposes.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector to sell or deliver --
(1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the licensee knows or has 
reasonable cause to believe is less than eighteen years of age, and, if the 
firearm, or ammunition is other than a shotgun or rifle, or ammunition for a 
shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the licensee knows or has reasonable 
cause to believe is less than twenty-one years of age;
(2) any firearm to any person in any State where the purchase or possession by 
such person of such firearm would be in violation of any State law or any 
published ordinance applicable at the place of sale, delivery or other 
disposition, unless the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to believe that 
the purchase or possession would not be in violation of such State law or such 
published ordinance;
(3) any firearm to any person who the licensee knows or has reasonable cause to 
believe does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other business 
entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which the 
licensee's place of business is located, except that this paragraph (A) shall 
not apply to the sale or delivery of any rifle or shotgun to a resident of a 
State other than a State in which the licensee's place of business is located if 
the transferee meets in person with the transferor to accomplish the transfer, 
and the sale, delivery, and receipt fully comply with the legal conditions of 
sale in both such States (and any licensed manufacturer, importer or dealer 
shall be presumed, for purposes of this subparagraph, in the absence of evidence 
to the contrary, to have had actual knowledge of the State laws and published 
ordinances of both States), and (B) shall not apply to the loan or rental of a 
firearm to any person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes;
(4) to any person any destructive device, machinegun (as defined in section 5845 
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954), short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled 
rifle, except as specifically authorized by the Secretary consistent with public 
safety and necessity; and
(5) any firearm or armor-piercing ammunition to any person unless the licensee 
notes in his records, required to be kept pursuant to section 923 of this 
chapter, the name, age, and place of residence of such person if the person is 
an individual, or the identity and principal and local places of business of 
such person if the person is a corporation or other business entity.
Paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection shall not apply to 
transactions between licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, licensed 
dealers, and licensed collectors. Paragraph (4) of this subsection shall not 
apply to a sale or delivery to any research organization designated by the 
Secretary.
(c) In any case not otherwise prohibited by this chapter, a licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell a firearm to a person who 
does not appear in person at the licensee's business premises (other than 
another licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer) only if --
(1) the transferee submits to the transferor a sworn statement in the following 
form:
"Subject to penalties provided by law, I swear that, in the case of any
firearm other than a shotgun or a rifle, I am twenty-one years or more of
age, or that, in the case of a shotgun or a rifle, I am eighteen years or
more of age; that I am not prohibited by the provisions of chapter 44 of
title 18, United States Code, from receiving a firearm in interstate or
foreign commerce; and that my receipt of this firearm will not be in 
violation of any statute of the State and published ordinance applicable to the 
locality in which I reside. Further, the true title, name, and address of the 
principal law enforcement officer of the locality to which the firearm will be 
delivered are________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Signature _____________________________________ Date__________________."
and containing blank spaces for the attachment of a true copy of any permit or 
other information required pursuant to such statute or published ordinance;
(2) the transferor has, prior to the shipment or delivery of the firearm,
forwarded by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy
of the sworn statement, together with a description of the firearm, in a 
form prescribed by the Secretary, to the chief law enforcement officer of 
the transferee's place of residence, and has received a return receipt 
evidencing delivery of the statement or has had the statement returned due 
to the refusal of the named addressee to accept such letter in accordance
with United States Post Office Department regulations; and 
(3) the transferor has delayed shipment or delivery for a period of at
least seven days following receipt of the notification of the acceptance or
refusal of delivery of the statement.
A copy of the sworn statement and a copy of the notification to the local law 
enforcement officer, together with evidence of receipt or rejection of that 
notification shall be retained by the licensee as a part of the records required 
to be kept under section 923(g).
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any 
firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to 
believe that such person --
(1) is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime 
punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(2) is a fugitive from justice;
(3) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined 
in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
(4) has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any 
mental institution;
(5) who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
(6) who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
(7) who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his 
citizenship; or
(8) is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, 
stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such 
intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an 
intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, 
except that this paragraph shall only apply to a court order that --
(A) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual 
notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and 
(B)(i) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the 
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(ii) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or
threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child
that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury.
This subsection shall not apply with respect to the sale or disposition of a 
firearm or ammunition to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed 
dealer, or licensed collector who pursuant to subsection (b) of section 925 of 
this chapter is not precluded from dealing in firearms or ammunition, or to a 
person who has been granted relief from disabilities pursuant to subsection (c) 
of section 925 of this chapter.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to deliver or cause to be 
delivered to any common or contract carrier for transportation or shipment in 
interstate or foreign commerce, to persons other than licensed importers, 
licensed manufacturers, licensed dealers, or licensed collectors, any package or 
other container in which there is any firearm or ammunition without written 
notice to the carrier that such firearm or ammunition is being transported or 
shipped; except that any passenger who owns or legally possesses a firearm or 
ammunition being transported aboard any common or contract carrier for movement 
with the passenger in interstate or foreign commerce may deliver said firearm or 
ammunition into the custody of the pilot, captain, conductor or operator of such 
common or contract carrier for the duration of the trip without violating any of 
the provisions of this chapter. No common or contract carrier shall require or 
cause any label, tag, or other written notice to be placed on the outside of any 
package, luggage, or other container that such package, luggage, or other 
container contains a firearm.
(f)(1) It shall be unlawful for any common or contract carrier to transport or 
deliver in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition with 
knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that the shipment, transportation, or 
receipt thereof would be in violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any common or contract carrier to deliver in 
interstate or foreign commerce any firearm without obtaining written 
acknowledgement of receipt from the recipient of the package or other container 
in which there is a firearm.
(g) It shall be unlawful for any person --
(1) who has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment 
for a term exceeding one year;
(2) who is a fugitive from justice;
(3) who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as 
defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
(4) who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been 
committed to a mental institution;
(5) who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
(6) who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable 
conditions;
(7) who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his 
citizenship; or
(8) who is subject to a court order that --
(A) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual
notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to participate;
(B) restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an 
intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or 
engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable 
fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; and
(C)(i) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the 
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or 
(ii) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or 
threatened use of physical force against such intimate partner or child 
that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury,
to ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess in or 
affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition; or to receive any firearm or 
ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign 
commerce.
(h) It shall be unlawful for any individual, who to that individual's 
knowledge and while being employed for any person described in any paragraph 
of subsection (g) of this section, in the course of such employment --
(1) to receive, possess, or transport any firearm or ammunition in or 
affecting interstate or foreign commerce; or
(2) to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or 
transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
(i) It shall be unlawful for any person to transport or ship in interstate 
or foreign commerce, any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, knowing or having 
reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or ammunition was stolen.
(j) It shall be unlawful for any person to receive, possess, conceal, store, 
barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, or pledge 
or accept as security for a loan any stolen firearm or stolen ammunition, which 
is moving as, which is a part of, which constitutes, or which has been shipped 
or transported in, interstate or foreign commerce, either before or after it was 
stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm or 
ammunition was stolen.
(k) It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to transport, ship, or 
receive, in interstate or foreign commerce, any firearm which has had the 
importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered or 
to possess or receive any firearm which has had the importer's or 
manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or altered and has, at any
time, been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
(l) Except as provided in section 925(d) of this chapter, it shall be 
unlawful for any person knowingly to import or bring into the United States or 
any possession thereof any firearm or ammunition; and it shall be unlawful for 
any person knowingly to receive any firearm or ammunition which has been 
imported or brought into the United States or any possession thereof in 
violation of the provisions of this chapter.
(m) It shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector knowingly to make any false entry in, 
to fail to make appropriate entry in, or to fail to properly maintain, any 
record which he is required to keep pursuant to section 923 of this chapter or 
regulations promulgated thereunder.
(n) It shall be unlawful for any person who is under indictment for a crime
punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year to ship or transport
in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition or receive any
firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or
foreign commerce.
(o)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any
person to transfer or possess a machinegun.
(2) This subsection does not apply with respect to --
(A) a transfer to or by, or possession by or under the authority of, the 
United States or any department or agency thereof or a State, or a 
department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or
(B) any lawful transfer or lawful possession of a machinegun that was 
lawfully possessed before the date this subsection takes effect.
(p)(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, import, sell, ship, 
deliver, possess, transfer, or receive any firearm --
(A) that, after removal of grips, stocks, and magazines, is not as 
detectable as the Security Exemplar, by walk-through metal detectors 
calibrated and operated to detect the Security Exemplar; or 
(B) any major component of which, when subjected to inspection by the types of 
x-ray machines commonly used at airports, does not generate an image that 
accurately depicts the shape of the component. Barium sulfate or other compounds 
may be used in the fabrication of the component.
(2) For purposes of this subsection --
(A) the term "firearm" does not include the frame or receiver of any such 
weapon;
(B) the term "major component" means, with respect to a firearm, the 
barrel, the slide or cylinder, or the frame or receiver of the firearm; and
(C) the term "Security Exemplar" means an object, to be fabricated at the 
direction of the Secretary, that is --
(i) constructed of, during the 12-month period beginning on the date of the 
enactment of this subsection, 3.7 ounces of material type 17-4 PH 
stainless steel in a shape resembling a handgun; and
(ii) suitable for testing and calibrating metal detectors:
Provided, however, That at the close of such 12-month period, and at appropriate 
times thereafter the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to permit the 
manufacture, importation, sale, shipment, delivery, possession, transfer, or 
receipt of firearms previously prohibited under this subparagraph that are as 
detectable as a "Security Exemplar" which contains 3.7 ounces of material type 
17-4 PH stainless steel, in a shape resembling a handgun, or such lesser amount 
as is detectable in view of advances in state-of-the-art developments in weapons 
detection technology.
(3) Under such rules and regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe, this 
subsection shall not apply to the manufacture, possession, transfer, receipt, 
shipment, or delivery of a firearm by a licensed manufacturer or any person 
acting pursuant to a contract with a licensed manufacturer, for the purpose of 
examining and testing such firearm to determine whether paragraph (1) applies to 
such firearm. The Secretary shall ensure that rules and regulations adopted 
pursuant to this paragraph do not impair the manufacture of prototype firearms 
or the development of new technology.
(4) The Secretary shall permit the conditional importation of a firearm by a 
licensed importer or licensed manufacturer, for examination and testing to 
determine whether or not the unconditional importation of such firearm would 
violate this subsection.
(5) This subsection shall not apply to any firearm which --
(A) has been certified by the Secretary of Defense or the Director of 
Central Intelligence, after consultation with the Secretary and the 
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, as necessary for 
military or intelligence applications; and
(B) is manufactured for and sold exclusively to military or intelligence 
agencies of the United States.
(6) This subsection shall not apply with respect to any firearm manufactured in, 
imported into, or possessed in the United States before the date of the 
enactment of the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988.
(q)(1) The Congress finds and declares that --
(A) crime, particularly crime involving drugs and guns, is a pervasive, 
nationwide problem;
(B) crime at the local level is exacerbated by the interstate movement of drugs, 
guns, and criminal gangs;
(C) firearms and ammunition move easily in interstate commerce and have been 
found in increasing numbers in and around schools, as documented in numerous 
hearings in both the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives and 
Judiciary Committee of the Senate;
(D) in fact, even before the sale of a firearm, the gun, its component parts, 
ammunition, and the raw materials from which they are made have considerably 
moved in interstate commerce;
(E) while criminals freely move from State to State, ordinary citizens and 
foreign visitors may fear to travel to or through certain parts of the country 
due to concern about violent crime and gun violence, and parents may decline to 
send their children to school for the same reason;
(F) the occurrence of violent crime in school zones has resulted in a decline in 
the quality of education in our country;
(G) this decline in the quality of education has an adverse impact on interstate 
commerce and the foreign commerce of the United States;
(H) States, localities, and school systems find it almost impossible to handle 
gun-related crime by themselves; even States, localities, and school systems 
that have made strong efforts to prevent, detect, and punish gun-related crime 
find their efforts unavailing due in part to the failure or inability of other 
States or localities to take strong measures; and
(I) Congress has power, under the interstate commerce clause and other 
provisions of the Constitution, to enact measures to ensure the integrity and 
safety of the Nation's schools by enactment of this subsection.
(2)(A) It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at 
a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a 
school zone.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the possession of a firearm --
(i) on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do so by the State 
in which the school zone is located or a political subdivision of the State, and 
the law of the State or political subdivision requires that, 
before an individual obtain such a license, the law enforcement authorities of 
the State or political subdivision verify that the individual is 
qualified under law to receive the license;
(iii) which is --
(I) not loaded; and
(II) in a locked container, or a locked firearms rack which is on a
motor vehicle;
(iv) by an individual for use in a program approved by a school in the school 
zone;
(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into 
between a school in the school zone and the individual or an employer 
of the individual;
(vi) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official 
capacity; or
(vii) that is unloaded and is possessed by an individual while 
traversing school premises for the purpose of gaining access to public 
or private lands open to hunting, if the entry on school premises is 
authorized by school authorities.
(3)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any 
person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to 
discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm at a place that the person knows is 
a school zone.
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the discharge of a firearm --
(i) on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) as part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an 
individual who is participating in the program;
(iii) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a 
school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual; or
(iv) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preempting or preventing a 
State or local government from enacting a statute establishing gun-free school 
zones as provided in this subsection.
(r) It shall be unlawful for any person to assemble from imported parts any 
semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun which is identical to any rifle or shotgun 
prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) of this chapter as not being 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes except that 
this subsection shall not apply to --
(1) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a 
licensed manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency 
thereof or to any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision 
thereof; or
(2) the assembly of any such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or 
experimentation authorized by the Secretary.
(s)(1) Beginning on the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
subsection and ending on the day before the date that is 60 months after such 
date of enactment, it shall be unlawful for any licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun (other 
than the return of a handgun to the person from whom it was received) to an 
individual who is not licensed under section 923, unless --
(A) after the most recent proposal of such transfer by the transferee --
(i) the transferor has --
(I) received from the transferee a statement of the transferee 
containing the information described in paragraph (3);
(II) verified the identity of the transferee by examining the 
identification document presented;
(III) within 1 day after the transferee furnishes the statement, 
provided notice of the contents of the statement to the chief law 
enforcement officer of the place of residence of the transferee; and
(IV) within 1 day after the transferee furnishes the statement, 
transmitted a copy of the statement to the chief law enforcement officer of the 
place of residence of the transferee; and
(ii)(I) 5 business days (meaning days on which State offices are open) have 
elapsed from the date the transferor furnished notice of the contents of the 
statement to the chief law enforcement officer, during which period the 
transferor has not received information from the chief law enforcement officer 
that receipt or possession of the handgun by the transferee would be in 
violation of Federal, State, or local law; or
(II) the transferor has received notice from the chief law enforcement 
officer that the officer has no information indicating that receipt or 
possession of the handgun by the transferee would violate Federal, State, or 
local law;
(B) the transferee has presented to the transferor a written statement, issued 
by the chief law enforcement officer of the place of residence of the transferee 
during the 10-day period ending on the date of the most recent proposal of such 
transfer by the transferee, stating that the transferee requires access to a 
handgun because of a threat to the life of the transferee or of any member of 
the household of the transferee;
(C)(i) the transferee has presented to the transferor a permit that --
(I) allows the transferee to possess or acquire a handgun; and
(II) was issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer 
is to take place; and
(ii) the law of the State provides that such a permit is to be issued only after 
an authorized government official has verified that the information available to 
such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the transferee 
would be in violation of the law;
(D) the law of the State requires that, before any licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer completes the transfer of a handgun to an 
individual who is not licensed under section 923, an authorized government 
official verify that the information available to such official does not 
indicate that possession of a handgun by the transferee would be in violation of 
law;
(E) the Secretary has approved the transfer under section 5812 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986; or
(F) on application of the transferor, the Secretary has certified that 
compliance with subparagraph (A)(i)(III) is impracticable because --
(i) the ratio of the number of law enforcement officers of the State in which 
the transfer is to occur to the number of square miles of land area of the State 
does not exceed 0.0025;
(ii) the business premises of the transferor at which the transfer is to occur 
are extremely remote in relation to the chief law enforcement officer; and
(iii) there is an absence of telecommunications facilities in the 
geographical area in which the business premises are located.
(2) A chief law enforcement officer to whom a transferor has provided notice 
pursuant to paragraph (1)(A)(i)(III) shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain 
within 5 business days whether receipt or possession would be in violation of 
the law, including research in whatever State and local recordkeeping systems 
are available and in a national system designated by the Attorney General.
(3) The statement referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I) shall contain only --
(A) the name, address, and date of birth appearing on a valid 
identification document (as defined in section 1028(d)(1)) of the transferee 
containing a photograph of the transferee and a description of the 
identification used;
(B) a statement that the transferee --
(i) is not under indictment for, and has not been convicted in any court of, a 
crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year;
(ii) is not a fugitive from justice;
(iii) is not an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as 
defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act);
(iv) has not been adjudicated as a mental defective or been committed to a 
mental institution;
(v) is not an alien who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
(vi) has not been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable 
conditions; and
(vii) is not a person who, having been a citizen of the United States, 
has renounced such citizenship;
(C) the date the statement is made; and
(D) notice that the transferee intends to obtain a handgun from the 
transferor.
(4) Any transferor of a handgun who, after such transfer, receives a report from 
a chief law enforcement officer containing information that receipt or 
possession of the handgun by the transferee violates Federal, State, or local 
law shall, within 1 business day after receipt of such request, communicate any 
information related to the transfer that the transferor has about the transfer 
and the transferee to--
(A) the chief law enforcement officer of the place of business of the 
transferor; and
(B) the chief law enforcement officer of the place of residence of the 
transferee.
(5) Any transferor who receives information, not otherwise available to the 
public, in a report under this subsection shall not disclose such information 
except to the transferee, to law enforcement authorities, or pursuant to the 
direction of a court of law.
(6)(A) Any transferor who sells, delivers, or otherwise transfers a handgun to a 
transferee shall retain the copy of the statement of the transferee with respect 
to the handgun transaction, and shall retain evidence that the transferor has 
complied with subclauses (III) and (IV) of paragraph (1)(A)(i) with respect to 
the statement.
(B) Unless the chief law enforcement officer to whom a statement is transmitted 
under paragraph (1)(A)(i)(IV) determines that a transaction would violate 
Federal, State, or local law --
(i) the officer shall, within 20 business days after the date the 
transferee made the statement on the basis of which the notice was 
provided, destroy the statement, any record containing information derived 
from the statement, and any record created as a result of the notice 
required by paragraph (1)(A)(i)(III);
(ii) the information contained in the statement shall not be conveyed to
any person except a person who has a need to know in order to carry out 
this subsection; and
(iii) the information contained in the statement shall not be used for 
any purpose other than to carry out this subsection.
(C) If a chief law enforcement officer determines that an individual is 
ineligible to receive a handgun and the individual requests the officer to 
provide the reason for such determination, the officer shall provide such 
reasons to the individual in writing within 20 business days after receipt of 
the request.
(7) A chief law enforcement officer or other person responsible for providing 
criminal history background information pursuant to this subsection shall not be 
liable in an action at law for damages --
(A) for failure to prevent the sale or transfer of a handgun to a person 
whose receipt or possession of the handgun is unlawful under this section;
or
(B) for preventing such a sale or transfer to a person who may lawfully 
receive or possess a handgun.
(8) For purposes of this subsection, the term "chief law enforcement 
officer" means the chief of police, the sheriff, or an equivalent officer or
the designee of any such individual.
(9) The Secretary shall take necessary actions to ensure that the 
provisions of this subsection are published and disseminated to licensed 
dealers, law enforcement officials, and the public.
(t)(1) Beginning on the date that is 30 days after the Attorney General notifies 
licensees under section 103(d) of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act that 
the national instant criminal background check system is established, a licensed 
importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not transfer a firearm 
to any other person who is not licensed under this chapter, unless --
(A) before the completion of the transfer, the licensee contacts the 
national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 
of that Act;
(B)(i) the system provides the licensee with a unique identification 
number; or
(ii) 3 business days (meaning a day on which State offices are open) have 
elapsed since the licensee contacted the system, and the system has not 
notified the licensee that the receipt of a firearm by such other person 
would violate subsection (g) or (n) of this section; and
(C) the transferor has verified the identity of the transferee by examining a 
valid identification document (as defined in section 1028(d)(1) of this title) 
of the transferee containing a photograph of the transferee.
(2) If receipt of a firearm would not violate section 922(g) or (n) or State 
law, the system shall --
(A) assign a unique identification number to the transfer;
(B) provide the licensee with the number; and
(C) destroy all records of the system with respect to the call (other than the 
identifying number and the date the number was assigned) and all records of the 
system relating to the person or the transfer.
(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a firearm transfer between a licensee and 
another person if --
(A)(i) such other person has presented to the licensee a permit that --
(I) allows such other person to possess or acquire a firearm; and
(II) was issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer 
is to take place; and
(ii) the law of the State provides that such a permit is to be issued only after 
an authorized government official has verified that the information available to 
such official does not indicate that possession of a firearm by such other 
person would be in violation of law;
(B) the Secretary has approved the transfer under section 5812 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986; or
(C) on application of the transferor, the Secretary has certified that 
compliance with paragraph (1)(A) is impracticable because--
(i) the ratio of the number of law enforcement officers of the State in which 
the transfer is to occur to the number of square miles of land area of the State 
does not exceed 0.0025;
(ii) the business premises of the licensee at which the transfer is to 
occur are extremely remote in relation to the chief law enforcement officer as 
defined in subsection (s)(8)); and
(iii) there is an absence of telecommunications facilities in the 
geographical area in which the business premises are located.
(4) If the national instant criminal background check system notifies the 
licensee that the information available to the system does not demonstrate that 
the receipt of a firearm by such other person would violate subsection (g) or 
(n) or State law, and the licensee transfers a firearm to such other person, the 
licensee shall include in the record of the transfer the unique identification 
number provided by the system with respect to the transfer.
(5) If the licensee knowingly transfers a firearm to such other person and 
knowingly fails to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect to 
the transfer and, at the time such other person most recently proposed the 
transfer, the national instant criminal background check system was operating 
and information was available to the system demonstrating that receipt of a 
firearm by such other person would violate subsection (g) or (n) of this section 
or State law, the Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, 
suspend for not more than 6 months or revoke any license issued to the licensee 
under section 923, and may impose on the licensee a civil fine of not more than 
$5,000.
(6) Neither a local government nor an employee of the Federal Government or of 
any State or local government, responsible for providing information to the 
national instant criminal background check system shall be liable in an action 
at law for damages --
(A) for failure to prevent the sale or transfer of a firearm to a person 
whose receipt or possession of the firearm is unlawful under this section; or
(B) for preventing such a sale or transfer to a person who may lawfully 
receive or possess a firearm.
(u) It shall be unlawful for a person to steal or unlawfully take or carry away 
from the person or the premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the 
business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, any firearm in the 
licensee's business inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate 
or foreign commerce.
(v)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture, transfer, or possess a 
semiautomatic assault weapon.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the possession or transfer of any 
semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise lawfully possessed under Federal law on 
the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to --
(A) any of the firearms, or replicas or duplicates of the firearms, 
specified in Appendix A to this section, as such firearms were manufactured on 
October 1, 1993;
(B) any firearm that --
(i) is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
(ii) has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
(iii) is an antique firearm;
(C) any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds 
more than 5 rounds of ammunition; or
(D) any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than 5 rounds of ammunition 
in a fixed or detachable magazine.
The fact that a firearm is not listed in Appendix A shall not be construed to 
mean that paragraph (1) applies to such firearm. No firearm exempted by this 
subsection may be deleted from Appendix A so long as this subsection is in 
effect.
(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to --
(A) the manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a 
department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or 
political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law 
enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement 
(whether on or off duty);
(B) the transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 
1954 for purposes of establishing and maintaining an on-site physical 
protection system and security organization required by Federal law, or 
possession by an employee or contractor of such licensee on-site for such 
purposes or off-site for purposes of licensee-authorized training or 
transportation of nuclear materials;
(C) the possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law 
enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving a firearm, of 
a semiautomatic assault weapon transferred to the individual by the agency upon 
such retirement; or
(D) the manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault 
weapon by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the purposes of 
testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary.
(w)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for a person to 
transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the possession or transfer of any large 
capacity ammunition feeding device otherwise lawfully possessed on or before the 
date of the enactment of this subsection.
(3) This subsection shall not apply to --
(A) the manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a 
department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, 
agency, or political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a 
law enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law 
enforcement (whether on or off duty);
(B) the transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 
1954 for purposes of establishing and maintaining an on-site physical 
protection system and security organization required by Federal law, or 
possession by an employee or contractor of such licensee on-site for such 
purposes or off-site for purposes of licensee-authorized training or 
transportation of nuclear materials;
(C) the possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law 
enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition, of 
a large capacity ammunition feeding device transferred to the individual by the 
agency upon such retirement; or
(D) the manufacture, transfer, or possession of any large capacity 
ammunition feeding device by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for 
the purposes of testing or experimentation authorized by the Secretary.
(4) If a person charged with violating paragraph (1) asserts that paragraph (1) 
does not apply to such person because of paragraph (2) or (3), the Government 
shall have the burden of proof to show that such paragraph (1) applies to such 
person. The lack of a serial number as described in section 923(i) of title 18, 
United States Code, shall be a presumption that the large capacity ammunition 
feeding device is not subject to the prohibition of possession in paragraph (1).
(x)(1) It shall be unlawful for a person to sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer 
to a person who the transferor knows or has reasonable cause to believe is a 
juvenile --
(A) a handgun; or
(B) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person who is a juvenile to knowingly possess 
--
(A) a handgun; or
(B) ammunition that is suitable for use only in a handgun.
(3) This subsection does not apply to --
(A) a temporary transfer of a handgun or ammunition to a juvenile or to the 
possession or use of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile if the handgun and 
ammunition are possessed and used by the juvenile --
(i) in the course of employment, in the course of ranching or farming 
related to activities at the residence of the juvenile (or on property used for 
ranching or farming at which the juvenile, with the permission of the property 
owner or lessee, is performing activities related to the operation of the farm 
or ranch), target practice, hunting, or a course of instruction in the safe and 
lawful use of a handgun;
(ii) with the prior written consent of the juvenile's parent or guardian who is 
not prohibited by Federal, State, or local law from possessing a firearm, except 
--
(I) during transportation by the juvenile of an unloaded handgun in a locked 
container directly from the place of transfer to a place at which an activity 
described in clause (i) is to take place and transportation by the juvenile of 
that handgun, unloaded and in a locked container, directly from the place at 
which such an activity took place to the transferor; or
(II) with respect to ranching or farming activities as described in 
clause (i), a juvenile may possess and use a handgun or ammunition with the 
prior written approval of the juvenile's parent or legal guardian and at the 
direction of an adult who is not prohibited by Federal, State or local law from 
possessing a firearm;
(iii) the juvenile has the prior written consent in the juvenile's 
possession at all times when a handgun is in the possession of the 
juvenile; and
(iv) in accordance with State and local law;
(B) a juvenile who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the 
National Guard who possesses or is armed with a handgun in the line of duty;
(C) a transfer by inheritance of title (but not possession) of a handgun or 
ammunition to a juvenile; or
(D) the possession of a handgun or ammunition by a juvenile taken in 
defense of the juvenile or other persons against an intruder into the 
residence of the juvenile or a residence in which the juvenile is an invited 
guest.
(4) A handgun or ammunition, the possession of which is transferred to a 
juvenile in circumstances in which the transferor is not in violation of this 
subsection shall not be subject to permanent confiscation by the Government if 
its possession by the juvenile subsequently becomes unlawful because of the 
conduct of the juvenile, but shall be returned to the lawful owner when such 
handgun or ammunition is no longer required by the Government for the purposes 
of investigation or prosecution.
(5) For purposes of this subsection, the term "juvenile" means a person who is 
less than 18 years of age.
(6)(A) In a prosecution of a violation of this subsection, the court shall 
require the presence of a juvenile defendant's parent or legal guardian at all 
proceedings.
(B) The court may use the contempt power to enforce subparagraph (A).
(C) The court may excuse attendance of a parent or legal guardian of a juvenile 
defendant at a proceeding in a prosecution of a violation of this subsection for 
good cause shown.
APPENDIX A
Centerfire Rifles -- Autoloaders
Browning BAR Mark II Safari Semi-Auto Rifle
Browning BAR Mark II Safari Magnum Rifle
Browning High-Power Rifle
Heckler & Koch Model 300 Rifle
Iver Johnson M-1 Carbine
Iver Johnson 50th Anniversary M-1 Carbine
Marlin Model 9 Camp Carbine
Marlin Model 45 Carbine
Remington Nylon 66 Auto-Loading Rifle
Remington Model 7400 Auto Rifle
Remington Model 7400 Rifle
Remington Model 7400 Special Purpose Auto Rifle
Ruger Mini-14 Autoloading Rifle (w/o folding stock)
Ruger Mini Thirty Rifle
Centerfire Rifles -- Lever & Slide
Browning Model 81 BLR Lever-Action Rifle
Browning Model 81 Long Action BLR
Browning Model 1886 Lever-Action Carbine
Browning Model 1886 High Grade Carbine
Cimarron 1860 Henry Replica
Cimarron 1866 Winchester Replicas
Cimarron 1873 Short Rifle
Cimarron 1873 Sporting Rifle
Cimarron 1873 30" Express Rifle
Dixie Engraved 1873 Rifle
E.M.F. 1866 Yellowboy Lever Actions
E.M.F. 1860 Henry Rifle
E.M.F. Model 73 Lever-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 336CS Lever-Action Carbine
Marlin Model 30AS Lever-Action Carbine
Marlin Model 444SS Lever-Action Sporter
Marlin Model 1894S Lever-Action Carbine
Marlin Model 1894CS Carbine
Marlin Model 1894CL Classic
Marlin Model 1895SS Lever-Action Rifle
Mitchell 1858 Henry Replica
Mitchell 1866 Winchester Replica
Mitchell 1873 Winchester Replica
Navy Arms Military Henry Rifle
Navy Arms Henry Trapper
Navy Arms Iron Frame Henry
Navy Arms Henry Carbine
Navy Arms 1866 Yellowboy Rifle
Navy Arms 1873 Winchester-Style Rifle
Navy Arms 1873 Sporting Rifle
Remington 7600 Slide Action
Remington Model 7600 Special Purpose Slide Action
Rossi M92 SRC Saddle-Ring Carbine
Rossi M92 SRS Short Carbine
Savage 99C Lever-Action Rifle
Uberti Henry Rifle
Uberti 1866 Sporting Rifle
Uberti 1873 Sporting Rifle
Winchester Model 94 Side Eject Lever-Action Rifle
Winchester Model 94 Trapper Side Eject
Winchester Model 94 Big Bore Side Eject
Winchester Model 94 Ranger Side Eject Lever-Action Rifle
Winchester Model 94 Wrangler Side Eject
Centerfire Rifles -- Bolt Action
Alpine Bolt-Action Rifle
A-Square Caesar Bolt-Action Rifle
A-Square Hannibal Bolt-Action Rifle
Anschutz 1700D Classic Rifles
Anschutz 1700D Custom Rifles
Anschutz 1700D Bavarian Bolt-Action Rifle
Anschutz 1733D Mannlicher Rifle
Barret Model 90 Bolt-Action Rifle
Beeman/HW 60J Bolt-Action Rifle
Blaser R84 Bolt-Action Rifle
BRNO 537 Sporter Bolt-Action Rifle
BRNO ZKB 527 Fox Bolt-Action Rifle
BRNO ZKK 600, 601, 602 Bolt-Action Rifles
Browning A-Bolt Rifle
Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker
Browning A-Bolt Left Hand
Browning A-Bolt Short Action
Browning Euro-Bolt Rifle
Browning A-Bolt Gold Medallion
Browning A-Bolt Micro Medallion
Century Centurion 14 Sporter
Century Enfield Sporter #4
Century Swedish Sporter #38
Century Mauser 98 Sporter
Cooper Model 38 Centerfire Sporter
Dakota 22 Sporter Bolt-Action Rifle
Dakota 76 Classic Bolt-Action Rifle
Dakota 76 Short Action Rifles
Dakota 76 Safari Bolt-Action Rifle
Dakota 416 Rigby African
E.A.A./Sabatti Rover 870 Bolt-Action Rifle
Auguste Francotte Bolt-Action Rifles
Carl Gustaf 2000 Bolt-Action Rifle
Heym Magnum Express Series Rifle
Howa Lightning Bolt-Action Rifle
Howa Realtree Camo Rifle
Interarms Mark X Viscount Bolt-Action Rifle
Interarms Mini-Mark X Rifle
Interarms Mark X Whitworth Bolt-Action Rifle
Interarms Whitworth Express Rifle
Iver Johnson Model 5100A1 Long-Range Rifle
KDF K15 American Bolt-Action Rifle
Krico Model 600 Bolt-Action Rifle
Krico Model 700 Bolt-Action Rifles
Mauser Model 66 Bolt-Action Rifle
Mauser Model 99 Bolt-Action Rifle
McMillan Signature Classic Sporter
McMillan Signature Super Varminter
McMillan Signature Alaskan
McMillan Signature Titanium Mountain Rifle
McMillan Classic Stainless Sporter
McMillan Talon Safari Rifle
McMillan Talon Sporter Rifle
Midland 1500S Survivor Rifle
Navy Arms TU-33/40 Carbine
Parker-Hale Model 81 Classic Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 81 Classic African Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 1000 Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 1100M African Magnum
Parker-Hale Model 1100 Lightweight Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 1200 Super Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 1200 Super Clip Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 1300C Scout Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 2100 Midland Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 2700 Lightweight Rifle
Parker-Hale Model 2800 Midland Rifle
Remington Model Seven Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington Model Seven Youth Rifle
Remington Model Seven Custom KS
Remington Model Seven Custom MS Rifle
Remington 700 ADL Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington 700 BDL Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington 700 BDL Varmint Special
Remington 700 BDL European Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington 700 Varmint Synthetic Rifle
Remington 700 BDL SS Rifle
Remington 700 Stainless Synthetic Rifle
Remington 700 MTRSS Rifle
Remington 700 BDL Left Hand
Remington 700 Camo Synthetic Rifle
Remington 700 Safari
Remington 700 Mountain Rifle
Remington 700 Custom KS Mountain Rifle
Remington 700 Classic Rifle
Ruger M77 Mark II Rifle
Ruger M77 Mark II Magnum Rifle
Ruger M77RL Ultra Light
Ruger M77 Mark II All-Weather Stainless Rifle
Ruger M77 RSI International Carbine
Ruger M77 Mark II Express Rifle
Ruger M77VT Target Rifle
Sako Hunter Rifle
Sako Fiberclass Sporter
Sako Safari Grade Bolt Action
Sako Hunter Left-Hand Rifle
Sako Classic Bolt Action
Sako Hunter LS Rifle
Sako Deluxe Lightweight
Sako Super Deluxe Sporter
Sako Mannlicher-Style Carbine
Sako Varmint Heavy Barrel
Sako TRG-S Bolt-Action Rifle
Sauer 90 Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage 110G Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage 110CY Youth/Ladies Rifle
Savage 110WLE One of One Thousand Limited Edition Rifle
Savage 110GXP3 Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage 110F Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage 110FXP3 Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage 110GV Varmint Rifle
Savage 112FV Varmint Rifle
Savage Model 112FVS Varmint Rifle
Savage Model 112BV Heavy Barrel Varmint Rifle
Savage 116FSS Bolt-Action Rifle
Savage Model 116FSK Kodiak Rifle
Savage 110FP Police Rifle
Steyr-Mannlicher Sporter Models SL, L, M, S, S/T
Steyr-Mannlicher Luxus Model L, M, S
Steyr-Mannlicher Model M Professional Rifle
Tikka Bolt-Action Rifle
Tikka Premium Grade Rifles
Tikka Varmint/Continental Rifle
Tikka Whitetail/Battue Rifle
Ultra Light Arms Model 20 Rifle
Ultra Light Arms Model 28, Model 40 Rifles
Voere VEC 91 Lightning Bolt-Action Rifle
Voere Model 2165 Bolt-Action Rifle
Voere Model 2155, 2150 Bolt-Action Rifles
Weatherby Mark V Deluxe Bolt-Action Rifle
Weatherby Lasermark V Rifle
Weatherby Mark V Crown Custom Rifles
Weatherby Mark V Sporter Rifle
Weatherby Mark V Safari Grade Custom Rifles
Weatherby Weathermark Rifle
Weatherby Weathermark Alaskan Rifle
Weatherby Classicmark No. 1 Rifle
Weatherby Weatherguard Alaskan Rifle
Weatherby Vanguard VGX Deluxe Rifle
Weatherby Vanguard Classic Rifle
Weatherby Vanguard Classic No. 1 Rifle
Weatherby Vanguard Weatherguard Rifle
Wichita Classic Rifle
Wichita Varmint Rifle
Winchester Model 70 Sporter
Winchester Model 70 Sporter WinTuff
Winchester Model 70 SM Sporter
Winchester Model 70 Stainless Rifle
Winchester Model 70 Varmint
Winchester Model 70 Synthetic Heavy Varmint Rifle
Winchester Model 70 DBM Rifle
Winchester Model 70 DBM-S Rifle
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight WinTuff
Winchester Model 70 Featherweight Classic
Winchester Model 70 Lightweight Rifle
Winchester Ranger Rifle
Winchester Model 70 Super Express Magnum
Winchester Model 70 Super Grade
Winchester Model 70 Custom Sharpshooter
Winchester Model 70 Custom Sporting Sharpshooter Rifle
Centerfire Rifles -- Single Shot
Armsport 1866 Sharps Rifle, Carbine
Brown Model One Single Shot Rifle
Browning Model 1885 Single Shot Rifle
Dakota Single Shot Rifle
Desert Industries G-90 Single Shot Rifle
Harrington & Richardson Ultra Varmint Rifle
Model 1885 High Wall Rifle
Navy Arms Rolling Block Buffalo Rifle
Navy Arms #2 Creedmoor Rifle
Navy Arms Sharps Cavalry Carbine
Navy Arms Sharps Plains Rifle
New England Firearms Handi-Rifle
Red Willow Armory Ballard No. 5 Pacific
Red Willow Armory Ballard No. 1.5 Hunting Rifle
Red Willow Armory Ballard No. 8 Union Hill Rifle
Red Willow Armory Ballard No. 4.5 Target Rifle
Remington-Style Rolling Block Carbine
Ruger No. 1B Single Shot
Ruger No. 1A Light Sporter
Ruger No. 1H Tropical Rifle
Ruger No. 1S Medium Sporter
Ruger No. 1 RSI International
Ruger No. 1V Special Varminter
C.Sharps Arms New Model 1874 Old Reliable
C.Sharps Arms New Model 1875 Rifle
C.Sharps Arms 1875 Classic Sharps
C.Sharps Arms New Model 1875 Target & Long Range
Shiloh Sharps 1874 Long Range Express
Shiloh Sharps 1874 Montana Roughrider
Shiloh Sharps 1874 Military Carbine
Shiloh Sharps 1874 Business Rifle
Shiloh Sharps 1874 Military Rifle
Sharps 1874 Old Reliable
Thompson/Center Contender Carbine
Thompson/Center Stainless Contender Carbine
Thompson/Center Contender Carbine Survival System
Thompson/Center Contender Carbine Youth Model
Thompson/Center TCR '87 Single Shot Rifle
Uberti Rolling Block Baby Carbine
Drillings, Combination Guns, Double Rifles
Beretta Express SSO O/U Double Rifles
Beretta Model 455 SxS Express Rifle
Chapuis RGExpress Double Rifle
Auguste Francotte Sidelock Double Rifles
Auguste Francotte Boxlock Double Rifle
Heym Model 55B O/U Double Rifle
Heym Model 55FW O/U Combo Gun
Heym Model 88b Side-by-Side Double Rifle
Kodiak Mk. IV Double Rifle
Kreighoff Teck O/U Combination Gun
Kreighoff Trumpf Drilling
Merkel Over/Under Combination Guns
Merkel Drillings
Merkel Model 160 Side-by-Side Double Rifles
Merkel Over/Under Double Rifles
Savage 24F O/U Combination Gun
Savage 24F-12T Turkey Gun
Springfield Inc. M6 Scout Rifle/Shotgun
Tikka Model 412s Combination Gun
Tikka Model 412S Double Fire
A. Zoli Rifle-Shotgun O/U Combo
Rimfire Rifles -- Autoloaders
AMT Lightning 25/22 Rifle
AMT Lightning Small-Game Hunting Rifle II
AMT Magnum Hunter Auto Rifle
Anschutz 525 Deluxe Auto
Armscor Model 20P Auto Rifle
Browning Auto-22 Rifle
Browning Auto-22 Grade VI
Krico Model 260 Auto Rifle
Lakefield Arms Model 64B Auto Rifle
Marlin Model 60 Self-Loading Rifle
Marlin Model 60ss Self-Loading Rifle
Marlin Model 70 HC Auto
Marlin Model 990l Self-Loading Rifle
Marlin Model 70P Papoose
Marlin Model 922 Magnum Self-Loading Rifle
Marlin Model 995 Self-Loading Rifle
Norinco Model 22 ATD Rifle
Remington Model 522 Viper Autoloading Rifle
Remington 552BDL Speedmaster Rifle
Ruger 10/22 Autoloading Carbine (w/o folding stock)
Survival Arms AR-7 Explorer Rifle
Texas Remington Revolving Carbine
Voere Model 2115 Auto Rifle
Rimfire Rifles -- Lever & Slide Action
Browning BL-22 Lever-Action Rifle
Marlin 39TDS Carbine
Marlin Model 39AS Golden Lever-Action Rifle
Remington 572BDL Fieldmaster Pump Rifle
Norinco EM-321 Pump Rifle
Rossi Model 62 SA Pump Rifle
Rossi Model 62 SAC Carbine
Winchester Model 9422 Lever-Action Rifle
Winchester Model 9422 Magnum Lever-Action Rifle
Rimfire Rifles -- Bolt Actions & Single Shots
Anschutz Achiever Bolt-Action Rifle
Anschutz 1416D/1516D Classic Rifles
Anschutz 1418D/1518D Mannlicher Rifles
Anschutz 1700D Classic Rifles
Anschutz 1700D Custom Rifles
Anschutz 1700 FWT Bolt-Action Rifle
Anschutz 1700D Graphite Custom Rifle
Anschutz 1700D Bavarian Bolt-Action Rifle
Armscor Model 14P Bolt-Action Rifle
Armscor Model 1500 Rifle
BRNO ZKM-452 Deluxe Bolt-Action Rifle
BRNO ZKM 452 Deluxe
Beeman/HW 60-J-ST Bolt-Action Rifle
Browning A-Bolt 22 Bolt-Action Rifle
Browning A-Bolt Gold Medallion
Cabanas Phaser Rifle
Cabanas Master Bolt-Action Rifle
Cabanas Espronceda IV Bolt-Action Rifle
Cabanas Leyre Bolt-Action Rifle
Chipmunk Single Shot Rifle
Cooper Arms Model 36S Sporter Rifle
Dakota 22 Sporter Bolt-Action Rifle
Krico Model 300 Bolt-Action Rifles
Lakefield Arms Mark II Bolt-Action Rifle
Lakefield Arms Mark I Bolt-Action Rifle
Magtech Model MT-22C Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 880 Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 881 Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 882 Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 883 Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 883SS Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 25MN Bolt-Action Rifle
Marlin Model 25N Bolt-Action Repeater
Marlin Model 15YN "Little Buckaroo"
Mauser Model 107 Bolt-Action Rifle
Mauser Model 201 Bolt-Action Rifle
Navy Arms TU-KKW Training Rifle
Navy Arms TU-33/40 Carbine
Navy Arms TU-KKW Sniper Trainer
Norinco JW-27 Bolt-Action Rifle
Norinco JW-15 Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington 541-T
Remington 40-XR Rimfire Custom Sporter
Remington 541-T HB Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington 581-S Sportsman Rifle
Ruger 77/22 Rimfire Bolt-Action Rifle
Ruger K77/22 Varmint Rifle
Ultra Light Arms Model 20 RF Bolt-Action Rifle
Winchester Model 52B Sporting Rifle
Competition Rifles -- Centerfire & Rimfire
Anschutz 64-MS Left Silhouette
Anschutz 1808D RT Super Match 54 Target
Anschutz 1827B Biathlon Rifle
Anschutz 1903D Match Rifle
Anschutz 1803D Intermediate Match
Anschutz 1911 Match Rifle
Anschutz 54.18MS REP Deluxe Silhouette Rifle
Anschutz 1913 Super Match Rifle
Anschutz 1907 Match Rifle
Anschutz 1910 Super Match II
Anschutz 54.18MS Silhouette Rifle
Anschutz Super Match 54 Target Model 2013
Anschutz Super Match 54 Target Model 2007
Beeman/Feinwerkbau 2600 Target Rifle
Cooper Arms Model TRP-1 ISU Standard Rifle
E.A.A./Weihrauch HW 60 Target Rifle
E.A.A./HW 660 Match Rifle
Finnish Lion Standard Target Rifle
Krico Model 360 S2 Biathlon Rifle
Krico Model 400 Match Rifle
Krico Model 360S Biathlon Rifle
Krico Model 500 Kricotronic Match Rifle
Krico Model 600 Sniper Rifle
Krico Model 600 Match Rifle
Lakefield Arms Model 90B Target Rifle
Lakefield Arms Model 91T Target Rifle
Lakefield Arms Model 92S Silhouette Rifle
Marlin Model 2000 Target Rifle
Mauser Model 86-SR Specialty Rifle
McMillan M-86 Sniper Rifle
McMillan Combo M-87/M-88 50-Caliber Rifle
McMillan 300 Phoenix Long Range Rifle
McMillan M-89 Sniper Rifle
McMillan National Match Rifle
McMillan Long Range Rifle
Parker-Hale M-87 Target Rifle
Parker-Hale M-85 Sniper Rifle
Remington 40-XB Rangemaster Target Centerfire
Remington 40-XR KS Rimfire Position Rifle
Remington 40-XBBR KS
Remington 40-XC KS National Match Course Rifle
Sako TRG-21 Bolt-Action Rifle
Steyr-Mannlicher Match SPG-UIT Rifle
Steyr-Mannlicher SSG P-I Rifle
Steyr-Mannlicher SSG P-III Rifle
Steyr-Mannlicher SSG P-IV Rifle
Tanner Standard UIT Rifle
Tanner 50 Meter Free Rifle
Tanner 300 Meter Free Rifle
Wichita Silhouette Rifle
Shotguns -- Autoloaders
American Arms/Franchi Black Magic 48/AL
Benelli Super Black Eagle Shotgun
Benelli Super Black Eagle Slug Gun
Benelli M1 Super 90 Field Auto Shotgun
Benelli Montefeltro Super 90 20-Gauge Shotgun
Benelli Montefeltro Super 90 Shotgun
Benelli M1 Sporting Special Auto Shotgun
Benelli Black Eagle Competition Auto Shotgun
Beretta A-303 Auto Shotgun
Beretta 390 Field Auto Shotgun
Beretta 390 Super Trap, Super Skeet Shotguns
Beretta Vittoria Auto Shotgun
Beretta Model 1201F Auto Shotgun
Browning BSA 10 Auto Shotgun
Browning BSA 10 Stalker Auto Shotgun
Browning A-500R Auto Shotgun
Browning A-500G Auto Shotgun
Browning A-500G Sporting Clays
Browning Auto-5 Light 12 and 20
Browning Auto-5 Stalker
Browning Auto-5 Magnum 20
Browning Auto-5 Magnum 12
Churchill Turkey Automatic Shotgun
Cosmi Automatic Shotgun
Maverick Model 60 Auto Shotgun
Mossberg Model 5500 Shotgun
Mossberg Model 9200 Regal Semi-Auto Shotgun
Mossberg Model 9200 USST Auto Shotgun
Mossberg Model 9200 Camo Shotgun
Mossberg Model 6000 Auto Shotgun
Remington Model 1100 Shotgun
Remington 11-87 Premier Shotgun
Remington 11-87 Sporting Clays
Remington 11-87 Premier Skeet
Remington 11-87 Premier Trap
Remington 11-87 Special Purpose Magnum
Remington 11-87 SPS-T Camo Auto Shotgun
Remington 11-87 Special Purpose Deer Gun
Remington 11-87 SPS-BG-Camo Deer/Turkey Shotgun
Remington 11-87 SPS-Deer Shotgun
Remington 11-87 Special Purpose Synthetic Camo
Remington SP-10 Magnum-Camo Auto Shotgun
Remington SP-10 Magnum Auto Shotgun
Remington SP-10 Magnum Turkey Combo
Remington 1100 LT-20 Auto
Remington 1100 Special Field
Remington 1100 20-Gauge Deer Gun
Remington 1100 LT-20 Tournament Skeet
Winchester Model 1400 Semi-Auto Shotgun
Shotguns -- Slide Actions
Browning Model 42 Pump Shotgun
Browning BPS Pump Shotgun
Browning BPS Stalker Pump Shotgun
Browning BPS Pigeon Grade Pump Shotgun
Browning BPS Pump Shotgun (Ladies and Youth Model)
Browning BPS Game Gun Turkey Special
Browning BPS Game Gun Deer Special
Ithaca Model 87 Supreme Pump Shotgun
Ithaca Model 87 Deerslayer Shotgun
Ithaca Deerslayer II Rifled Shotgun
Ithaca Model 87 Turkey Gun
Ithaca Model 87 Deluxe Pump Shotgun
Magtech Model 586-VR Pump Shotgun
Maverick Models 88, 91 Pump Shotguns
Mossberg Model 500 Sporting Pump
Mossberg Model 500 Camo Pump
Mossberg Model 500 Muzzleloader Combo
Mossberg Model 500 Trophy Slugster
Mossberg Turkey Model 500 Pump
Mossberg Model 500 Bantam Pump
Mossberg Field Grade Model 835 Pump Shotgun
Mossberg Model 835 Regal Ulti-Mag Pump
Remington 870 Wingmaster
Remington 870 Special Purpose Deer Gun
Remington 870 SPS-BG-Camo Deer/Turkey Shotgun
Remington 870 SPS-Deer Shotgun
Remington 870 Marine Magnum
Remington 870 TC Trap
Remington 870 Special Purpose Synthetic Camo
Remington 870 Wingmaster Small Gauges
Remington 870 Express Rifle Sighted Deer Gun
Remington 879 SPS Special Purpose Magnum
Remington 870 SPS-T Camo Pump Shotgun
Remington 870 Special Field
Remington 870 Express Turkey
Remington 870 High Grades
Remington 870 Express
Remington Model 870 Express Youth Gun
Winchester Model 12 Pump Shotgun
Winchester Model 42 High Grade Shotgun
Winchester Model 1300 Walnut Pump
Winchester Model 1300 Slug Hunter Deer Gun
Winchester Model 1300 Ranger Pump Gun Combo & Deer Gun
Winchester Model 1300 Turkey Gun
Winchester Model 1300 Ranger Pump Gun
Shotguns -- Over/Unders
American Arms/Franchi Falconet 2000 O/U
American Arms Silver I O/U
American Arms Silver II Shotgun
American Arms Silver Skeet O/U
American Arms/Franchi Sporting 2000 O/U
American Arms Silver Sporting O/U
American Arms Silver Trap O/U
American Arms WS/OU 12, TS/OU 12 Shotguns
American Arms WT/OU 10 Shotgun
Armsport 2700 O/U Goose Gun
Armsport 2700 Series O/U
Armsport 2900 Tri-Barrel Shotgun
Baby Bretton Over/Under Shotgun
Beretta Model 686 Ultralight O/U
Beretta ASE 90 Competition O/U Shotgun
Beretta Over/Under Field Shotguns
Beretta Onyx Hunter Sport O/U Shotgun
Beretta Model SO5, SO6, SO9 Shotguns
Beretta Sporting Clay Shotguns
Beretta 687EL Sporting O/U
Beretta 682 Super Sporting O/U
Beretta Series 682 Competition Over/Unders
Browning Citori O/U Shotgun
Browning Superlight Citori Over/Under
Browning Lightning Sporting Clays
Browning Micro Citori Lightning
Browning Citori Plus Trap Combo
Browning Citori Plus Trap Gun
Browning Citori O/U Skeet Models
Browning Citori O/U Trap Models
Browning Special Sporting Clays
Browning Citori GTI Sporting Clays
Browning 325 Sporting Clays
Centurion Over/Under Shotgun
Chapuis Over/Under Shotgun
Connecticut Valley Classics Classic Sporter O/U
Connecticut Valley Classics Classic Field Waterfowler
Charles Daly Field Grade O/U
Charles Daly Lux Over/Under
E.A.A./Sabatti Sporting Clays Pro-Gold O/U
E.A.A/Sabatti Falcon-Mon Over/Under
Kassnar Grade I O/U Shotgun
Krieghoff K-80 Sporting Clays O/U
Krieghoff K-80 Skeet Shotgun
Krieghoff K-80 International Skeet
Krieghoff K-80 Four-Barrel Skeet Set
Krieghoff K-80/RT Shotguns
Krieghoff K-80 O/U Trap Shotgun
Laurona Silhouette 300 Sporting Clays
Laurona Silhouette 300 Trap
Laurona Super Model Over/Unders
Ljutic LM-6 Deluxe O/U Shotgun
Marocchi Conquista Over/Under Shotgun
Marocchi Avanza O/U Shotgun
Merkel Model 200E O/U Shotgun 
Merkel Model 200E Skeet, Trap Over/Unders
Merkel Model 203E, 303E Over/Under Shotguns
Perazzi Mirage Special Sporting O/U
Perazzi Mirage Special Four-Gauge Skeet
Perazzi Sporting Classic O/U
Perazzi MX7 Over/Under Shotguns
Perazzi Mirage Special Skeet Over/Under
Perazzi MX8/MX8 Special Trap, Skeet
Perazzi MX 8/20 Over/Under Shotgun
Perazzi MX9 Single Over/Under Shotguns
Perazzi MX12 Hunting Over/Under
Perazzi MX28, MX410 Game O/U Shotguns
Perazzi MX20 Hunting Over/Under
Piotti Boss Over/Under Shotgun
Remington Peerless Over/Under Shotgun
Ruger Red Label O/U Shotgun
Ruger Sporting Clays O/U Shotgun
San Marco 12-Ga. Wildflower Shotgun
San Marco Field Special O/U Shotgun
San Marco 10-Ga. O/U Shotgun
SKB Model 505 Deluxe Over/Under Shotgun
SKB Model 685 Over/Under Shotgun
SKB Model 885 Over/Under Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays
Stoeger/IGA Condor I O/U Shotgun
Stoeger/IGA ERA 2000 Over/Under Shotgun
Techni-Mec Model 610 Over/Under
Tikka Model 412S Field Grade Over/Under
Weatherby Athena Grade IV O/U Shotguns
Weatherby Athena Grade V Classic Field O/U
Weatherby Orion O/U Shotguns
Weatherby II, III Classic Field O/Us
Weatherby Orion II Classic Sporting Clays O/U
Weatherby Orion II Sporting Clays O/U
Winchester Model 1001 O/U Shotgun
Winchester Model 1001 Sporting Clays O/U
Pietro Zanoletti Model 2000 Field O/U
Shotguns -- Side by Sides
American Arms Brittany Shotgun
American Arms Gentry Double Shotgun
American Arms Derby Side-by-Side
American Arms Grulla #2 Double Shotgun
American Arms WS/SS 10
American Arms TS/SS 10 Double Shotgun
American Arms TS/SS 12 Side-by-Side
Arrieta Sidelock Double Shotguns
Armsport 1050 Series Double Shotguns
Arizaga Model 31 Double Shotgun
AYA Boxlock Shotguns
AYA Sidelock Double Shotguns
Beretta Model 452 Sidelock Shotgun
Beretta Side-by-Side Field Shotguns
Crucelegui Hermanos Model 150 Double
Chapuis Side-by-Side Shotgun
E.A.A./Sabatti Saba-Mon Double Shotgun
Charles Daly Model Dss Double
Ferlib Model F VII Double Shotgun
Auguste Francotte Boxlock Shotgun
Auguste Francotte Sidelock Shotgun
Garbi Model 100 Double
Garbi Model 101 Side-by-Side
Garbi Model 103A, B Side-by-Side
Garbi Model 200 Side-by-Side
Bill Hanus Birdgun Doubles
Hatfield Uplander Shotgun
Merkel Model 8, 47E Side-by-Side Shotguns
Merkel Model 47LSC Sporting Clays Double
Merkel Model 47S, 147S Side-by-Sides
Parker Reproductions Side-by-Side
Piotti King No. 1 Side-by-Side
Piotti Lunik Side-by-Side
Piotti King Extra Side-by-Side
Piotti Piuma Side-by-Side
Precision Sports Model 600 Series Doubles
Rizzini Boxlock Side-by-Side
Rizzini Sidelock Side-by-Side
Stoeger/IGA Uplander Side-by-Side Shotgun
Ugartechea 10-Ga. Magnum Shotgun
Shotguns -- Bolt Actions & Single Shots
Armsport Single Barrel Shotgun
Browning BT-99 Competition Trap Special
Browning BT-99 Plus Trap Gun
Browning BT-99 Plus Micro
Browning Recoilless Trap Shotgun
Browning Micro Recoilless Trap Shotgun
Desert Industries Big Twenty Shotgun
Harrington & Richardson Topper Model 098
Harrington & Richardson Topper Classic Youth Shotgun
Harrington & Richardson N.W.T.F. Turkey Mag
Harrington & Richardson Topper Deluxe Model 098
Krieghoff KS-5 Trap Gun
Krieghoff KS-5 Special
Krieghoff K-80 Single Barrel Trap Gun
Ljutic Mono Gun Single Barrel
Ljutic LTX Super Deluxe Mono Gun
Ljutic Recoilless Space Gun Shotgun
Marlin Model 55 Goose Gun Bolt Action
New England Firearms Turkey and Goose Gun
New England Firearms N.W.T.F. Shotgun
New England Firearms Tracker Slug Gun
New England Firearms Standard Pardner
New England Firearms Survival Gun
Perazzi TM1 Special Single Trap
Remington 90-T Super Single Shotgun
Snake Charmer II Shotgun
Stoeger/IGA Reuna Single Barrel Shotgun
Thompson/Center TCR '87 Hunter Shotgun.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 228, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1216; Pub.L. 97-377, 
Title I, § 165(a), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1923; Pub.L. 99-308, § 102, May 19, 
1986, 100 Stat. 451; Pub.L. 99-408, § 2, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 920; Pub.L. 
100-649, § 2(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3816; Pub.L. 100-690, Title VII, § 
7060(c), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4404; Pub.L. 101-647, Title XVII, § 
1702(b)(1), Title XXII, §§ 2201, 2202, 2204(b), Title XXXV, § 3524, Nov. 29, 
1990, 104 Stat. 4844, 4856, 4857, 4924; Pub.L. 103-159, Title I, § 102(a)(1), 
(b), Title III, § 302(a)-(c), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1536, 1539, 1545; Pub.L. 
103-322, Title XI, §§ 110102(a), 110103(a), 110106, 110201(a), 110401(b), (c), 
110511, 110514, Title XXXII, §§ 320904, 320927, Title XXXIII, § 330011(i), Sept. 
13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1996, 1998, 2000, 2010, 2014, 2019, 2125, 2131, 2145.)
§ 923. Licensing
(a) No person shall engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or 
dealing in firearms, or importing or manufacturing ammunition, until he has 
filed an application with and received a license to do so from the Secretary. 
The application shall be in such form and contain only that information 
necessary to determine eligibility for licensing as the Secretary shall by 
regulation prescribe and shall include a photograph and fingerprints of the 
applicant. Each applicant shall pay a fee for obtaining such a license, a 
separate fee being required for each place in which the applicant is to do 
business, as follows:
(1) If the applicant is a manufacturer --
(A) of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor 
piercing ammunition, a fee of $1,000 per year;
(B) of firearms other than destructive devices, a fee of $50 per year; or
(C) of ammunition for firearms, other than ammunition for destructive 
devices or armor piercing ammunition, a fee of $10 per year.
(2) If the applicant is an importer --
(A) of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing 
ammunition, a fee of $1,000 per year; or
(B) of firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition for firearms other 
than destructive devices, or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition, a 
fee of $50 per year.
(3) If the applicant is a dealer --
(A) in destructive devices or ammunition for destructive devices, a fee of 
$1,000 per year; or
(B) who is not a dealer in destructive devices, a fee of $200 for 3 years, 
except that the fee for renewal of a valid license shall be $90 for 3 years.
[(C) Repealed. Pub.L. 103-159, Title III, § 303(4), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 
1546.]
(b) Any person desiring to be licensed as a collector shall file an application 
for such license with the Secretary. The application shall be in such form and 
contain only that information necessary to determine eligibility as the 
Secretary shall by regulation prescribe. The fee for such license shall be $10 
per year. Any license granted under this subsection shall only apply to 
transactions in curios and relics.
(c) Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, 
the Secretary shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license 
which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions 
of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and 
ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the 
period stated in the license. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to 
prohibit a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer from maintaining and 
disposing of a personal collection of firearms, subject only to such 
restrictions as apply in this chapter to dispositions by a person other than a 
licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer. If any firearm is so
disposed of by a licensee within one year after its transfer from his business 
inventory into such licensee's personal collection or if such disposition or any 
other acquisition is made for the purpose of willfully evading the restrictions 
placed upon licensees by this chapter, then such firearm shall be deemed part of 
such licensee's business inventory, except that any licensed manufacturer, 
importer, or dealer who has maintained a firearm as part of a personal 
collection for one year and who sells or otherwise disposes of such firearm 
shall record the description of the firearm in a bound volume, containing the 
name and place of residence and date of birth of the transferee if the 
transferee is an individual, or the identity and principal and local places of 
business of the transferee if the transferee is a corporation or other business 
entity: Provided, That no other recordkeeping shall be required.
(d)(1) Any application submitted under subsection (a) or (b) of this section 
shall be approved if --
(A) the applicant is twenty-one years of age or over;
(B) the applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or 
association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to 
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, 
partnership, or association) is not prohibited from 
transporting, shipping, or receiving firearms or ammunition in interstate or 
foreign commerce under section 922(g) and (n) of this chapter;
(C) the applicant has not willfully violated any of the provisions of this 
chapter or regulations issued thereunder;
(D) the applicant has not willfully failed to disclose any material 
information required, or has not made any false statement as to any material 
fact, in connection with his application;
(E) the applicant has in a State (i) premises from which he conducts 
business subject to license under this chapter or from which he intends to
conduct such business within a reasonable period of time, or (ii) in the case of 
a collector, premises from which he conducts his collecting subject to license 
under this chapter or from which he intends to conduct such 
collecting within a reasonable period of time; and
(F) the applicant certifies that --
(i) the business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by State or 
local law in the place where the licensed premise is located;
(ii)(I) within 30 days after the application is approved the business 
will comply with the requirements of State and local law applicable to the 
conduct of the business; and
(II) the business will not be conducted under the license until the
requirements of State and local law applicable to the business have been met; 
and
(iii) that the applicant has sent or delivered a form to be prescribed by the 
Secretary, to the chief law enforcement officer of the locality in which the 
premises are located, which indicates that the applicant intends to apply for a 
Federal firearms license.
(2) The Secretary must approve or deny an application for a license within the 
60-day period beginning on the date it is received. If the Secretary fails to 
act within such period, the applicant may file an action under section 1361 of 
title 28 to compel the Secretary to act. If the Secretary approves an 
applicant's application, such applicant shall be issued a license upon the 
payment of the prescribed fee.
(e) The Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, revoke any 
license issued under this section if the holder of such license has willfully 
violated any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation prescribed by 
the Secretary under this chapter. The Secretary may, after notice and 
opportunity for hearing, revoke the license of a dealer who willfully transfers 
armor piercing ammunition. The Secretary's action under this subsection may be 
reviewed only as provided in subsection (f) of this section.
(f)(1) Any person whose application for a license is denied and any holder of a 
license which is revoked shall receive a written notice from the Secretary 
stating specifically the grounds upon which the application was denied or upon 
which the license was revoked. Any notice of a revocation of a license shall be 
given to the holder of such license before the effective date of the revocation.
(2) If the Secretary denies an application for, or revokes, a license, he shall, 
upon request by the aggrieved party, promptly hold a hearing to review his 
denial or revocation. In the case of a revocation of a license, the Secretary 
shall upon the request of the holder of the license stay the effective date of 
the revocation. A hearing held under this paragraph shall be held at a location 
convenient to the aggrieved party.
(3) If after a hearing held under paragraph (2) the Secretary decides not to 
reverse his decision to deny an application or revoke a license, the Secretary 
shall give notice of his decision to the aggrieved party. The aggrieved party 
may at any time within sixty days after the date notice was given under this 
paragraph file a petition with the United States district court for the district 
in which he resides or has his principal place of business for a de novo 
judicial review of such denial or revocation. In a proceeding conducted under 
this subsection, the court may consider any evidence submitted by the parties to 
the proceeding whether or not such evidence was considered at the hearing held 
under paragraph (2). If the court decides that the Secretary was not authorized 
to deny the application or to revoke the license, the court shall order the 
Secretary to take such action as may be necessary to comply with the judgment of 
the court.
(4) If criminal proceedings are instituted against a licensee alleging any 
violation of this chapter or of rules or regulations prescribed under this 
chapter, and the licensee is acquitted of such charges, or such proceedings are 
terminated, other than upon motion of the Government before trial upon such 
charges, the Secretary shall be absolutely barred from denying or revoking any 
license granted under this chapter where such denial or revocation is based in 
whole or in part on the facts which form the basis of such criminal charges. No 
proceedings for the revocation of a license shall be instituted by the Secretary 
more than one year after the filing of the indictment or information.
(g)(1)(A) Each licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, and licensed dealer 
shall maintain such records of importation, production, shipment, receipt, sale, 
or other disposition of firearms at his place of business for such period, and 
in such form, as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe. Such importers, 
manufacturers, and dealers shall not be required to submit to the Secretary 
reports and information with respect to such records and the contents thereof, 
except as expressly required by this section. The Secretary, when he has 
reasonable cause to believe a violation of this chapter has occurred and that 
evidence thereof may be found on such premises, may, upon demonstrating such 
cause before a Federal magistrate and securing from such magistrate a warrant 
authorizing entry, enter during business hours the premises (including places of 
storage) of any licensed firearms importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed 
dealer, licensed collector, or any licensed importer or manufacturer of 
ammunition, for the purpose of inspecting or examining --
(i) any records or documents required to be kept by such licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector under this chapter 
or rules or regulations under this chapter, and
(ii) any firearms or ammunition kept or stored by such licensed importer,
licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, at such 
premises.
(B) The Secretary may inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed 
importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer without such reasonable 
cause or warrant --
(i) in the course of a reasonable inquiry during the course of a criminal 
investigation of a person or persons other than the licensee;
(ii) for ensuring compliance with the record keeping requirements of this 
chapter --
(I) not more than once during any 12-month period; or
(II) at any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a 
criminal investigation that is traced to the licensee.
(iii) when such inspection or examination may be required for determining the 
disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona 
fide criminal investigation.
(C) The Secretary may inspect the inventory and records of a licensed collector 
without such reasonable cause or warrant --
(i) for ensuring compliance with the record keeping requirements of this
chapter not more than once during any twelve-month period; or
(ii) when such inspection or examination may be required for determining 
the disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona 
fide criminal investigation.
(D) At the election of a licensed collector, the annual inspection of records 
and inventory permitted under this paragraph shall be performed at the office of 
the Secretary designated for such inspections which is located in closest 
proximity to the premises where the inventory and records of such licensed 
collector are maintained. The inspection and examination authorized by this 
paragraph shall not be construed as authorizing the Secretary to seize any 
records or other documents other than those records or documents constituting 
material evidence of a violation of law. If the Secretary seizes such records or 
documents, copies shall be provided the licensee within a reasonable time. The 
Secretary may make available to any Federal, State, or local law enforcement 
agency any information which he may obtain by reason of this chapter with 
respect to the identification of persons prohibited from purchasing or receiving 
firearms or ammunition who have purchased or received firearms or ammunition, 
together with a description of such firearms or ammunition, and he may provide 
information to the extent such information may be contained in the records 
required to be maintained by this chapter, when so requested by any Federal, 
State, or local law enforcement agency.
(2) Each licensed collector shall maintain in a bound volume the nature of which 
the Secretary may by regulations prescribe, records of the receipt, sale, or 
other disposition of firearms. Such records shall include the name and address 
of any person to whom the collector sells or otherwise disposes of a firearm. 
Such collector shall not be required to submit to the Secretary reports and 
information with respect to such records and the contents thereof, except as 
expressly required by this section.
(3)(A) Each licensee shall prepare a report of multiple sales or other 
dispositions whenever the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of, at one time 
or during any five consecutive business days, two or more pistols, or revolvers, 
or any combination of pistols and revolvers totalling two or more, to an 
unlicensed person. The report shall be prepared on a form specified by the 
Secretary and forwarded to the office specified thereon and to the department of 
State police or State law enforcement agency of the State or local law 
enforcement agency of the local jurisdiction in which the sale or other 
disposition took place, not later than the close of business on the day that the 
multiple sale or other disposition occurs.
(B) Except in the case of forms and contents thereof regarding a purchaser who 
is prohibited by subsection (g) or (n) of section 922 of this title from receipt 
of a firearm, the department of State police or State law enforcement agency or 
local law enforcement agency of the local jurisdiction shall not disclose any 
such form or the contents thereof to any person or entity, and shall destroy 
each such form and any record of the contents thereof no more than 20 days from 
the date such form is received. No later than the date that is 6 months after 
the effective date of this subparagraph, and at the end of each 6-month period 
thereafter, the department of State police or State law enforcement agency or 
local law enforcement agency of the local jurisdiction shall certify to the 
Attorney General of the United States that no disclosure contrary to this 
subparagraph has been made and that all forms and any record of the contents 
thereof have been destroyed as provided in this subparagraph.
(4) Where a firearms or ammunition business is discontinued and succeeded by a 
new licensee, the records required to be kept by this chapter shall 
appropriately reflect such facts and shall be delivered to the successor. Where 
discontinuance of the business is absolute, such records shall be delivered 
within thirty days after the business discontinuance to the Secretary. However, 
where State law or local ordinance requires the delivery of records to other 
responsible authority, the Secretary may arrange for the delivery of such 
records to such other responsible authority.
(5)(A) Each licensee shall, when required by letter issued by the Secretary, and 
until notified to the contrary in writing by the Secretary, submit on a form 
specified by the Secretary, for periods and at the times specified in such 
letter, all record information required to be kept by this chapter or such 
lesser record information as the Secretary in such letter may specify.
(B) The Secretary may authorize such record information to be submitted in a 
manner other than that prescribed in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph when it 
is shown by a licensee that an alternate method of reporting is reasonably 
necessary and will not unduly hinder the effective administration of this 
chapter. A licensee may use an alternate method of reporting if the licensee 
describes the proposed alternate method of reporting and the need therefor in a 
letter application submitted to the Secretary, and the Secretary approves such 
alternate method of reporting.
(6) Each licensee shall report the theft or loss of a firearm from the 
licensee's inventory or collection, within 48 hours after the theft or loss is 
discovered, to the Secretary and to the appropriate local authorities.
(7) Each licensee shall respond immediately to, and in no event later than 24 
hours after the receipt of, a request by the Secretary for information contained 
in the records required to be kept by this chapter as may be required for 
determining the disposition of 1 or more firearms in the course of a bona fide 
criminal investigation. The requested information shall be provided orally or in 
writing, as the Secretary may require. The Secretary shall implement a system 
whereby the licensee can positively identify and establish that an individual 
requesting information via telephone is employed by and authorized by the agency 
to request such information.
(h) Licenses issued under the provisions of subsection (c) of this section shall 
be kept posted and kept available for inspection on the premises covered by the 
license.
(i) Licensed importers and licensed manufacturers shall identify, by means of a 
serial number engraved or cast on the receiver or frame of the weapon, in such 
manner as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe, each firearm imported or 
manufactured by such importer or manufacturer. The serial number of any 
semiautomatic assault weapon manufactured after the date of the enactment of 
this sentence shall clearly show the date on which the weapon was manufactured. 
A large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after the date of the 
enactment of this sentence shall be identified by a serial number that clearly 
shows that the device was manufactured or imported after the effective date of 
this subsection, and such other identification as the Secretary may by 
regulation prescribe.
(j) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may, under 
rules or regulations prescribed by the Secretary, conduct business temporarily 
at a location other than the location specified on the license if such temporary 
location is the location for a gun show or event sponsored by any national, 
State, or local organization, or any affiliate of any such organization devoted 
to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the 
community, and such location is in the State which is specified on the license. 
Records of receipt and disposition of firearms transactions conducted at such 
temporary location shall include the location of the sale or other disposition 
and shall be entered in the permanent records of the licensee and retained on 
the location specified on the license. Nothing in this subsection shall 
authorize any licensee to conduct business in or from any motorized or towed 
vehicle. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a 
separate fee shall not be required of a licensee with respect to business 
conducted under this subsection. Any inspection or examination of inventory or 
records under this chapter by the Secretary at such temporary location shall be 
limited to inventory consisting of, or records relating to, firearms held or 
disposed at such temporary location. Nothing in this subsection shall be 
construed to authorize the Secretary to inspect or examine the inventory or 
records of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer at any 
location other than the location specified on the license. Nothing in this 
subsection shall be construed to diminish in any manner any right to display, 
sell, or otherwise dispose of firearms or ammunition, which is in effect before 
the date of the enactment of the Firearms Owners' Protection Act.
(k) Licensed importers and licensed manufacturers shall mark all armor piercing 
projectiles and packages containing such projectiles for distribution in the 
manner prescribed by the Secretary by regulation. The Secretary shall furnish 
information to each dealer licensed under this chapter defining which 
projectiles are considered armor piercing ammunition as defined in section 
921(a)(17)(B).
(l) The Secretary of the Treasury shall notify the chief law enforcement officer 
in the appropriate State and local jurisdictions of the names and addresses of 
all persons in the State to whom a firearms license is issued.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 231, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1221; Pub.L. 97-377, 
Title I, § 165(b), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1923; Pub.L. 99-308, § 103, May 19, 
1986, 100 Stat. 453; Pub.L. 99-360, § 1(c), July 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 766; Pub.L. 
99-408, §§ 3-7, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 921; Pub.L. 100-690, Title VII, § 
7060(d), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4404; Pub.L. 101-647, Title XXII, § 2203(a), 
Title XXXV, § 3525, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 4857, 4924; Pub.L. 103-159, Title 
II, § 201, Title III, § 303, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1544, 1545; Pub.L. 
103-322, Title XI, §§ 110102(d), 110103(d), 110301(a), 110302-110307, Title 
XXXIII, § 330011(i), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1998, 1999, 2012, 2013, 2014, 
2145.)
§ 924. Penalties
(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, subsection (b), (c), or 
(f) of this section, or in section 929, whoever--
(A) knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to the 
information required by this chapter to be kept in the records of a 
person licensed under this chapter or in applying for any license or 
exemption or relief from disability under the provisions of this chapter;
(B) knowingly violates subsection (a)(4), (f), (k), (r), (v), or (w) of 
section 922;
(C) knowingly imports or brings into the United States or any possession 
thereof any firearm or ammunition in violation of section 922(l); or
(D) willfully violates any other provision of this chapter, shall be fined under 
this title, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
(2) Whoever knowingly violates subsection (a)(6), (d), (g), (h), (i), (j), or 
(o) of section 922 shall be fined as provided in this title, imprisoned not more 
than 10 years, or both.
(3) Any licensed dealer, licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed 
collector who knowingly --
(A) makes any false statement or representation with respect to the 
information required by the provisions of this chapter to be kept in the 
records of a person licensed under this chapter, or 
(B) violates subsection (m) of section 922,
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(4) Whoever violates section 922(q) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned 
for not more than 5 years, or both. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
the term of imprisonment imposed under this paragraph shall not run concurrently 
with any other term of imprisonment imposed under any other provision of law. 
Except for the authorization of a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years 
made in this paragraph, for the purpose of any other law a violation of section 
922(q) shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor.
(5)¹ Whoever knowingly violates subsection (s) or (t) of section 922 shall be 
fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.
(5)(A)(i)¹ A juvenile who violates section 922(x) shall be fined under this 
title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both, except that a juvenile 
described in clause (ii) shall be sentenced to probation on appropriate 
conditions and shall not be incarcerated unless the juvenile fails to comply 
with a condition of probation.
(ii) A juvenile is described in this clause if --
(I) the offense of which the juvenile is charged is possession of a 
handgun or ammunition in violation of section 922(x)(2); and
(II) the juvenile has not been convicted in any court of an offense 
(including an offense under section 922(x) or a similar State law, but not 
including any other offense consisting of conduct that if engaged in by an adult 
would not constitute an offense) or adjudicated as a juvenile delinquent for 
conduct that if engaged in by an adult would constitute an offense.
(B) A person other than a juvenile who knowingly violates section 922(x) --
(i) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or 
both; and
(ii) if the person sold, delivered, or otherwise transferred a handgun or 
ammunition to a juvenile knowing or having reasonable cause to know that the 
juvenile intended to carry or otherwise possess or discharge or otherwise use 
the handgun or ammunition in the commission of a crime of violence, shall be 
fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(b) Whoever, with intent to commit therewith an offense punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, or with knowledge or reasonable 
cause to believe that an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 
one year is to be committed therewith, ships, transports, or receives a firearm 
or any ammunition in interstate or foreign commerce shall be fined under this 
title, or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.
(c)(1) Whoever, during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug 
trafficking crime (including a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime which 
provides for an enhanced punishment if committed by the use of a deadly or 
dangerous weapon or device) for which he may be prosecuted in a court of the 
United States, uses or carries a firearm, shall, in addition to the punishment 
provided for such crime of violence or drug trafficking crime, be sentenced to 
imprisonment for five years, and if the firearm is a short-barreled rifle, 
short-barreled shotgun, or semiautomatic assault weapon, to imprisonment for ten 
years, and if the firearm is a machinegun, or a destructive device, or is 
equipped with a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, to imprisonment for thirty 
years. In the case of his second or subsequent conviction under this subsection, 
such person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for twenty years, and if the 
firearm is a machinegun, or a destructive device, or is equipped with a firearm 
silencer or firearm muffler, to life imprisonment without release. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court shall not place on 
probation or suspend the sentence of any person convicted of a violation of this 
subsection, nor shall the term of imprisonment imposed under this subsection run 
concurrently with any other term of imprisonment including that imposed for the 
crime of violence or drug trafficking crime in which the firearm was used or 
carried.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term "drug trafficking crime" means any 
felony punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or the 
Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1901 et seq.).
(3) For purposes of this subsection the term "crime of violence" means an 
offense that is a felony and --
(A) has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical 
force against the person or property of another, or
(B) that by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force 
against the person or property of another may be used in the course of 
committing the offense.
(d)(1) Any firearm or ammunition involved in or used in any knowing violation of 
subsection (a)(4), (a)(6), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), or (k) of section 922, or 
knowing importation or bringing into the United States or any possession thereof 
any firearm or ammunition in violation of section 922(l), or knowing violation 
of section 924, or willful violation of any other provision of this chapter or 
any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder, or any violation of any other 
criminal law of the United States, or any firearm or ammunition intended to be 
used in any offense referred to in paragraph (3) of this subsection, where such 
intent is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence, shall be subject to 
seizure and forfeiture, and all provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 
relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of firearms, as defined in 
section 5845(a) of that Code, shall, so far as applicable, extend to seizures 
and forfeitures under the provisions of this chapter: Provided, That upon 
acquittal of the owner or possessor, or dismissal of the charges against him 
other than upon motion of the Government prior to trial, or lapse of or court 
termination of the restraining order to which he is subject, the seized or 
relinquished firearms or ammunition shall be returned forthwith to the owner or 
possessor or to a person delegated by the owner or possessor unless the return 
of the firearms or ammunition would place the owner or possessor or his delegate 
in violation of law. Any action or proceeding for the forfeiture of firearms or 
ammunition shall be commenced within one hundred and twenty days of such 
seizure.
(2)(A) In any action or proceeding for the return of firearms or ammunition 
seized under the provisions of this chapter, the court shall allow the 
prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee, and 
the United States shall be liable therefor.
(B) In any other action or proceeding under the provisions of this chapter, the 
court, when it finds that such action was without foundation, or was initiated 
vexatiously, frivolously, or in bad faith, shall allow the prevailing party, 
other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee, and the United States 
shall be liable therefor.
(C) Only those firearms or quantities of ammunition particularly named and 
individually identified as involved in or used in any violation of the 
provisions of this chapter or any rule or regulation issued thereunder, or any 
other criminal law of the United States or as intended to be used in any offense 
referred to in paragraph (3) of this subsection, where such intent is 
demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence, shall be subject to seizure, 
forfeiture, and disposition.
(D) The United States shall be liable for attorneys' fees under this paragraph 
only to the extent provided in advance by appropriation Acts.
(3) The offenses referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2)(C) of this subsection are 
--
(A) any crime of violence, as that term is defined in section 924(c)(3) of this 
title;
(B) any offense punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et 
seq.) or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 
951 et seq.);
(C) any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), or 
922(b)(3) of this title, where the firearm or ammunition intended to be used in 
any such offense is involved in a pattern of activities which includes a 
violation of any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), 
or 922(b)(3) of this title;
(D) any offense described in section 922(d) of this title where the firearm or 
ammunition is intended to be used in such offense by the transferor of such 
firearm or ammunition;
(E) any offense described in section 922(i), 922(j), 922(l), 922(n), or 
924(b) of this title; and
(F) any offense which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States 
which involves the exportation of firearms or ammunition.
(e)(1) In the case of a person who violates section 922(g) of this title and has 
three previous convictions by any court referred to in section 922(g)(1) of this 
title for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, committed on 
occasions different from one another, such person shall be fined not more than 
$25,000 and imprisoned not less than fifteen years, and, notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, the court shall not suspend the sentence of, or grant a 
probationary sentence to, such person with respect to the conviction under 
section 922(g).
(2) As used in this subsection --
(A) the term "serious drug offense" means --
(i) an offense under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et 
seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et 
seq.), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1901 et 
seq.), for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is 
prescribed by law; or
(ii) an offense under State law, involving manufacturing, distributing, or 
possessing with intent to manufacture or distribute, a controlled 
substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 
802)), for which a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years or more is 
prescribed by law;
(B) the term "violent felony" means any crime punishable by imprisonment
for a term exceeding one year, or any act of juvenile delinquency involving the 
use or carrying of a firearm, knife, or destructive device that would be 
punishable by imprisonment for such term if committed by an adult, that --
(i) has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical 
force against the person of another; or 
(ii) is burglary, arson, or extortion, involves use of explosives, or 
otherwise involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical 
injury to another; and
(C) the term "conviction" includes a finding that a person has committed an act 
of juvenile delinquency involving a violent felony.
(f) In the case of a person who knowingly violates section 922(p), such person 
shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(g) Whoever, with the intent to engage in conduct which --
(1) constitutes an offense listed in section 1961(1),
(2) is punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802 et 
seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et 
seq.), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C.App. 1901 et seq.),
(3) violates any State law relating to any controlled substance (as defined in 
section 102(6) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(6))), or
(4) constitutes a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)),
travels from any State or foreign country into any other State and acquires, 
transfers, or attempts to acquire or transfer, a firearm in such other State in 
furtherance of such purpose, shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined 
in accordance with this title, or both.
(h) Whoever knowingly transfers a firearm, knowing that such firearm will be 
used to commit a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)) or drug 
trafficking crime (as defined in subsection (c)(2)) shall be imprisoned not more 
than 10 years, fined in accordance with this title, or both.
(i)(1)2 A person who knowingly violates section 922(u) shall be fined under this 
title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(2) Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as indicating an 
intent on the part of Congress to occupy the field in which provisions of this 
subsection operate to the exclusion of State laws on the same subject matter, 
nor shall any provision of this subsection be construed as invalidating any 
provision of State law unless such provision is inconsistent with any of the 
purposes of this subsection.
(i)2 A person who, in the course of a violation of subsection (c), causes the 
death of a person through the use of a firearm, shall --
(1) if the killing is a murder (as defined in section 1111), be punished by 
death or by imprisonment for any term of years or for life; and
(2) if the killing is manslaughter (as defined in section 1112), be 
punished as provided in that section.
(j) A person who, with intent to engage in or to promote conduct that --
(1) is punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et 
seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et 
seq.), or the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1901 et 
seq.);
(2) violates any law of a State relating to any controlled substance (as 
defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802); or
(3) constitutes a crime of violence (as defined in subsection (c)(3)),
smuggles or knowingly brings into the United States a firearm, or attempts to do 
so, shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, fined under this title, or both.
(k) A person who steals any firearm which is moving as, or is a part of, or 
which has moved in, interstate or foreign commerce shall be imprisoned for not 
more than 10 years, fined under this title, or both.
(l) A person who steals any firearm from a licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector shall be fined under 
this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(m) A person who, with the intent to engage in conduct that constitutes a 
violation of section 922(a)(1)(A), travels from any State or foreign country 
into any other State and acquires, or attempts to acquire, a firearm in such 
other State in furtherance of such purpose shall be imprisoned for not more 
than 10 years.
(n) A person who conspires to commit an offense under subsection (c) shall be 
imprisoned for not more than 20 years, fined under this title, or both; and if 
the firearm is a machinegun or destructive device, or is equipped with a firearm 
silencer or muffler, shall be imprisoned for any term of years or life.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 233, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1223; Pub.L. 91-644, 
Title II, § 13, Jan. 2, 1971, 84 Stat. 1889; Pub.L. 98-473, Title II, §§ 223(a), 
1005(a), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2028, 2138; Pub.L. 99-308, § 104(a), May 19, 
1986, 100 Stat. 456; Pub.L. 99-570, Title I, § 1402, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 
3207-39; Pub.L. 100-649, § 2(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3817; Pub.L. 100-690, 
Title VI, §§ 6211, 6212, 6451, 6460, 6462, Title VII, §§ 7056, 7060(a), Nov. 18, 
1988, 102 Stat. 4359, 4360, 4371, 4373, 4374, 4402, 4403; Pub.L. 101-647, Title 
XI, § 1101, Title XVII, § 1702(b)(3), Title XXII, §§ 2203(d), 2204(c), Title 
XXXV, §§ 3526, 3527, 3528, 3529, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4829, 4845, 4857, 
4924; Pub.L. 103-159, Title I, § 103(c), Title III, § 302(d), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 
Stat. 1541, 1545; Pub.L. 103-322, Title VI, § 60013, Title XI, §§ 110102(c), 
110103(c), 110201(b), 110401(e), 110503, 110504(a), 110507, 110510, 110515(a), 
110517, 110518(a), Title XXXIII, §§ 330002(h), 330003(f)(2), 330011(i), (j), 
330016(1)(H), (K), (L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1973, 1998, 1999, 2011, 2015, 
2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2140, 2141, 2145, 2147.)
¹ Two subsections (a)(5) were enacted.
2 Two subsections (i) were enacted.
§ 925. Exceptions: Relief from disabilities
(a)(1) The provisions of this chapter, except for provisions relating to 
firearms subject to the prohibitions of section 922(p), shall not apply with 
respect to the transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of 
any firearm or ammunition imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the 
use of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or 
any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.
(2) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply with respect to (A) the 
shipment or receipt of firearms or ammunition when sold or issued by the 
Secretary of the Army pursuant to section 4308 of title 10, and (B) the 
transportation of any such firearm or ammunition carried out to enable a person, 
who lawfully received such firearm or ammunition from the Secretary of the Army, 
to engage in military training or in competitions.
(3) Unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter or any other Federal law, a 
licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may ship to a 
member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty outside the United 
States or to clubs, recognized by the Department of Defense, whose entire 
membership is composed of such members, and such members or clubs may receive a 
firearm or ammunition determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to be 
generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes and intended 
for the personal use of such member or club.
(4) When established to the satisfaction of the Secretary to be consistent with 
the provisions of this chapter and other applicable Federal and State laws and 
published ordinances, the Secretary may authorize the transportation, shipment, 
receipt, or importation into the United States to the place of residence of any 
member of the United States Armed Forces who is on active duty outside the 
United States (or who has been on active duty outside the United States within 
the sixty day period immediately preceding the transportation, shipment, 
receipt, or importation), of any firearm or ammunition which is (A) determined 
by the Secretary to be generally recognized as particularly suitable for 
sporting purposes, or determined by the Department of Defense to be a type of 
firearm normally classified as a war souvenir, and (B) intended for the personal 
use of such member.
(5) For the purpose of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, the term 
"United States" means each of the several States and the District of Columbia.
(b) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed 
collector who is indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term 
exceeding one year, may, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, 
continue operation pursuant to his existing license (if prior to the expiration 
of the term of the existing license timely application is made for a new 
license) during the term of such indictment and until any conviction pursuant to 
the indictment becomes final.
(c) A person who is prohibited from possessing, shipping, transporting, or 
receiving firearms or ammunition may make application to the Secretary for 
relief from the disabilities imposed by Federal laws with respect to the 
acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of 
firearms, and the Secretary may grant such relief if it is established to his 
satisfaction that the circumstances regarding the disability, and the 
applicant's record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not be 
likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of 
the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Any person whose 
application for relief from disabilities is denied by the Secretary may file a 
petition with the United States district court for the district in which he 
resides for a judicial review of such denial. The court may in its discretion 
admit additional evidence where failure to do so would result in a miscarriage 
of justice. A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or 
licensed collector conducting operations under this chapter, who makes 
application for relief from the disabilities incurred under this chapter, shall 
not be barred by such disability from further operations under his license 
pending final action on an application for relief filed pursuant to this 
section. Whenever the Secretary grants relief to any person pursuant to this 
section he shall promptly publish in the Federal Register notice of such action, 
together with the reasons therefor.
(d) The Secretary shall authorize a firearm or ammunition to be imported or 
brought into the United States or any possession thereof if the firearm or 
ammunition --
(1) is being imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, or is 
for use in connection with competition or training pursuant to chapter 401 of 
title 10;
(2) is an unserviceable firearm, other than a machinegun as defined in section 
5845(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (not readily restorable to firing 
condition), imported or brought in as a curio or museum piece;
(3) is of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm as 
defined in section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and is generally 
recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting 
purposes, excluding surplus military firearms, except in any case where the 
Secretary has not authorized the importation of the firearm pursuant to this 
paragraph, it shall be unlawful to import any frame, receiver, or barrel of such 
firearm which would be prohibited if assembled; or
(4) was previously taken out of the United States or a possession by the person 
who is bringing in the firearm or ammunition.
The Secretary shall permit the conditional importation or bringing in of a 
firearm or ammunition for examination and testing in connection with the making 
of a determination as to whether the importation or bringing in of such firearm 
or ammunition will be allowed under this subsection.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary shall 
authorize the importation of, by any licensed importer, the following:
(1) All rifles and shotguns listed as curios or relics by the Secretary 
pursuant to section 921(a)(13), and
(2) All handguns, listed as curios or relics by the Secretary pursuant to 
section 921(a)(13), provided that such handguns are generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.
(f) In the case of a person who knowingly violates section 922(p), such person 
shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 233, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1224; Pub.L. 98-573, 
Title II, § 233, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2991; Pub.L. 99-308, § 105, May 19, 
1986, 100 Stat. 459; Pub.L. 100-649, § 2(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3817; 
Pub.L. 101-647, Title XXII, § 2203(b), (c), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4857.)
§ 925A. Remedy for erroneous denial of firearm
Any person denied a firearm pursuant to subsection (s) or (t) of section 
922 --
(1) due to the provision of erroneous information relating to the person by any 
State or political subdivision thereof, or by the national instant 
criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady 
Handgun Violence Prevention Act; or
(2) who was not prohibited from receipt of a firearm pursuant to subsection (g) 
or (n) of section 922,
may bring an action against the State or political subdivision responsible for 
providing the erroneous information, or responsible for denying the transfer, or 
against the United States, as the case may be, for an order directing that the 
erroneous information be corrected or that the transfer be approved, as the case 
may be. In any action under this section, the court, in its discretion, may 
allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs.
(Added Pub.L. 103-159, Title I, § 104(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1543.)
§ 926. Rules and regulations
(a) The Secretary may prescribe only such rules and regulations as are necessary 
to carry out the provisions of this chapter, including --
(1) regulations providing that a person licensed under this chapter, when 
dealing with another person so licensed, shall provide such other licensed 
person a certified copy of this license;
(2) regulations providing for the issuance, at a reasonable cost, to a 
person licensed under this chapter, of certified copies of his license for
use as provided under regulations issued under paragraph (1) of this 
subsection; and
(3) regulations providing for effective receipt and secure storage of 
firearms relinquished by or seized from persons described in subsection 
(d)(8) or (g)(8) of section 922.
No such rule or regulation prescribed after the date of the enactment of the 
Firearms Owners' Protection Act may require that records required to be 
maintained under this chapter or any portion of the contents of such records, be 
recorded at or transferred to a facility owned, managed, or controlled by the 
United States or any State or any political subdivision thereof, nor that any 
system of registration of firearms, firearms owners, or firearms transactions or 
dispositions be established. Nothing in this section expands or restricts the 
Secretary's authority to inquire into the disposition of any firearm in the 
course of a criminal investigation.
(b) The Secretary shall give not less than ninety days public notice, and shall 
afford interested parties opportunity for hearing, before prescribing such rules 
and regulations.
(c) The Secretary shall not prescribe rules or regulations that require 
purchasers of black powder under the exemption provided in section 845(a)(5) of 
this title to complete affidavits or forms attesting to that exemption.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 234, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1226; Pub.L. 99-308, § 
106, May 19, 1986, 100 Stat. 459; Pub.L. 103-322, Title XI, § 110401(d), Sept. 
13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2015.)
§ 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a 
State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise 
prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm 
shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place 
where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he 
may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the 
firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being 
transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger 
compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a 
vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment the firearm 
or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove 
compartment or console.
(Added Pub.L. 99-360, § 1(a), July 8, 1986, 100 Stat. 766.)
§ 927. Effect on State law
No provision of this chapter shall be construed as indicating an intent on 
the part of the Congress to occupy the field in which such provision operates to 
the exclusion of the law of any State on the same subject matter, unless there 
is a direct and positive conflict between such provision and the law of the 
State so that the two cannot be reconciled or consistently stand together.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 234, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1226.)
§ 928. Separability
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or 
circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application 
of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other 
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
(Added Pub.L. 90-351, Title IV, § 902, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat. 234, and amended 
Pub.L. 90-618, Title I, § 102, Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1226.)
§ 929. Use of restricted ammunition
(a)(1) Whoever, during and in relation to the commission of a crime of violence 
or drug trafficking crime (including a crime of violence or drug trafficking 
crime which provides for an enhanced punishment if committed by the use of a 
deadly or dangerous weapon or device) for which he may be prosecuted in a court 
of the United States, uses or carries a firearm and is in possession of armor 
piercing ammunition capable of being fired in that firearm, shall, in addition 
to the punishment provided for the commission of such crime of violence or drug 
trafficking crime be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for not less than five 
years.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term "drug trafficking crime" means any 
felony punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or the 
Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1901 et seq.).
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court shall not suspend the 
sentence of any person convicted of a violation of this section, nor place the 
person on probation, nor shall the terms of imprisonment run concurrently with 
any other terms of imprisonment, including that imposed for the crime in which 
the armor piercing ammunition was used or possessed. No person sentenced under 
this section shall be eligible for parole during the term of imprisonment 
imposed herein.
(Added Pub.L. 98-473, Title II, § 1006(a), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 2139; and 
amended Pub.L. 99-308, § 108, May 19, 1986, 100 Stat. 460; Pub.L. 99-408, § 8, 
Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 921; Pub.L. 100-690, Title VI, § 6212, Title VII, § 
7060(b), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4360, 4404.)
§ 930. Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal
facilities
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes 
to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other 
than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this 
title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b) Whoever, with intent that a firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the 
commission of a crime, knowingly possesses or causes to be present such firearm 
or dangerous weapon in a Federal facility, or attempts to do so, shall be fined 
under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(c) A person who kills or attempts to kill any person in the course of a 
violation of subsection (a) or (b), or in the course of an attack on a Federal 
facility involving the use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, shall be 
punished as provided in sections 1111, 1112, and 1113.
(d) Subsection (a) shall not apply to --
(1) the lawful performance of official duties by an officer, agent, or 
employee of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, who 
is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, 
investigation, or prosecution of any violation of law;
(2) the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon by a Federal 
official or a member of the Armed Forces if such possession is authorized by 
law; or
(3) the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal 
facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.
(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), whoever knowingly possesses or 
causes to be present a firearm in a Federal court facility, or attempts to do 
so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to conduct which is described in paragraph (1) 
or (2) of subsection (c).
(f) Nothing in this section limits the power of a court of the United States to 
punish for contempt or to promulgate rules or orders regulating, restricting, or 
prohibiting the possession of weapons within any building housing such court or 
any of its proceedings, or upon any grounds appurtenant to such building.
(g)1 As used in this section:
(1) The term "Federal facility" means a building or part thereof owned or leased 
by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly 
present for the purpose of performing their official duties.
(2) The term "dangerous weapon" means a weapon, device, instrument, 
material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily 
capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does 
not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length.
(3) The term "Federal court facility" means the courtroom, judges' 
chambers, witness rooms, jury deliberation rooms, attorney conference rooms, 
prisoner holding cells, offices of the court clerks, the United States attorney, 
and the United States marshal, probation and parole offices, and adjoining 
corridors of any court of the United States.
(g)1 Notice of the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) shall be posted 
conspicuously at each public entrance to each Federal facility, and notice of 
subsection (d) shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each 
Federal court facility, and no person shall be convicted of an offense under 
subsection (a) or (d) with respect to a Federal facility if such notice is not 
so posted at such facility, unless such person had actual notice of subsection 
(a) or (d), as the case may be.
(Added Pub.L. 100-690, Title VI, § 6215(a), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4361, and 
amended Pub.L. 101-647, Title XXII, § 2205(a), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4857; 
Pub.L. 103-322, Title VI, § 60014, Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1973.)
¹ Two subsections (g) were enacted.
Editor's Note:
Administration and Enforcement by the Secretary of the Treasury. Section 103 of 
Pub. L. 90-618 provided that: "The administration and enforcement of the 
amendment made by this title [Title I of Pub. L. 90-618 which amended this 
chapter] shall be vested in the Secretary of the Treasury."
Section 903 of Pub. L. 90-351 provided that: "The administration and enforcement 
of the amendment made by this title [Title IX of Pub. L. 90-351 which enacted 
this chapter] shall be vested in the Secretary of the Treasury." 
PART 178-COMMERCE IN FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION 
Subpart A-Introduction 
Sec. 
178.1 Scope of regulations. 
178.2 Relation to other provisions of law. 
Subpart B-Definitions 
178.11 Meaning of terms. 
Subpart C-Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions 
178.21 Forms prescribed. 
178.22 Alternate methods or procedures; emergency variations from requirements. 
178.23 Right of entry and examination. 
178.24 Compilation of State laws and published ordinances. 
178.25 Disclosure of information. 
178.25a Responses to requests for information.
178.26 Curio and relic determination. 
178.27 Destructive device determination. 
178.28 Transportation of destructive devices and certain firearms. 
178.29 Out-of-State acquisition of firearms by nonlicensees. 
178.29a Acquisition of firearms by nonresidents.
178.30 Out-of-State disposition of firearms by nonlicensees. 
178.31 Delivery by common or contract carrier. 
178.32 Prohibited shipment, transportation, possession, or receipt of firearms 
and ammunition by certain persons. 
178.33 Stolen firearms and ammunition. 
178.33a Theft of firearms. 
178.34 Removed, obliterated, or altered serial number. 
178.35 Skeet, trap, target, and similar shooting activities. 
178.36 Transfer or possession of machineguns. 
178.37 Manufacture, importation and sale of armor piercing ammunition.
178.38 Transportation of firearms.
178.39 Assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns.
178.39a Reporting theft or loss of firearms. 
178.40 Manufacture, transfer, and possession of semiautomatic assault
weapons.
178.40a Transfer and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding
devices.
Subpart D-Licenses 
178.41 General. 
178.42 License fees.
178.43 License fee not refundable. 
178.44 Original license. 
178.45 Renewal of license. 
178.46 Insufficient fee. 
178.47 Issuance of license. 
178.48 Correction of error on license. 
178.49 Duration of license. 
178.50 Locations covered by license. 
178.51 License not transferable. 
178.52 Change of address. 
178.53 Change in trade name. 
178.54 Change of control. 
178.55 Continuing partnerships. 
178.56 Right of succession by certain persons. 
178.57 Discontinuance of business. 
178.58 State or other law. 
178.59 Abandoned application. 
178.60 Certain continuances of business.
Subpart E-License Proceedings 
178.71 Denial of an application for license. 
178.72 Hearing after application denial. 
178.73 Notice of revocation. 
178.74 Request for hearing after notice of revocation. 
178.75 Service on applicant or licensee. 
178.76 Representation at a hearing. 
178.77 Designated place of hearing. 
178.78 Operations by licensees after notice. 
Subpart F-Conduct of Business 
178.91 Posting of license. 
178.92 Identification of firearms and armor piercing ammunition, and
large capacity ammunition feeding devices.
178.93 Authorized operations by a licensed collector. 
178.94 Sales or deliveries between licensees. 
178.95 Certified copy of license. 
178.96 Out-of-State and mail order sales. 
178.97 Loan or rental of firearms. 
178.98 Sales or deliveries of destructive devices and certain firearms.
178.99 Certain prohibited sales or deliveries. 
178.100 Conduct of business away from licensed premises. 
178.101 Record of transactions. 
178.102 Sales or deliveries of handguns after February 27, 1994, and before 
November 30, 1998.
Subpart G-Importation 
178.111 General. 
178.112 Importation by a licensed importer. 
178.113 Importation by other licensees. 
178.113a Importation of firearm barrels by nonlicensees.
178.114 Importation by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
178.115 Exempt importation. 
178.116 Conditional importation. 
178.117 Function outside a customs territory. 
178.118 Importation of certain firearms classified as curios or relics. 
178.119 Importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured
after September 13, 1994.
Subpart H-Records 
178.121 General. 
178.122 Records maintained by importers. 
178.123 Records maintained by manufacturers. 
178.124 Firearms transaction record. 
178.124a Firearms transaction record in lieu of record of receipt and 
disposition. 
178.125 Record of receipt and disposition. 
178.125a Personal firearms collection. 
178.126 Furnishing transaction information. 
178.126a Reporting multiple sales or other disposition of pistols and revolvers. 

178.127 Discontinuance of business. 
178.128 False statement or representation. 
178.129 Record retention. 
178.130 Statement of intent to obtain a handgun after February 27, 1994, and 
before November 30, 1998. 
178.131 Handgun transactions not subject to the waiting period.
178.132 Dispositions of semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity
ammunition feeding devices to law enforcement officers for official
use.
178.133 Records of transactions in semiautomatic assault weapons.
Subpart I-Exemptions, Seizures, and Forfeitures 
178.141 General. 
178.142 Effect of pardons and expunctions of convictions. 
178.143 Relief from disabilities incurred by indictment. 
178.144 Relief from disabilities under the Act. 
178.145 Research organizations. 
178.146 Deliveries by mail to certain persons. 
178.147 Return of firearm. 
178.148 Armor piercing ammunition intended for sporting or industrial purposes. 
178.149 Armor piercing ammunition manufactured or imported for the purpose of 
testing or experimentation.
178.150 Alternative to handgun waiting period in certain geographical locations. 

178.151 Semiautomatic rifles or shotguns for testing or experimentation.
178.152 Seizure and forfeiture.
178.153 Semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding
devices manufactured or imported for the purposes of test or
experimentation.
Subpart J-[Reserved] 
Subpart K-Exportation 
178.171 Exportation.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 18 U.S.C. 847, 921-930; 44 U.S.C. 3504(h).
Source: 33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 40 
FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975.
Subpart A-Introduction 
§ 178.1 Scope of regulations. 
(a) General. The regulations contained in this part relate to commerce in 
firearms and ammunition and are promulgated to implement Title I, State Firearms 
Control Assistance (18 U.S.C. Chapter 44), of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (82 
Stat. 1213) as amended by Pub. L. 99-308 (100 Stat. 449), Pub. L. 99-360 (100 
Stat. 766), Pub. L. 99-408 (100 Stat. 920), and Pub. L. 103-159 (107 Stat. 
1536), and Pub. L. 103-322 (108 Stat. 1796). 
(b) Procedural and substantive requirements. This part contains the procedural 
and substantive requirements relative to:
(1) The interstate or foreign commerce in firearms and ammunition; 
(2) The licensing of manufacturers and importers of firearms and ammunition, 
collectors of firearms, and dealers in firearms; 
(3) The conduct of business or activity by licensees; 
(4) The importation of firearms and ammunition; 
(5) The records and reports required of licensees; 
(6) Relief from disabilities under this part; 
(7) Exempt interstate and foreign commerce in firearms and ammunition; and 
(8) Restrictions on armor piercing ammunition. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10490, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 
7112, Feb. 14, 1994; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17450, April 6, 1995.]
§ 178.2 Relation to other provisions of law. 
The provisions in this part are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, any 
other provision of law, or regulations, respecting commerce in firearms or 
ammunition. For regulations applicable to traffic in machine guns, destructive 
devices, and certain other firearms, see Part 179 of this chapter. For statutes 
applicable to the registration and licensing of persons engaged in the business 
of manufacturing, importing or exporting arms, ammunition, or implements of war, 
see section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) and regulations 
thereunder and Part 47 of this chapter. For statutes applicable to nonmailable 
firearms, see 18 U.S.C. 1715 and regulations thereunder. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10490, Mar. 31, 1988]
Subpart B-Definitions 
§ 178.11 Meaning of terms. 
When used in this part and in forms prescribed under this part, where not 
otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent 
thereof, terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section. Words in the 
plural form shall include the singular, and vice versa, and words importing the 
masculine gender shall include the feminine. The terms "includes" and 
"including" do not exclude other things not enumerated which are in the same 
general class or are otherwise within the scope thereof. 
Act. 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44. 
Ammunition. Ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellent 
powder designed for use in any firearm other than an antique firearm. The term 
shall not include (a) any shotgun shot or pellet not designed for use as the 
single, complete projectile load for one shotgun hull or casing, nor (b) any 
unloaded, non-metallic shotgun hull or casing not having a primer. 
Antique firearm. (a) Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, 
flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in 
or before 1898; and (b) any replica of any firearm described in paragraph (a) of 
this definition if such replica (1) is not designed or redesigned for using 
rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition, or (2) uses rimfire or 
conventional centerfire fixed ammunition which is no longer manufactured in the 
United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of 
commercial trade. 
Armor piercing ammunition. Projectiles or projectile cores which may be used in 
a handgun and which are constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces 
of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, 
brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium; or full jacketed 
projectiles larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun 
and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the 
projectile. The term does not include shotgun shot required by Federal or State 
environmental or game regulations for hunting purposes, frangible projectiles 
designed for target shooting, projectiles which the Director finds are primarily 
intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any other projectiles or 
projectile cores which the Director finds are intended to be used for industrial 
purposes, including charges used in oil and gas well perforating devices.
ATF officer. An officer or employee of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 
Firearms (ATF) authorized to perform any function relating to the administration 
or enforcement of this part. 
Business premises. The property on which the manufacturing or importing of 
firearms or ammunition or the dealing in firearms is or will be conducted. A 
private dwelling, no part of which is open to the public, shall not be 
recognized as coming within the meaning of the term.
Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. The ATF official responsible 
for the issuance and renewal of licenses under this part.
Collector. Any person who acquires, holds, or disposes of firearms as curios or 
relics. 
Collection premises. The premises described on the license of a collector as the 
location at which he maintains his collection of curios and relics. 
Commerce. Travel, trade, traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication 
among the several States, or between the District of Columbia and any State, or 
between any foreign country or any territory or possession and any State or the 
District of Columbia, or between points in the same State but through any other 
State or the District of Columbia or a foreign country. 
Crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year. Any Federal, State 
or foreign offense for which the maximum penalty, whether or not imposed, is 
capital punishment or imprisonment in excess of 1 year. The term shall not 
include (a) any Federal or State offenses pertaining to antitrust violations, 
unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses relating 
to the regulation of business practices or (b) any State offense classified by 
the laws of the State as a misdemeanor and punishable by a term of imprisonment 
of 2 years or less. What constitutes a conviction of such a crime shall be 
determined in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction in which the 
proceedings were held. Any conviction which has been expunged or set aside or 
for which a person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored shall not 
be considered a conviction for the purposes of the Act or this part, unless such 
pardon, expunction, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the 
person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms, or unless the 
person is prohibited by the law of the jurisdiction in which the proceedings 
were held from receiving or possessing any firearms. 
Curios or relics. Firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason 
of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use 
or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, 
firearms must fall within one of the following categories: 
(a) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current 
date, but not including replicas thereof; 
(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or 
Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum 
interest; and 
(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value 
from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their 
association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of 
qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by 
evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available 
except as collector's items, or that the value of like firearms available in 
ordinary commercial channels is substantially less. 
[Editor's Note: ATF Publication 5300.11, Firearms Curios and Relics List, 
consists of lists of those firearms determined to be curios or relics from 1972 
to the present.]
Customs officer. Any officer of the Customs Service or any commissioned, 
warrant, or petty officer of the Coast Guard, or any agent or other person 
authorized by law or designated by the Secretary of the Treasury to perform any 
duties of an officer of the Customs Service. 
Dealer. Any person engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or 
retail; any person engaged in the business of repairing firearms or of making or 
fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms; or any 
person who is a pawnbroker. The term shall include any person who engages in 
such business or occupation on a part-time basis.
Destructive device. (a) Any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas (1) bomb, (2) 
grenade, (3) rocket having a propellant charge of more than 4 ounces, (4) 
missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, 
(5) mine, or (6) device similar to any of the devices described in the preceding 
paragraphs of this definition; (b) any type of weapon (other than a shotgun or a 
shotgun shell which the Director finds is generally recognized as particularly 
suitable for sporting purposes) by whatever name known which will, or which may 
be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or 
other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half 
inch in diameter; and (c) any combination of parts either designed or intended 
for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in 
paragraph (a) or (b) of this section and from which a destructive device may be 
readily assembled. The term shall not include any device which is neither 
designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon; any device, although originally 
designed for use as a weapon, which is redesigned for use as a signalling, 
pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device; surplus ordnance sold, 
loaned, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to the provisions of 
section 4684(2), 4685, or 4686 of title 10, United States Code; or any other 
device which the Director finds is not likely to be used as a weapon, is an 
antique, or is a rifle which the owner intends to use solely for sporting, 
recreational, or cultural purposes. 
Director. The Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Department 
of the Treasury, Washington, DC.
Discharged under dishonorable conditions. Separation from the U.S. Armed Forces 
resulting from a Dishonorable Discharge. 
Engaged in the business -- (a) Manufacturer of firearms. A person who devotes 
time, attention, and labor to manufacturing firearms as a regular course of 
trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through 
the sale or distribution of the firearms manufactured; 
(b) Manufacturer of ammunition. A person who devotes time, attention, and labor 
to manufacturing ammunition as a regular course of trade or business with the 
principal objective of livelihood and profit through the sale or distribution of 
the ammunition manufactured; 
(c) Dealer in firearms other than a gunsmith or a pawnbroker. A person who 
devotes time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of 
trade or business with the principal objective of livelihood and profit through 
the repetitive purchase and resale of firearms, but such a term shall not 
include a person who makes occasional sales, exchanges, or purchases of firearms 
for the enhancement of a personal collection or for a hobby, or who sells all or 
part of his personal collection of firearms; 
(d) Gunsmith. A person who devotes time, attention, and labor to engaging in 
such activity as a regular course of trade or business with the principal 
objective of livelihood and profit, but such a term shall not include a person 
who makes occasional repairs of firearms or who occasionally fits special 
barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms; 
(e) Importer of firearms. A person who devotes time, attention, and labor to 
importing firearms as a regular course of trade or business with the principal 
objective of livelihood and profit through the sale or distribution of the 
firearms imported; and, 
(f) Importer of ammunition. A person who devotes time, attention, and labor to 
importing ammunition as a regular course of trade or business with the principal 
objective of livelihood and profit through the sale or distribution of the 
ammunition imported. 
Executed under penalties of perjury. Signed with the prescribed declaration 
under the penalties of perjury as provided on or with respect to the return 
form, or other document or, where no form of declaration is prescribed, with the 
declaration:
"I declare under the penalties of perjury that this (insert type of document, 
such as, statement, application, request, certificate), including the documents 
submitted in support thereof, has been examined by me and, to the best of my 
knowledge and belief, is true, correct, and complete."
Federal Firearms Act. 15 U.S.C. Chapter 18. 
Firearm. Any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to or 
may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; 
the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm 
silencer; or any destructive device; but the term shall not include an antique 
firearm. In the case of a licensed collector, the term shall mean only curios 
and relics.
Firearm frame or receiver. That part of a firearm which provides housing for the 
hammer, bolt or breechblock, and firing mechanism, and which is usually threaded 
at its forward portion to receive the barrel. 
Firearm muffler or firearm silencer. Any device for silencing, muffling, or 
diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of 
parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating 
a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in 
such assembly or fabrication.
Fugitive from justice. Any person who has fled from any State to avoid 
prosecution for a crime or to avoid giving testimony in any criminal proceeding. 

Handgun. (a) Any firearm which has a short stock and is designed to be held and 
fired by the use of a single hand; and 
(b) Any combination of parts from which a firearm described in paragraph (a) can 
be assembled. 
Identification document. A document containing the name, residence address, date 
of birth, and photograph of the holder and which was made or issued by or under 
the authority of the United States Government, a State, political subdivision of 
a State, a foreign government, political subdivision of a foreign government, an 
international governmental or an international quasi- governmental organization 
which, when completed with information concerning a particular individual, is of 
a type intended or commonly accepted for the purpose of identification of 
individuals. 
Importation. The bringing of a firearm or ammunition into the United States; 
except that the bringing of a firearm or ammunition from outside the United 
States into a foreign-trade zone for storage pending shipment to a foreign 
country or subsequent importation into this country, pursuant to this part, 
shall not be deemed importation. 
Importer. Any person engaged in the business of importing or bringing firearms 
or ammunition into the United States. The term shall include any person who 
engages in such business on a part-time basis. 
Indictment. Includes an indictment or information in any court under which a 
crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year may be prosecuted. 
Interstate or foreign commerce. Includes commerce between any place in a State 
and any place outside of that State, or within any possession of the United 
States (not including the Canal Zone) or the District of Columbia. The term 
shall not include commerce between places within the same State but through any 
place outside of that State. 
Intimate partner. With respect to a person, the spouse of the person, a former 
spouse of the person, an individual who is a parent of a child of the person, 
and an individual who cohabitates or has cohabitated with the person.
Large capacity ammunition feeding device. A magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or 
similar device for a firearm manufactured after September 13, 1994, that has a 
capacity of, or that can be readily restored or converted to accept, more than 
10 rounds of ammunition. The term does not include an attached tubular device 
designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire 
ammunition, or a fixed device for a manually operated firearm, or a fixed device 
for a firearm listed in 18 U.S.C. 922, Appendix A.
Licensed collector. A collector of curios and relics only and licensed under the 
provisions of this part. 
Licensed dealer. A dealer licensed under the provisions of this part. 
Licensed importer. An importer licensed under the provisions of this part. 
Licensed manufacturer. A manufacturer licensed under the provisions of this 
part. 
Machine gun. Any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily 
restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, 
by a single function of the trigger. The term shall also include the frame or 
receiver of any such weapon, any part designed and intended solely and 
exclusively, or combination of parts designed and intended, for use in 
converting a weapon into a machine gun, and any combination of parts from which 
a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the 
control of a person. 
Manufacturer. Any person engaged in the business of manufacturing firearms or 
ammunition. The term shall include any person who engages in such business on a 
part-time basis. 
National Firearms Act. 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53. 
Pawnbroker. Any person whose business or occupation includes the taking or 
receiving, by way of pledge or pawn, of any firearm as security for the payment 
or repayment of money. The term shall include any person who engages in such 
business on a part-time basis. 
Permanently inoperable. A firearm which is incapable of discharging a shot by 
means of an explosive and incapable of being readily restored to a firing 
condition. An acceptable method of rendering most firearms permanently 
inoperable is to fusion weld the chamber closed an fusion weld the barrel 
solidly to the frame. Certain unusual firearms require other methods to render 
the firearm permanently inoperable. Contact ATF for instructions. 
Person. Any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, 
society, or joint stock company. 
Pistol. A weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile 
(bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having (a) a 
chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s); 
and (b) a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand and at an angle to and 
extending below the line of the bore(s). 
Principal objective of livelihood and profit. The intent underlying the sale or 
disposition of firearms is predominantly one of obtaining livelihood and 
pecuniary gain, as opposed to other intents such as improving or liquidating a 
personal firearms collection: Provided, That proof of profit shall not be 
required as to a person who engages in the regular and repetitive purchase and 
disposition of firearms for criminal purposes or terrorism. For purposes of this 
part, the term "terrorism" means activity, directed against United States 
persons, which-- 
(a) Is committed by an individual who is not a national or permanent resident 
alien of the United States; 
(b) Involves violent acts or acts dangerous to human life which would be a 
criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States; 
and 
(c) Is intended-- 
(1) To intimidate or coerce a civilian population; 
(2) To influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or 
(3) To affect the conduct of a government by assassination or kidnapping. 
Published ordinance. A published law of any political subdivision of a State 
which the Director determines to be relevant to the enforcement of this part and 
which is contained on a list compiled by the Director, which list is 
incorporated by reference in the Federal Register, revised annually, and 
furnished to licensees under this part.
Region. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Region.
Regional Director (Compliance). The principal ATF regional official responsible 
for administering regulations in this part.
Revolver. A projectile weapon, of the pistol type, having a breechloading 
chambered cylinder so arranged that the cocking of the hammer or movement of the 
trigger rotates it and brings the next cartridge in line with the barrel for 
firing. 
Rifle. A weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired 
from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the 
energy of the explosive in a fixed metallic cartridge to fire only a single 
projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger. 
Semiautomatic assault weapon.
(a) Any of the firearms, or copies or duplicates of the firearms in any caliber, 
known as:
(1) Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs (all models),
(2) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil,
(3) Beretta Ar70 (SC-70),
(4) Colt AR-15,
(5) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC,
(6) SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M-12,
(7) Steyr AUG,
(8) INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9 and TEC-22, and
(9) Revolving cylinder shotguns, such as (or similar to) the Street Sweeper and 
Striker 12;
(b) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine 
and has at least 2 of --
(1) A folding or telescoping stock,
(2) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon,
(3) A bayonet mount,
(4) A flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash 
suppressor, and
(5) A grenade launcher;
(c) A semiautomatic pistol that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine 
and has at least 2 of -- 
(1) An ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol outside of the pistol 
grip,
(2) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a barrel extender, flash suppressor, 
forward handgrip, or silencer,
(3) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the 
barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the nontrigger hand 
without being burned,
(4) A manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the pistol is unloaded, and
(5) A semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm; and
(d) A semiautomatic shotgun that has at least 2 of -- 
(1) A folding or telescoping stock,
(2) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon,
(3) A fixed magazine capacity in excess of 5 rounds, and
(4) An ability to accept a detachable magazine.
Semiautomatic pistol. Any repeating pistol which utilizes a portion of the 
energy of a firing cartridge to extract the fired cartridge-case and chamber the 
next round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each 
cartridge.
Semiautomatic rifle. Any repeating rifle which utilizes a portion of the energy 
of a firing cartridge to extract the fired cartridge case and chamber the next 
round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each cartridge. 

Semiautomatic shotgun. Any repeating shotgun which utilizes a portion of the 
energy of a firing cartridge to extract the fired cartridge case and chamber the 
next round, and which requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each 
cartridge.
Short-barreled rifle. A rifle having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in 
length, and any weapon made from a rifle, whether by alteration, modification, 
or otherwise, if such weapon, as modified, has an overall length of less than 26 
inches. 
Short-barreled shotgun. A shotgun having one or more barrels less than 18 inches 
in length, and any weapon made from a shotgun, whether by alteration, 
modification, or otherwise, if such weapon as modified has an overall length of 
less than 26 inches. 
Shotgun. A weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be 
fired from the shoulder, and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use 
the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth 
bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of 
the trigger. 
State. A State of the United States. The term shall include the District of 
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the possessions of the United 
States (not including the Canal Zone). 
State of residence. The State in which an individual regularly resides, or 
maintains a home, or if such person is on active duty as a member of the United 
States Armed Forces, the State in which the person's permanent duty station is 
located: Provided, That an alien who is legally in the United States shall be 
considered to be a resident of the State in which (a) the alien is residing or 
has so resided for a period of at least 90 days prior to the date of sale or 
delivery of a firearm, or (b) the alien's embassy or consulate is located if the 
principal officer of such embassy or consulate issues a written statement to 
such alien authorizing the alien to acquire a firearm. Temporary stay in a State 
does not make the State of temporary stay the State of residence.
Example 1. 'A' maintains a home in State 'X'. 'A' travels to State 'Y' on a 
hunting, fishing, business or other type of trip. 'A' does not become a resident 
of State 'Y' by reason of such trip. 
Example 2. 'A' maintains a home in State 'X' and a home in State 'Y'. 'A' 
resides in State 'X' except for weekends or the summer months of the year and in 
State 'Y' for the weekends or the summer months of the year. During the time 
that 'A' actually resides in State 'X', 'A' is a resident of State 'X', and 
during the time that 'A' actually resides in State 'Y', 'A' is a resident of 
State 'Y'.
Example 3. 'A' is a member of the Armed Forces whose permanent duty station is 
located in State 'X'. However, 'A' actually resides and maintains a home in 
State Y and commutes daily to the permanent duty station in State 'X' to perform 
military duties. 'A' is a resident of both State 'X' and State 'Y' at the same 
time. 
Unserviceable firearm. A firearm which is incapable of discharging a shot by 
means of an explosive and is incapable of being readily restored to a firing 
condition. 
U.S.C. The United States Code.
(5 U.S.C. 522(a), 80 Stat. 383, as amended; 18 U.S.C. 847 (84 Stat. 959); 18 
U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226))
[T.D. ATF-48, 43 FR 13536, Mar. 31 1978; 44FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979, as amended 
by T.D. ATF-135, 48 FR 24067, May 31, 1983; T.D. ATF-160, 48 FR 52909, Nov. 23, 
1983; T.D. ATF-200, 50 FR 10498, Mar. 15, 1985; T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39615, 
October 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-247, 52 FR 2049, Jan. 16, 1987; T.D. ATF290, 54 FR 
53054, Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991; T.D. ATF-346, 58 
FR 40589, July 29, 1993; T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 7112, Feb.14, 1994; T.D. 361, 60 FR 
10786, February 27, 1995; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17450, April 6, 1995]
Subpart C-Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions 
§ 178.21 Forms prescribed.
(a) The Director is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All 
of the information called for in each form shall be furnished as indicated by 
the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form. In 
addition, information called for in each form shall be furnished as required by 
this part.
(b) "Public Use Forms" (ATF Publication 1322.1) is a numerical listing of forms 
issued or used by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. This publication 
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402.
(c) Requests for forms should be mailed to the ATF Distribution Center, P. O. 
Box 5950, Springfield, Virginia 22150-5950. 
(5 U.S.C. 552(a); 80 Stat. 383, as amended)
[T.D. ATF-92, 46 FR 46915, Sept. 23, 1981, as amended by T.D. ATF-249, 52 FR 
5962, Feb. 27, 1987; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10492, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.22 Alternate methods or procedures; emergency variations from 
requirements. 
(a) Alternate methods or procedures. The licensee, on specific approval by the 
Director as provided in this paragraph, may use an alternate method or procedure 
in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. The 
Director may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated 
conditions, when it is found that: 
(1) Good cause is shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure; 
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent 
with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure and 
that the alternate method or procedure is substantially equivalent to that 
specifically prescribed method or procedure; and 
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of 
law and will not result in an increase in cost to the Government or hinder the 
effective administration of this part. Where the licensee desires to employ an 
alternate method or procedure, a written application shall be submitted to the 
appropriate regional director (compliance), for transmittal to the Director. The 
application shall specifically describe the proposed alternate method or 
procedure and shall set forth the reasons for it. Alternate methods or 
procedures may not be employed until the application is approved by the 
Director. The licensee shall, during the period of authorization of an alternate 
method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. 
Authorization of any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever, in 
the judgment of the Director, the effective administration of this part is 
hindered by the continuation of the authorization. 
(b) Emergency variations from requirements. The Director may approve a method of 
operation other than as specified in this part, where it is found that an 
emergency exists and the proposed variation from the specified requirements are 
necessary and the proposed variations (1) will not hinder the effective 
administration of this part, and (2) will not be contrary to any provisions of 
law. Variations from requirements granted under this paragraph are conditioned 
on compliance with the procedures, conditions, and limitations set forth in the 
approval of the application. Failure to comply in good faith with the 
procedures, conditions, and limitations shall automatically terminate the 
authority for the variations, and the licensee shall fully comply with the 
prescribed requirements of regulations from which the variations were 
authorized. Authority for any variation may be withdrawn whenever, in the 
judgment of the Director, the effective administration of this part is hindered 
by the continuation of the variation. Where the licensee desires to employ an 
emergency variation, a written application shall be submitted to the appropriate 
regional director (compliance) for transmittal to the Director. The application 
shall describe the proposed variation and set forth the reasons for it. 
Variations may not be employed until the application is approved. 
(c) Retention of approved variations. The licensee shall retain, as part of the 
licensee's records, available for examination by ATF officers, any application 
approved by the Director under this section.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10492, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.23 Right of entry and examination. 
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), any ATF officer, when there is 
reasonable cause to believe a violation of the Act has occurred and that 
evidence of the violation may be found on the premises of any licensed 
manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, may, 
upon demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate and obtaining from the 
magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, enter during business hours (or, in the 
case of a licensed collector, the hours of operation) the premises, including 
places of storage, of any such licensee for the purpose of inspecting or 
examining: 
(1) Any records or documents required to be kept by such licensee under this 
part and 
(2) Any inventory of firearms or ammunition kept or stored by any licensed 
manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer at such premises or any 
firearms curios or relics or ammunition kept or stored by any licensed collector 
at such premises.
(b) Any ATF officer, without having reasonable cause to believe a violation of 
the Act has occurred or that evidence of the violation may be found and without 
demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate or obtaining from the 
magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, may enter during business hours the 
premises, including places of storage, of any licensed manufacturer, licensed 
importer, or licensed dealer for the purpose of inspecting or examining the 
records, documents, ammunition and firearms referred to in paragraph (a) of this 
section: 
(1) In the course of a reasonable inquiry during the course of a criminal 
investigation of a person or persons other than the licensee, 
(2) For insuring compliance with the recordkeeping requirements of this part:
(i) Not more than once during any 12-month period, or
(ii) At any time with respect to records relating to a firearm involved in a 
criminal investigation that is traced to the licensee, or
(3) When such inspection or examination may be required for determining the 
disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of a bona fide 
criminal investigation. 
(c) Any ATF officer, without having reasonable cause to believe a violation of 
the Act has occurred or that evidence of the violation may be found and without 
demonstrating such cause before a Federal magistrate or obtaining from the 
magistrate a warrant authorizing entry, may enter during hours of operation the 
premises, including places of storage, of any licensed collector for the purpose 
of inspecting or examining the records, documents, firearms, and ammunition 
referred to in paragraph (a) of this section (1) for ensuring compliance with 
the recordkeeping requirements of this part not more than once during any 
12-month period or (2) when such inspection or examination may be required for 
determining the disposition of one or more particular firearms in the course of 
a bona fide criminal investigation. At the election of the licensed collector, 
the annual inspection permitted by this paragraph shall be performed at the ATF 
office responsible for conducting such inspection in closest proximity to the 
collectors premises. 
(d) The inspections and examinations provided by this section do not authorize 
an ATF officer to seize any records or documents other than those records or 
documents constituting material evidence of a violation of law. If an ATF 
officer seizes such records or documents, copies shall be provided the licensee 
within a reasonable time. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10492, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17450, April 6, 
1995]
§ 178.24 Compilation of State laws and published ordinances. 
(a) The Director shall annually revise and furnish Federal firearms licensees 
with a compilation of State laws and published ordinances which are relevant to 
the enforcement of this part. The Director annually revises the compilation and 
publishes it as "State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms" which is 
furnished free of charge to licensees under this part. Where the compilation has 
previously been furnished to licensees, the Director need only furnish 
amendments of the relevant laws and ordinances to such licensees. 
(b) "State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms" is incorporated by 
reference in this part. It is ATF Publication 5300.5, revised yearly. The 
current edition is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It is also available for 
inspection at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
Suite 700, Washington, DC. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10493, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.25 Disclosure of information. 
The regional director (compliance) may make available to any Federal, State or 
local law enforcement agency any information which is obtained by reason of the 
provisions of the Act with respect to the identification of persons prohibited 
from purchasing or receiving firearms or ammunition who have purchased or 
received firearms or ammunition, together with a description of such firearms or 
ammunition. Upon the request of any Federal, State or local law enforcement 
agency, the regional director (compliance) may provide such agency any 
information contained in the records required to be maintained by the Act or 
this part. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10493, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.25a Responses to requests for information
Each licensee shall respond immediately to, and in no event later than 24 hours 
after the receipt of, a request by an ATF officer at the National Tracing Center 
for information contained in the records required to be kept by this part for 
determining the disposition of one or more firearms in the course of a bona fide 
criminal investigation. The requested information shall be provided orally to 
the ATF officer. Verification of the identity and employment of National Tracing 
Center personnel requesting information may be established at the time the 
requested information is provided by telephoneing the toll-free number 
1-800-788-7132 or using the foll-free facsimile (FAX) number 1-800-578-7223.
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17451, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.26 Curio and relic determination. 
Any person who desires to obtain a determination whether a particular firearm is 
a curio or relic shall submit a written request, in duplicate, for a ruling 
thereon to the Director. Each such request shall be executed under the penalties 
of perjury and shall contain a complete and accurate description of the firearm, 
and such photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the 
Director to make a determination. The Director may require the submission of the 
firearm for examination and evaluation. If the submission of the firearm is 
impractical, the person requesting the determination shall so advise the 
Director and designate the place where the firearm will be available for 
examination and evaluation.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10493, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.27 Destructive device determination. 
The Director shall determine in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(4) whether a 
device is excluded from the definition of a destructive device. A person who 
desires to obtain a determination under that provision of law for any device 
which he believes is not likely to be used as a weapon shall submit a written 
request, in triplicate, for a ruling thereon to the Director. Each such request 
shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete and 
accurate description of the device, the name and address of the manufacturer or 
importer thereof, the purpose of and use for which it is intended, and such 
photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to 
make his determination. The Director may require the submission to him, of a 
sample of such device for examination and evaluation. If the submission of such 
device is impracticable, the person requesting the ruling shall so advise the 
Director and designate the place where the device will be available for 
examination and evaluation. 
§ 178.28 Transportation of destructive devices and certain firearms.
(a) The Director may authorize a person to transport in interstate or foreign 
commerce any destructive device, machine gun, short-barreled shotgun, or 
short-barreled rifle, if he finds that such transportation is reasonably 
necessary and is consistent with public safety and applicable State and local 
law. A person who desires to transport in interstate or foreign commerce any 
such device or weapon shall submit a written request so to do, in duplicate, to 
the Director. The request shall contain:
(1) A complete description and identification of the device or weapon to be 
transported;
(2) A statement whether such transportation involves a transfer of title;
(3) The need for such transportation;
(4) The approximate date such transportation is to take place;
(5) The present location of such device or weapon and the place to which it is 
to be transported;
(6) The mode of transportation to be used (including, if by common or contract 
carrier, the name and address of such carrier); and
(7) Evidence that the transportation or possession of such device or weapon is 
not inconsistent with the laws at the place of destination.
(b) No person shall transport any destructive device, machinegun, short-barreled 
shotgun, or short-barreled rifle in interstate or foreign commerce under the 
provisions of this section until he has received specific authorization so to do 
from the Director. Authorization granted under this section does not carry or 
import relief from any other statutory or regulatory provision relating to 
firearms.
(c) This section shall not be construed as requiring licensees to obtain 
authorization to transport destructive devices, machineguns, short-barreled 
shotguns, and short-barreled rifles in interstate or foreign commerce: Provided, 
That in the case of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed 
dealer, such a licensee is qualified under the National Firearms Act (see also 
Part 179 of this chapter) and this part to engage in the business with respect 
to the device or weapon to be transported, and that in the case of a licensed 
collector, the device or weapon to be transported is a curio or relic. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16385, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-138, 48 FR 35399, Aug. 4, 1983]
§ 178.29 Out-of-State acquisition of firearms by nonlicensees. 
No person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed 
dealer, or licensed collector, shall transport into or receive in the State 
where the person resides (or if a corporation or other business entity, where it 
maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by 
such person outside that State: Provided, That the provisions of this section: 
(a) Shall not preclude any person who lawfully acquires a firearm by bequest or 
intestate succession in a State other than his State of residence from 
transporting the firearm into or receiving it in that State, if it is lawful for 
such person to purchase or possess such firearm in that State;
(b) Shall not apply to the transportation or receipt of a rifle or shotgun 
obtained from a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or 
licensed collector in a State other than the transferee's State of residence in 
an over-the-counter transaction at the licensee's premises obtained in 
conformity with the provisions of § 178.96(c); and 
(c) Shall not apply to the transportation or receipt of a firearm obtained in 
conformity with the provisions of §§ 178.30 and 178.97. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10493, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.29a Acquisition of firearms by nonresidents.
No person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed 
dealer, or licensed collector, who does not reside in any State shall receive 
any firerms unless such receipt is for lawful sporting proposes.
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17451, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.30 Out-of-State disposition of firearms by nonlicensees. 
No nonlicensee shall transfer, sell, trade, give, transport, or deliver any 
firearm to any other nonlicensee, who the transferor knows or has reasonable 
cause to believe does not reside in (or if the person is a corporation or other 
business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which 
the transferor resides: Provided, That the provisions of this section: 
(a) shall not apply to the transfer, transportation, or delivery of a firearm 
made to carry out a bequest of a firearm to, or any acquisition by intestate 
succession of a firearm by, a person who is permitted to acquire or possess a 
firearm under the laws of the State of his residence; and 
(b) shall not apply to the loan or rental of a firearm to any person for 
temporary use for lawful sporting purposes. 
[T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991; 57 FR 1205, Jan. 10, 1992]
§ 178.31 Delivery by common or contract carrier. 
(a) No person shall knowingly deliver or cause to be delivered to any common or 
contract carrier for transportation or shipment in interstate or foreign 
commerce to any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector, any package or other container in which 
there is any firearm or ammunition without written notice to the carrier that 
such firearm or ammunition is being transported or shipped:
Provided, That any passenger who owns or legally possesses a firearm or 
ammunition being transported aboard any common or contract carrier for movement 
with the passenger in interstate or foreign commerce may deliver said firearm or 
ammunition into the custody of the pilot, captain, conductor or operator of such 
common or contract carrier for the duration of that trip without violating any 
provision of this part. 
(b) No common or contract carrier shall require or cause any label, tag, or 
other written notice to be placed on the outside of any package, luggage, or 
other container indicating that such package, luggage, or other container 
contains a firearm. 
(c) No common or contract carrier shall transport or deliver in interstate or 
foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition with knowledge or reasonable cause to 
believe that the shipment, transportation, or receipt thereof would be in 
violation of any provision of this part:
Provided, however, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in 
respect to the transportation of firearms or ammunition in in-bond shipment 
under Customs laws and regulations. 
(d) No common or contract carrier shall knowingly deliver in interstate or 
foreign commerce any firearm without obtaining written acknowledgement of 
receipt from the recipient of the package or other container in which there is a 
firearm: Provided, That this paragraph shall not apply with respect to the 
return of a firearm to a passenger who places firearms in the carrier's custody 
for the duration of the trip. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16385, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 7112, Feb. 14, 1994; T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10786, 
Feb. 27, 1995]
§ 178.32 Prohibited shipment, transportation, possession, or receipt of firearms 
and ammunition by certain persons. 
(a) No person may ship or transport any firearm or ammunition in interstate or 
foreign commerce, or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or 
transported in interstate or foreign commerce, or possess any firearm or 
ammunition in or affecting commerce, who: 
(1) Has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a 
term exceeding 1 year, 
(2) Is a fugitive from justice, 
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined 
in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802), 
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental 
institution, 
(5) Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States, 
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, 
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship, or 
(8) Is subject to a court order that --
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and 
at which such person had an opportunity to participate;
(ii) Restrains such person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate 
partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging 
in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of 
bodily injury to the partner or child; and
(iii)(A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the 
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use 
of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably 
be expected to cause bodily injury.
(b) No person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for 
a term exceeding one year may ship or transport any firearm or ammunition in 
interstate or foreign commerce or receive any firearm or ammunition which has 
been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. 
(c) Any individual, who to that individual's knowledge and while being employed 
by any person described in paragraph (a) of this section, may not in the course 
of such employment receive, possess, or transport any firearm or ammunition in 
commerce or affecting commerce or receive any firearm or ammunition which has 
been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. 
(d) No person may sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any 
person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person: 
(1) Is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime 
punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, 
(2) Is a fugitive from justice, 
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined 
in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 802), 
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental 
institution, 
(5) Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States,
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions, 
(7) Having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship, or
(8) Is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, 
stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such 
intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an 
intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child: 
Provided, That the provisions of this paragraph shall only apply to a court 
order that -- 
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and 
at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and 
(ii) (A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the 
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use 
of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably 
be expected to cause bodily injury.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10493, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17451, April 6, 
1995]
§ 178.33 Stolen firearms and ammunition. 
No person shall transport or ship in interstate or foreign commerce any stolen 
firearm or stolen ammunition knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that 
the firearm or ammunition was stolen, and no person shall receive, possess, 
conceal, store, barter, sell, or dispose of any stolen firearm or stolen 
ammunition, or pledge or accept as security for a loan any stolen firearm or 
stolen ammunition, which is moving as, which is a part of, which constitutes, or 
which has been shipped or transported in, interstate or foreign commerce, either 
before or after it was stolen, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe 
that the firearm or ammunition was stolen. 
[T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17451, April 6, 
1995]
§ 178.33a Theft of firearms. 
No person shall steal or unlawfully take or carry away from the person or the 
premises of a person who is licensed to engage in the business of importing, 
manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, any firearm in the licensee's business 
inventory that has been shipped or transported in interstate or foreign 
commerce. 
[T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 7112, Feb. 14, 1994]
§ 178.34 Removed, obliterated, or altered serial number. 
No person shall knowingly transport, ship, or receive in interstate or foreign 
commerce any firearm which has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial 
number removed, obliterated, or altered, or possess or receive any firearm which 
has had the importer's or manufacturer's serial number removed, obliterated, or 
altered and has, at any time, been shipped or transported in interstate or 
foreign commerce. 
[T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991]
§ 178.35 Skeet, trap, target, and similar shooting activities. 
Licensing and recordkeeping requirements, including permissible alternate 
records, for skeet, trap, target, and similar organized activities shall be 
determined by the regional director (compliance) on a case by case basis. 
§ 178.36 Transfer or possession of machineguns. 
No person shall transfer or possess a machinegun except: 
(a) A transfer to or by, or possession by or under the authority of, the United 
States, or any department or agency thereof, or a State, or a department, 
agency, or political subdivision thereof. (See Part 179 of this chapter); or 
(b) Any lawful transfer or lawful possession of a machinegun that was lawfully 
possessed before May 19, 1986 (See Part 179 of this chapter). 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.37 Manufacture, importation and sale of armor piercing ammunition. 
No person shall manufacture or import, and no manufacturer or importer shall 
sell or deliver, armor piercing ammunition, except: 
(a) The manufacture or importation, or the sale or delivery by any manufacturer 
or importer, of armor piercing ammunition for the use of the United States or 
any department or agency thereof or any State or any department, agency or 
political subdivision thereof; 
(b) The manufacture, or the sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer, of 
armor piercing ammunition for the purpose of exportation; or 
(c) The sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of armor piercing 
ammunition for the purposes of testing or experimentation as authorized by the 
Director under the provisions of § 178.149.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.38 Transportation of firearms. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a 
State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise 
prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm 
shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place 
where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place 
where such person may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such 
transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any 
ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible 
from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in 
the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's 
compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container 
other than the glove compartment or console. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.39 Assembly of semiautomatic rifles or shotguns. 
(a) No person shall assemble a semiautomatic rifle or any shotgun using more 
than 10 of the imported parts listed in paragraph (c) of this section if the 
assembled firearm is prohibited from importation under section 925(d)(3) as not 
being particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. 
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to: 
(1) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for sale or distribution by a licensed 
manufacturer to the United States or any department or agency thereof or to any 
State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; or 
(2) The assembly of such rifle or shotgun for the purposes of testing or 
experimentation authorized by the Director under the provisions of §178.151; or 
(3) The repair of any rifle or shotgun which had been imported into or assembled 
in the United States prior to November 30, 1990, or the replacement of any part 
of such firearm. 
(c) For purposes of this section, the term "imported parts" are: 
(1) Frames, receivers, receiver castings, forgings or stampings 
(2) Barrels 
(3) Barrel extensions 
(4) Mounting blocks (trunions) 
(5) Muzzle attachments 
(6) Bolts 
(7) Bolt carriers 
(8) Operating rods 
(9) Gas pistons 
(10) Trigger housings
(11) Triggers 
(12) Hammers 
(13) Sears 
(14) Disconnectors 
(15) Buttstocks 
(16) Pistol grips 
(17) Forearms, handguards 
(18) Magazine bodies 
(19) Followers 
(20) Floorplates 
[T.D. ATF-346, 58 FR 40589, July 29, 1993]
§ 178.39a Reporting theft or loss of firearms.
Each licensee shall report the theft or loss of a firearm from the licensee's 
inventory (including any firearm which has been transferred from the licensee's 
inventory to a personal collection and held as a personal firearm for at least 1 
year), or from the collection of a licensed collector, within 48 hours after the 
theft or loss is discovered. Licensees shall report thefts or losses by 
telephoning 1-800-800-3855 (nationwide toll free number) and by preparing ATF 
Form 3310.11, Federal Firearms Licensee Theft/Loss Report, in accordance with 
the instructions on the form. The original of the report shall be forwarded to 
the office specified thereon, and Copy 1 shall be retained by the licensee as 
part of the licensee's permanent records. Theft or loss of any firearm shall 
also be reported to the appropriate local authorities.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0524)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17451, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.40 Manufacture, transfer, and possession of semiautomatic assault weapons.
(a) Prohibition. No person shall manufacture, transfer, or possess a 
semiautomatic assault weapon.
(b) Exceptions. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply 
to:
(1) The possession or transfer of any semiautomatic assault weapon otherwise 
lawfully possessed in the United States under Federal law on September 13, 1994;
(2) Any of the firearms, or replicas or duplicates of the firearms, specified in 
18 U.S.C. 922, Appendix A, as such firearms existed on October 1, 1993;
(3) Any firearm that --
(i) Is manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action;
(ii) Has been rendered permanently inoperable; or
(iii) Is an antique firearm;
(4) Any semiautomatic rifle that cannot accept a detachable magazine that holds 
more than 5 rounds of ammunition;
(5) Any semiautomatic shotgun that cannot hold more than 5 rounds of ammunition 
in a fixed or detachable magazine;
(6) The manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a 
department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or 
political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law 
enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement;
(7) The transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
(42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) for purposes of establishing and maintaining an on-site 
physical protection system and security organization required by Federal law, or 
possession by an employee or contractor of such licensee on-site for such 
purposes or off-site for purposes of licensee-authorized training or 
transportation of nuclear materials;
(8) The possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law 
enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving a firearm, of 
a semiautomatic assault weapon transferred to the individual by the agency upon 
such retirement;
(9) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon 
by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer for the purposes of testing or 
experimentation as authorized by the Director under the provisions of § 178.153; 
or
(10) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon 
by a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer for the 
purpose of exportation in compliance with the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 
2778).
(c) Manufacture and dealing in semiautomatic assault weapons. Subject to 
compliance with the provisions of this part, licensed manufacturers and licensed 
dealers in semiautomatic assault weapons may manufacture and deal in such 
weapons manufactured after September 13, 1994: Provided, The licensee obtains 
evidence that the weapons will be disposed of in accordance with paragraph (b) 
of this section. Examples of acceptable evidence include the following:
(1) Contracts between the manufacturer and dealers stating that the weapons may 
only be sold to law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers, or other 
purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section;
(2) Copies of purchase orders submitted to the manufacturer or dealer by law 
enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section;
(3) Copies of letters submitted to the manufacturer or dealer by Government 
agencies, law enforcement officers, or other purchasers specified in paragraph 
(b) of this section expressing an interest in purchasing the semiautomatic 
assault weapons;
(4) Letters from dealers to the manufacturer stating that sales will only be 
made to law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers, or other purchasers 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(5) Letters from law enforcement officers purchasing in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(6) of this section and § 178.132.
(Paragraph (c) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 1512-0526)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17452, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.40a Transfer and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding 
devices.
(a) Prohibition. No person shall transfer or possess a large capacity ammunition 
feeding device.
(b) Exceptions. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply 
to:
(1) The possession or transfer of any large capacity ammunition feeding device 
otherwise lawfully possessed in the United States on September 13, 1994;
(2) The manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by the United States or a 
department or agency of the United States or a State or a department, agency, or 
political subdivision of a State, or a transfer to or possession by a law 
enforcement officer employed by such an entity for purposes of law enforcement;
(3) The transfer to a licensee under title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 
for purposes of establishing and maintaining an on-site physical protection 
system and security organization required by Federal law, or possession by an 
employee or contractor of such licensee on-site for such purposes or off-site 
for purposes of licensee-authorized training or transportation of nuclear 
materials;
(4) The possession, by an individual who is retired from service with a law 
enforcement agency and is not otherwise prohibited from receiving ammunition, of 
a large capacity ammunition feeding device transferred to the individual by the 
agency upon such retirement;
(5) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of any large capacity ammunition 
feeding device by a manufacturer or importer for the purpose of testing or 
experimentation in accordance with § 178.153; or
(6) The manufacture, transfer, or possession of any large capacity ammunition 
feeding device by a manufacturer or importer for the purpose of exportation in 
accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778).
(c) Importation, manufacture, and dealing in large capacity ammunition feeding 
devices. Possession and transfer of large capacity ammunition feeding devices by 
persons who manufacture, import, or deal in such devices will be presumed to be 
lawful if such persons maintain evidence establishing that the devices are 
possessed and transferred for sale to purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of 
this section. Examples of acceptable evidence include the following:
(1) Contracts between persons who import or manufacture such devices and persons 
who deal in such devices stating that the devices may only be sold to law 
enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section;
(2) Copies of purchase orders submitted to persons who manufacture, import, or 
deal in such devices by law enforcement agencies or other purchasers specified 
in paragraph (b) of this section;
(3) Copies of letters submitted to persons who manufacture, import, or deal in 
such devices by Government agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph 
(b) of this section expressing an interest in purchasing the devices;
(4) Letters from persons who deal in such devices to persons who import or 
manufacture such devices stating that sales will only be made to law enforcement 
agencies or other purchasers specified in paragraph (b) of this section; and
(5) Letters from law enforcement officers purchasing in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section and § 178.132.
(Paragraph (c) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 1512-0526)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17452, April 6, 1995]
Subpart D-Licenses 
§ 178.41 General. 
(a) Each person intending to engage in business as an importer or manufacturer 
of firearms or ammunition, or a dealer in firearms shall, before commencing such 
business, obtain the license required by this subpart for the business to be 
operated. Each person who desires to obtain a license as a collector of curios 
or relics may obtain such a license under the provisions of this subpart. 
(b) Each person intending to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition 
importer or manufacturer, or dealer in firearms shall file an application, with 
the required fee (see § 178.42), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on 
the form (see § 178.44), and, pursuant to § 178.47, receive the license required 
for such business from the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. 
Except as provided in § 178.50, a license must be obtained for each business and 
each place at which the applicant is to do business. A license as an importer or 
manufacturer of firearms or ammunition, or a dealer in firearms shall, subject 
to the provisions of the Act and other applicable provisions of law, entitle the 
licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such 
license in interstate or foreign commerce and to engage in the business 
specified by the license, at the location described on the license, and for the 
period stated on the license. However, it shall not be necessary for a licensed 
importer or a licensed manufacturer to also obtain a dealer's license in order 
to engage in business on the licensed premises as a dealer in the same type of 
firearms authorized by the license to be imported or manufactured. Payment of 
the license fee as an importer or manufacturer of destructive devices, 
ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing ammunition or as a dealer 
in destructive devices includes the privilege of importing or manufacturing 
firearms other than destructive devices and ammunition for other than 
destructive devices or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition, or 
dealing in firearms other than destructive devices, as the case may be, by such 
a licensee at the licensed premises.
(c) Each person seeking the privileges of a collector licensed under this part 
shall file an application, with the required fee (see § 178.42), with ATF in 
accordance with the instructions on the form (See § 178.44), and pursuant to § 
178.47, receive from the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, the 
license covering the collection of curios and relics. A separate license may be 
obtained for each collection premises, and such license shall, subject to the 
provisions of the Act and other applicable provisions of law, entitle the 
licensee to transport, ship, receive, and acquire curios and relics in 
interstate or foreign commerce, and to make disposition of curios and relics in 
interstate or foreign commerce, to any other person licensed under the 
provisions of this part, for the period stated on the license. 
(d) The collector license provided by this part shall apply only to transactions 
related to a collector's activity in acquiring, holding or disposing of curios 
and relics. A collector's license does not authorize the collector to engage in 
a business required to be licensed under the Act or this part. Therefore, if the 
acquisitions and dispositions of curios and relics by a collector bring the 
collector within the definition of a manufacturer, importer, or dealer under 
this part, he shall qualify as such. (See also § 178.93 of this part.)
(18 U.S.C. 847 (84 Stat. 959); 18 U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226))
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53054, 
Dec. 27, 1989]
§ 178.42 License fees. 
Each applicant shall pay a fee for obtaining a firearms license or ammunition 
license, a separate fee being required for each business or collecting activity 
at each place of such business or activity, as follows: 
(a) For a manufacturer: 
(1) Of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing 
ammunition-$1,000 per year. 
(2) Of firearms other than destructive devices-$50 per year. 
(3) Of ammunition for firearms other than ammunition for destructive devices or 
armor piercing ammunition-$10 per year. 
(b) For an importer: 
(1) Of destructive devices, ammunition for destructive devices or armor piercing 
ammunition-$1,000 per year. 
(2) Of firearms other than destructive devices or ammunition for firearms other 
than destructive devices or ammunition other than armor piercing ammunition-$50 
per year. 
(c) For a dealer: 
(1) In destructive devices-$1,000 per year. 
(2) Who is not a dealer in destructive devices-$200 for 3 years, except that the 
fee for renewal of a valid license shall be $90 for 3 years. 
(d) For a collector of curios and relics-$10 per year. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 
7112, Feb. 14, 1994]
§ 178.43 License fee not refundable. 
No refund of any part of the amount paid as a license fee shall be made where 
the operations of the licensee are, for any reason, discontinued during the 
period of an issued license. However, the license fee submitted with an 
application for a license shall be refunded if that application is denied or 
withdrawn by the applicant prior to being acted upon. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10494, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.44 Original license. 
(a) Any person who intends to engage in business as a firearms or ammunition 
importer or manufacturer, or firearms dealer, or who has not previously been 
licensed under the provisions of this part to so engage in business, or who has 
not timely submitted an application for renewal of the previous license issued 
under this part, shall file an application for license, ATF Form 7 (Firearms), 
in duplicate, with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. The 
application must be executed under the penalties of perjury and the penalties 
imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924. The application shall include a photograph and 
fingerprints as required in the instruction on the form. The application shall 
be accompanied by a completed ATF Form 5300.37 (Certification of Compliance with 
State and Local Law) and ATF Form 5300.36 (Notification of Intent to Apply for a 
Federal Firearms License), and shall include the appropriate fee in the form of 
money order or check made payable to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and 
Firearms. ATF Forms 7 (Firearms), ATF Forms 5300.37, and ATF Forms 5300.36 may 
be obtained by contacting any 
office.
(b) Any person who desires to obtain a license as a collector under the Act and 
this part, or who has not timely submitted an application for renewal of the 
previous license issued under this part, shall file an application, ATF Form 7CR 
(Curios and Relics), with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the form. 
The application must be executed under the penalties of perjury and the 
penalties imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924. The application shall be accompanied by a 
completed ATF Form 5300.37 and ATF Form 5300.36 and shall include the 
appropriate fee in the form of a money order or check made payable to the Bureau 
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. ATF Forms 7CR (Curios and Relics), ATF Forms 
5300.37, and ATF Forms 5300.36 may be obtained by contacting any ATF office. 
(18 U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226))
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17452, April 6, 
1995]
[Editor's Note: ATF Form 5300.36 and 5300.37 have been incorporated into new 
editions of ATF Form 7 and ATF Form 5300.38] 
§ 178.45 Renewal of license. 
If a licensee intends to continue the business or activity described on a 
license issued under this part during any portion of the ensuing year, the 
licensee shall, unless otherwise notified in writing by the Chief, Firearms and 
Explosives Licensing Center, execute and file with ATF prior to the expiration 
of the license an application for a license renewal, ATF Form 8 Part II, 
accompanied by a completed ATF Form 5300.37 and ATF Form 5300.36, in accordance 
with the instructions on the forms, and the required fee. The Chief, Firearms 
and Explosives Licensing Center, may, in writing, require the applicant for 
license renewal to also file completed ATF Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR in the manner 
required by § 178.44. In the event the licensee does not timely file an ATF Form 
8 Part II, the licensee must file an ATF Form 7 or an ATF Form 7CR as required 
by § 178.44, and obtain the required license before continuing business or 
collecting activity. If an ATF Form 8 Part II is not timely received through the 
mails, the licensee should so notify the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center.
(18 U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226)) 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 
53054, Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17453, April 6, 1995]
[Editor's Note: ATF Form 5300.36 and 5300.37 have been incorporated into new 
editions of ATF Form 7 and ATF Form 5300.38]
§ 178.46 Insufficient fee.
If an application is filed with an insufficient fee, the application and any fee 
submitted will be returned to the applicant.
(18 U.S.C. 847 (84 Stat. 959); 18 U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226))
[T.D. ATF-200, 50 FR 10498, Mar. 15, 1985] 
§ 178.47 Issuance of license.
(a) Upon receipt of a properly executed application for a license on ATF Form 7, 
ATF Form 7CR, or ATF Form 8 Part II, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center, shall, upon finding through further inquiry or investigation, 
or otherwise, that the applicant is qualified, issue the appropriate license. 
Each license shall bear a serial number and such number may be assigned to the 
licensee to whom issued for so long as the licensee maintains continuity of 
renewal in the same location (State). 
(b) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall approve a 
properly executed application for license on ATF Form 7, ATF Form 7CR, or ATF 
Form 8 Part II, if: 
(1) The applicant is 21 years of age or over; 
(2) The applicant (including, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or 
association, any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to 
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, 
partnership, or association) is not prohibited under the provisions of the Act 
from shipping or transporting in interstate or foreign commerce, or possessing 
in or affecting commerce, any firearm or ammunition, or from receiving any 
firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in interstate or 
foreign commerce; 
(3) The applicant has not willfully violated any of the provisions of the Act or 
this part; 
(4) The applicant has not willfully failed to disclose any material information 
required, or has not made any false statement as to any material fact, in 
connection with his application; 
(5) The applicant has in a State:
(i) premises from which he conducts business subject to license under the Act or 
from which he intends to conduct such business within a reasonable period of 
time, or 
(ii) in the case of a collector, premises from which he conducts his collecting 
subject to license under the Act or from which he intends to conduct such 
collecting within a reasonable period of time; and
(6) The applicant has filed an ATF Form 5300.37 (Certification of Compliance 
with State and Local Law) with ATF in accordance with the instructions on the 
form certifying under the penalties of perjury that --
(i) The business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by State or 
local law in the place where the licensed premises are located;
(ii) Within 30 days after the application is approved the business will comply 
with the requirements of State and local law applicable to the conduct of 
business;
(iii) The business will not be conducted under the license until the 
requirements of State and local law applicable to the business have been met; 
and
(iv) The applicant has completed and sent or delivered ATF F 5300.36 
(Notification of Intent to Apply for a Federal Firearms License) to the chief 
law enforcement officer of the locality in which the premises are located, which 
indicates that the applicant intends to apply for a Federal firearms license. 
For purposes of this paragraph, the "chief law enforcement officer" is the chief 
of police, the sheriff, or an equivalent officer.
(c) The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall approve or the 
regional director (compliance) shall deny an application for a license within 
the 60-day period beginning on the date the properly executed application was 
received: Provided, That when an applicant for license renewal is a person who 
is, pursuant to the provisions of § 178.78, § 178.143, or § 178.144, conducting 
business or collecting activity under a previously issued license, action 
regarding the application will be held in abeyance pending the completion of the 
proceedings against the applicant's existing license or license application, 
final determination of the applicant's criminal case, or final action by the 
Director on an application for relief submitted pursuant to §178.144, as the 
case may be. 
(d) When the regional director (compliance) or the Chief, Firearms and 
Explosives Licensing Center fails to act on an application for a license within 
the 60-day period prescribed by paragraph (c) of this section, the applicant may 
file an action under section 1361 of title 28, United States Code, to compel ATF 
to act upon the application.
(18 U.S.C. 847 (84 Stat. 959); 18 U.S.C. 926 (82 Stat. 1226))
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-135, 48 FR 24068, May 31, 1983; T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39619, 
Oct. 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 
53054, Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17453, Apr. 6, 1995] 
(Paragraph (b)(6) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
numbers 1512-522 and 1512-0523)
[Editor's Note: ATF Form 5300.36 and 5300.37 have been incorporated into new 
editions of ATF Form 7 and ATF Form 5300.38] 
§ 178.48 Correction of error on license. 
(a) Upon receipt of a license issued under the provisions of this part, each 
licensee shall examine same to ensure that the information contained thereon is 
accurate. If the license is incorrect, the licensee shall return the license to 
the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, with a statement showing 
the nature of the error. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, 
shall correct the error, if the error was made in his office, and return the 
license. However, if the error resulted from information contained in the 
licensee's application for the license, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center, shall require the licensee to file an amended application 
setting forth the correct information and a statement explaining the error 
contained in the application. Upon receipt of the amended application and a 
satisfactory explanation of the error, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center, shall make the correction on the license and return same to 
the licensee. 
(b) When the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, finds through any 
means other than notice from the licensee that an incorrect license has been 
issued, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, may require the 
holder of the incorrect license to:
(1) return the license for correction, and
(2) if the error resulted from information contained in the licensee's 
application for the license, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing 
Center, shall require the licensee to file an amended application setting forth 
the correct information, and a statement explaining the error contained in the 
application. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, then shall 
make the correction on the license and return same to the licensee. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 40 FR 
16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and amended by T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53054, Dec. 27, 1989]
§ 178.49 Duration of license. 
The license entitles the person to whom issued to engage in the business or 
activity specified on the license, within the limitations of the Act and the 
regulations contained in this part, for a three year period, unless terminated 
sooner. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.50 Locations covered by license.
The license covers the class of business or the activity specified in the 
license at the address specified therein. A separate license must be obtained 
for each location at which a firearms or ammunition business or activity 
requiring a license under this part is conducted except:
(a) No license is required to cover a separate warehouse used by the licensee 
solely for storage of firearms or ammunition if the records required by this 
part are maintained at the licensed premises served by such warehouse;
(b) A licensed collector may acquire curios and relics at any location, and 
dispose of curios or relics to any licensee or to other persons who are 
residents of the State where the collector's license is held and the disposition 
is made; or
(c) A licensee may conduct business at a gun show pursuant to the provision of § 
178.100.
[T.D. ATF-191, 49 FR 46890, Nov. 29, 1984] 
§ 178.51 License not transferable. 
Licenses issued under this part are not transferable. In the event of the lease, 
sale, or other transfer of the operations authorized by the license, the 
successor must obtain the license required by this part prior to commencing such 
operations. However, for rules on right of succession, see §178.56. 
§ 178.52 Change of address.
(a) Licensees may during the term of their current license remove their business 
or activity to a new location at which they intend regularly to carry on such 
business or activity by filing an Application for an Amended Federal Firearms 
License, ATF Form 5300.38, in duplicate, not less than 30 days prior to such 
removal with the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. The ATF Form 
5300.38 shall be completed in accordance with the instructions on the form. The 
application must be executed under the penalties of perjury and penalties 
imposed by 18 U.S.C. 924. The application shall be accompanied by the licensee's 
original license. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, may, in 
writing, require the applicant for an amended license to also file completed ATF 
Form 7 or ATF Form 7CR, or portions thereof, in the manner required by § 178.44.
(b) Upon receipt of a properly executed application for an amended license, the 
Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall, upon finding through 
further inquiry or investigation, or otherwise, that the applicant is qualified 
at the new location, issue the amended license, and return it to the applicant. 
The license shall be valid for the remainder of the term of the original 
license. The Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center, shall, if the 
applicant is not qualified refer the application for amended license to the 
regional director (compliance) for denial in accordance with § 178.71.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0525)
[T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53055, Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17453, April 6, 
1995]
[Editor's Note: ATF Form 5300.36 and 5300.37 have been incorporated into new 
editions of ATF Form 7 and ATF Form 5300.38]
§ 178.53 Change in trade name. 
A licensee continuing to conduct business at the location shown on his license 
is not required to obtain a new license by reason of a mere change in trade name 
under which he conducts his business: Provided, That such licensee furnishes his 
license for endorsement of such change to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center within 30 days from the date the licensee begins his business 
under the new trade name. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979; T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53055, 
Dec. 27, 1989] 
§ 178.54 Change of control. 
In the case of a corporation or association holding a license under this part, 
if actual or legal control of the corporation or association changes, directly 
or indirectly, whether by reason of change in stock ownership or control (in the 
licensed corporation or in any other corporation), by operations of law, or in 
any other manner, the licensee shall, within 30 days of such change, give 
written notification thereof, executed under the penalties of perjury, to the 
Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. Upon expiration of the license, 
the corporation or association must file a Form 7 (Firearms) as required by § 
178.44. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 40 FR 
16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and amended by T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53054, Dec. 27, 1989]
§ 178.55 Continuing partnerships. 
Where, under the laws of the particular State, the partnership is not terminated 
on death or insolvency of a partner, but continues until the winding up of the 
partnership affairs is completed, and the surviving partner has the exclusive 
right to the control and possession of the partnership assets for the purpose of 
liquidation and settlement, such surviving partner may continue to operate the 
business under the license of the partnership. If such surviving partner 
acquires the business on completion of the settlement of the partnership, he 
shall obtain a license in his own name from the date of acquisition, as provided 
in § 178.44. The rule set forth in this section shall also apply where there is 
more than one surviving partner. 
§ 178.56 Right of succession by certain persons. 
(a) Certain persons other than the licensee may secure the right to carry on the 
same firearms or ammunition business at the same address shown on, and for the 
remainder of the term of, a current license. Such persons are: 
(1) The surviving spouse or child, or executor, administrator, or other legal 
representative of a deceased licensee; and 
(2) A receiver or trustee in bankruptcy, or an assignee for benefit of 
creditors. 
(b) In order to secure the right provided by this section, the person or persons 
continuing the business shall furnish the license for that business for 
endorsement of such succession to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing 
Center, within 30 days from the date on which the successor begins to carry on 
the business. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979; T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53055, 
Dec. 27, 1989] 
§ 178.57 Discontinuance of business. 
(a) Where a firearm or ammunition business is either discontinued or succeeded 
by a new owner, the owner of the business discontinued or succeeded shall within 
30 days thereof furnish to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center 
notification of the discontinuance or succession. (See also § 178.127.)
(b) Since section 922(v), Title 18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful to transfer or 
possess a semiautomatic assault weapon, except as provided in the law, any 
licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer intending to 
discontinue business shall, prior to going out of business, transfer in 
compliance with the provisions of this part any semiautomatic assault weapon 
manufactured or imported after September 13, 1994, to a person specified in § 
178.40(b), or, subject to the provisions of §§ 178.40(c) and 178.132, a licensed 
manufacturer, a licensed importer, or a licensed dealer.
(c) Since section 922(w), Title 18, U.S.C., makes it unlawful to transfer or 
possess a large capacity ammunition feeding device, except as provided in the 
law, any person who manufactures, imports, or deals in such devices and who 
intends to discontinue business shall, prior to going out of business, transfer 
in compliance with the provisions of this part any large capacity ammunition 
feeding device manufactured or imported after September 13, 1994, to a person 
specified in § 178.40a(b), or, subject to the provisions of §§ 178.40a(c) and 
178.132, a person who manufactures, imports, or deals in such devices. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979; T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53055, 
Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17453, April 6, 1995] 
§ 178.58 State or other law. 
A license issued under this part confers no right or privilege to conduct 
business or activity contrary to State or other law. The holder of such a 
license is not by reason of the rights and privileges granted by that license 
immune from punishment for operating a firearm or ammunition business or 
activity in violation of the provisions of any State or other law. Similarly, 
compliance with the provisions of any State or other law affords no immunity 
under Federal law or regulations. 
§ 178.59 Abandoned application.
Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application on ATF Form 7 
(5310.12), or ATF Form 8 (5310.11) Part II, the applicant shall be notified of 
the deficiency in the application. If the application is not corrected and 
returned within 30 days following the date of notification, the application 
shall be considered as having been abandoned and the license fee returned.
[T.D. ATF-135, 48 FR 24068, May 31, 1983]
§ 178.60 Certain continuances of business. 
A licensee who furnishes his license to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives 
Licensing Center for correction or endorsement in compliance with the provisions 
contained in this subpart may continue his operations while awaiting its return. 

[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 40 FR 
16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and amended by T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53054, Dec. 27, 1989]
Subpart E-License Proceedings 
§ 178.71 Denial of an application for license. 
Whenever the Regional director (compliance) has reason to believe that an 
applicant is not qualified to receive a license under the provisions of § 
178.47, he may issue a notice of denial, on Form 4498, to the applicant. The 
notice shall set forth the matters of fact and law relied upon in determining 
that the application should be denied, and shall afford the applicant 15 days 
from the date of receipt of the notice in which to request a hearing to review 
the denial. If no request for a hearing is filed within such time, the 
application shall be disapproved and a copy, so marked, shall be returned to the 
applicant. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.72 Hearing after application denial. 
If the applicant for an original or renewal license desires a hearing to review 
the denial of his application, he shall file a request therefor, in duplicate, 
with the Regional director (compliance) within 15 days after receipt of the 
notice of denial. The request should include a statement of the reasons 
therefor. On receipt of the request, the Regional director (compliance) shall, 
as expeditiously as possible, make the necessary arrangements for the hearing 
and advise the applicant of the date, time, location, and the name of the 
officer before whom the hearing will be held. Such notification shall be made 
not less than 10 days in advance of the date set for the hearing. On conclusion 
of the hearing and consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances 
presented by the applicant or his representative, the regional director 
(compliance) shall render his decision confirming or reversing the denial of the 
application. If the decision is that the denial should stand, a certified copy 
of the regional director (compliance) findings and conclusions shall be 
furnished to the applicant with a final notice of denial, Form 4501. A copy of 
the application, marked "Disapproved," will be returned to the applicant. If the 
decision is that the license applied for should be issued, the applicant shall 
be so notified, in writing, and the license shall be issued as provided by § 
178.47.
§ 178.73 Notice of revocation. 
Whenever the regional director (compliance) has reason to believe that a 
licensee has willfully violated any provision of the Act or this part, a notice 
of revocation of the license, ATF Form 4500, may be issued. The notice shall set 
forth the matters of fact constituting the violations specified, dates, places, 
and the sections of law and regulations violated. The regional director 
(compliance) shall afford the licensee 15 days from the date of receipt of the 
notice in which to request a hearing prior to revocation of the license. If the 
licensee does not file a timely request for a hearing, the regional director 
(compliance) shall issue a final notice of revocation, ATF Form 4501, as 
provided in § 178.74. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.74 Request for hearing after notice of revocation. 
If a licensee desires a hearing after receipt of a notice of revocation of a 
license, the licensee shall file a request, in duplicate, with the regional 
director (compliance) within 15 days after receipt of the notice of revocation. 
On receipt of such request, the regional director (compliance) shall, as 
expeditiously as possible, make necessary arrangements for the hearing and 
advise the licensee of the date, time, location and the name of the officer 
before whom the hearing will be held. Such notification shall be made not less 
than 10 days in advance of the date set for hearing. On conclusion of the 
hearing and consideration of all the relevant presentations made by the licensee 
or the licensee's representative, the regional director (compliance) shall 
render a decision and shall prepare a brief summary of the findings and 
conclusions on which the decision is based. If the decision is that the license 
should be revoked, a certified copy of the summary shall be furnished to the 
licensee with the final notice of revocation on ATF Form 4501. If the decision 
is that the license should not be revoked, the licensee shall be notified in 
writing. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10495, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.75 Service on applicant or licensee. 
All notices and other documents required to be served on an applicant or 
licensee under this subpart shall be served by certified mail or by personal 
delivery. Where service is by certified mail, a signed duplicate original copy 
of the formal document shall be mailed, with return receipt requested, to the 
applicant or licensee at the address stated in his application or license, or at 
his last known address. Where service is by personal delivery, a signed 
duplicate original copy of the formal document shall be delivered to the 
applicant or licensee, or, in the case of a corporation, partnership, or 
association, by delivering it to an officer, manager, or general agent thereof, 
or to its attorney of record. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
further redesignated by T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39619, Oct. 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-270, 
53 FR 10496, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.76 Representation at a hearing. 
An applicant or licensee may be represented by an attorney, certified public 
accountant, or other person recognized to practice before the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms as provided in 31 CFR Part 8 (Practice Before the Bureau of 
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), if he has otherwise complied with the applicable 
requirements of 26 CFR 601.521 through 601.527 (conference and practice 
requirements for alcohol, tobacco, and firearms activities) of this chapter. The 
regional director (compliance) may be represented in proceedings by an attorney 
in the office of the regional counsel who is authorized to execute and file 
motions, briefs and other papers in the proceeding, on behalf of the regional 
director (compliance), in his own name as "Attorney for the Government." 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979; T.D. ATF-92, 46 FR 46916, 
Sept. 23, 1981. Further redesignated by T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39619, Oct. 29, 
1986; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10496, Mar. 31, 1988]]
§ 178.77 Designated place of hearing. 
The designated place of the hearing shall be a location convenient to the 
aggrieved party. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10496, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.78 Operations by licensees after notice. 
In any case where denial or revocation proceedings are pending before the Bureau 
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or notice of denial or revocation has been 
served on the licensee and he has filed timely request for a hearing, the 
license in the possession of the licensee shall remain in effect even though (a) 
such license has expired, or (b) the revocation date specified in the notice of 
revocation on Form 4500 served on the licensee has passed: Provided, That under 
the condition of paragraph (a) of this section, the licensee has timely filed an 
application for the renewal of his license. If a licensee is dissatisfied with a 
posthearing decision revoking the license or denying the application, as the 
case may be, he may, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 923(f)(3), within 60 days after 
receipt of the final notice denying the application or revoking the license, 
file a petition for judicial review of such action. Such petition should be 
filed with the U.S. district court for the district in which the applicant or 
licensee resides or has his principal place of business. In such case, when the 
regional director (compliance) finds that justice so requires, he may: (1) 
postpone the effective date of revocation of a license or (2) authorize 
continued operations under the expired license, as applicable, pending judicial 
review. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979. Further redesignated by 
T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39619, Oct. 29, 1986] 
Subpart F-Conduct of Business 
§ 178.91 Posting of license. 
Any license issued under this part shall be kept posted and kept available for 
inspection on the premises covered by the license. 
§ 178.92 Identification of firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large 
capacity ammunition feeding devices. 
(a)(1) Firearms. Each licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of any firearm 
manufactured or imported shall legibly identify each such firearm by engraving, 
casting, stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to 
be engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame or receiver 
thereof in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or 
removed, an individual serial number not duplicating any serial number placed by 
the manufacturer or importer on any other firearm, and by engraving, casting, 
stamping (impressing), or otherwise conspicuously placing or causing to be 
engraved, cast, stamped (impressed) or placed on the frame, receiver, or barrel 
thereof in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or 
removed, the model, if such designation has been made; the caliber or gauge; the 
name (or recognized abbreviation of same) of the manufacturer and also, when 
applicable, of the importer; in the case of a domestically made firearm, the 
city and State (or recognized abbreviation thereof) wherein the licensed 
manufacturer maintains its place of business; and in the case of an imported 
firearm, the name of the country in which manufactured and the city and State 
(or recognized abbreviation thereof) of the importer.
(2) Special markings for semiautomatic assault weapons, effective July 5, 1995. 
In the case of any semiautomatic assault weapon manufactured after September 13, 
1994, the frame or receiver shall be marked "RESTRICTED LAW 
ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY" or, in the case of weapons manufactured for 
export, "FOR EXPORT ONLY," in the manner prescribed in paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section.
(3) Exceptions.
(i) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other means of 
identification of the licensed manufacturer or licensed importer upon receipt of 
a letter application, in duplicate, showing that such other identification is 
reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part. 
(ii) Destructive devices. In the case of a destructive device, the Director may 
authorize other means of identifying that weapon upon receipt of a letter 
application, in duplicate, from the licensed manufacturer or licensed importer 
showing that engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be 
dangerous or impracticable.
(iii) Machineguns, silencers, and parts. A firearm frame or receiver, or any 
part defined as a machine gun, firearm muffler, or firearm silencer in § 178.11, 
which is not a component part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, 
shipped, or otherwise disposed of by a licensed manufacturer or licensed 
importer, shall be identified as required by this section. The Director may 
authorize other means of identification of parts defined as machine guns other 
than frames or receivers and parts defined as mufflers or silencers upon receipt 
of a letter application, in duplicate, showing that such other identification is 
reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this part. 
(b) Armor piercing ammunition. --
(1) Marking of ammunition. Each licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of 
armor piercing ammunition shall identify such ammunition by means of painting, 
staining or dying the exterior of the projectile with an opaque black coloring. 
This coloring must completely cover the point of the projectile and at least 50 
percent of that portion of the projectile which is visible when the projectile 
is loaded into a cartridge case. 
(2) Labeling of packages. Each licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of 
armor piercing ammunition shall clearly and conspicuously label each package in 
which armor piercing ammunition is contained, e.g., each box, carton, case, or 
other container. The label shall include the words "ARMOR PIERCING" in block 
letters at least 1/4 inch in height. The lettering shall be located on the 
exterior surface of the package which contains information concerning the 
caliber or gauge of the ammunition. There shall also be placed on the same 
surface of the package in block lettering at least 1/8 inch in height the words 
"FOR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES OR EXPORTATION ONLY." The statements required by this 
subparagraph shall be on a contrasting background.
(c) Large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after 
September 13, 1994. (1) Each person who manufactures or imports any large 
capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured or imported after September 13, 
1994, shall legibly identify each such device with a serial number. Such person 
may use the same serial number for all large capacity ammunition feeding devices 
produced or imported.
(i) Additionally, in the case of a domestically made large capacity ammunition 
feeding device, such device shall be marked with the name, city and State (or 
recognized abbreviation thereof) of the manufacturer;
(ii) And in the case of an imported large capacity ammunition feeding device, 
such device shall be marked:
(A) With the name of the manufacturer, country of origin, and,
(B) Effective July 1995, the name, city and State (or recognized abbreviation 
thereof) of the importer.
(iii) Further, large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured or 
imported after September 13, 1994, shall be marked "RESTRICTED LAW 
ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY" or, in the case of devices manufactured for 
export, effective July 5, 1995, "FOR EXPORT ONLY."
(2) All markings required by this paragraph (c) shall be cast, stamped, or 
engraved on the exterior of the device. In the case of a magazine, the markings 
shall be placed on the magazine body.
(3) Exceptions.
(i) Metallic links. Persons who manufacture or import metallic links for use in 
the assembly of belted ammunition are only required to place the identification 
marks prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section on the containers used for 
the packaging of the links.
(ii) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other means 
of identifying large capacity ammunition feeding devices upon receipt of a 
letter application, in duplicate, from the manufacturer or importer showing that 
such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder the effective 
administration of this part.
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17454, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.93 Authorized operations by a licensed collector. 
The license issued to a collector of curios or relics under the provisions of 
this part shall cover only transactions by the licensed collector in curios and 
relics. The collector's license is of no force or effect and a licensed 
collector is of the same status under the Act and this part as a nonlicensee 
with respect to: (a) any acquisition or disposition of firearms other than 
curios or relics, or any transportation, shipment, or receipt of firearms other 
than curios or relics in interstate or foreign commerce, and (b) any transaction 
with a nonlicensee involving any firearm other than a curio or relic. (See also 
§ 178.50.) A collector's license is not necessary to receive or dispose of 
ammunition, and a licensed collector is not precluded by law from receiving or 
disposing of armor piercing ammunition. However, a licensed collector may not 
dispose of any ammunition to a person prohibited from receiving or possessing 
ammunition (See § 178.99(c)). Any licensed collector who disposes of armor 
piercing ammunition must record the disposition as required by § 178.125 (a) and 
(b). 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10496, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.94 Sales or deliveries between licensees. 
A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer selling or 
otherwise disposing of firearms, and a licensed collector selling or otherwise 
disposing of curios or relics, to another licensee shall verify the identity and 
licensed status of the transferee prior to making the transaction. Verification 
shall be established by the transferee furnishing to the transferor a certified 
copy of the transferee's license and by such other means as the transferor deems 
necessary: 
Provided, That it shall not be required (a) for a transferee who has furnished a 
certified copy of its license to a transferor to again furnish such certified 
copy to that transferor during the term of the transferee's current license; (b) 
for a licensee to furnish a certified copy of its license to another licensee if 
a firearm is being returned either directly or through another licensee to such 
licensee and (c) for licensees of multilicensed business organizations to 
furnish certified copies of their licenses to other licensed locations operated 
by such organization: 
Provided further, That a multilicensed business organization may furnish to a 
transferor, in lieu of a certified copy of each license, a list, certified to be 
true, correct and complete, containing the name, address, license number, and 
the date of license expiration of each licensed location operated by such 
organization, and the transferor may sell or otherwise dispose of firearms as 
provided by this section to any licensee appearing on such list without 
requiring a certified copy of a license therefrom. A transferor licensee who has 
the certified information required by this section may sell or dispose of 
firearms to a licensee for not more than 45 days following the expiration date 
of the transferee's license. 
[Editor's Note: Also see ATFR 75-27, Operations under pending renewal 
application.]
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10496, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.95 Certified copy of license. 
The license furnished to each person licensed under the provisions of this part 
contains a purchasing certification statement. This original license may be 
reproduced and the reproduction then certified by the licensee for use pursuant 
to § 178.94. If the licensee desires an additional copy of the license for 
certification (instead of making a reproduction of the original license), the 
licensee may submit a request, in writing, for a certified copy or copies of the 
license to the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center. The request must 
set forth the name, trade name (if any) and address of the licensee, and the 
number of license copies desired. There is a charge of $1 for each copy. The fee 
paid for copies of the license must accompany the request for copies. The fee 
may be paid by (a) cash, or (b) money order or check made payable to the Bureau 
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10497, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 
53055, Dec. 27, 1989]
§ 178.96 Out-of-State and mail order sales. 
(a) The provisions of this section shall apply when a firearm is purchased by or 
delivered to a person not otherwise prohibited by the Act from purchasing or 
receiving it. 
(b) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell a 
rifle, shotgun, or handgun that is not subject to the waiting period provisions 
of § 178.102(a) to a nonlicensee who does not appear in person at the licensee's 
business premises if the nonlicensee is a resident of the same State in which 
the licensee's business premises are located, and the nonlicensee furnishes to 
the licensee the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, required by § 178.124. 
The nonlicensee shall attach to such record a true copy of any permit or other 
information required pursuant to any statute of the State and published 
ordinance applicable to the locality in which he resides. The licensee shall 
prior to shipment or delivery of the firearm, forward by registered or certified 
mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the record, Form 4473, to the chief 
law enforcement officer named on such record, and delay shipment or delivery of 
the firearm for a period of at least 7 days following receipt by the licensee of 
the return receipt evidencing delivery of the copy of the record to such chief 
law enforcement officer, or the return of the copy of the record to him due to 
the refusal of such chief law enforcement officer to accept same in accordance 
with U.S. Postal Service regulations. The original Form 4473, and evidence of 
receipt or rejection of delivery of the copy of the Form 4473 sent to the chief 
law enforcement officer shall be retained by the licensee as a part of the 
records required of him to be kept under the provisions of Subpart H of this 
part. 
(c) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may sell or 
deliver a rifle or shotgun, and a licensed collector may sell or deliver a rifle 
or shotgun which is a curio or relic, to a nonlicensed resident of a State other 
than the State in which the licensee's place of business is located if the 
purchaser meets with the licensee in person at the licensee's premises to 
accomplish the transfer, sale and delivery of the rifle or shotgun and the sale, 
delivery and receipt fully comply with the legal conditions of sale in both such 
States. For purposes of this paragraph, any licensed manufacturer, licensed 
importer, or licensed dealer is presumed, in the absence of evidence to the 
contrary, to have had actual knowledge of the State laws and published 
ordinances of both such States.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0130)
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-48, 44 FR 55842, Sept. 28, 1979; T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39620, 
Oct. 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10497, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 
7112, Feb. 14, 1994] 
§ 178.97 Loan or rental of firearms. 
A licensee may loan or rent a firearm to any person for temporary use off the 
premises of the licensee for lawful sporting purposes: Provided, That the 
delivery of the firearm to such person is not prohibited by § 178.99(b) or § 
178.99(c), and the licensee records such loan or rental in the records required 
to be kept by him under Subpart H of this part. A club, association, or similar 
organization temporarily furnishing firearms (whether by loan, rental, or 
otherwise) to participants in a skeet, trap, target, or similar shooting 
activity for use at the time and place such activity is held does not, 
unattended by other circumstances, cause such club, association, or similar 
organization to be engaged in the business of a dealer in firearms or as 
engaging in firearms transactions. Therefore, the licensing and recordkeeping 
requirements contained in this part pertaining to firearms transactions would 
not apply to this temporary furnishing of firearms for use on premises on which 
such an activity is conducted. 
§ 178.98 Sales or deliveries of destructive devices and certain firearms. 
The sale or delivery by a licensee of any destructive device, machine gun, 
short-barreled shotgun, or short-barreled rifle, to any person other than 
another licensee who is licensed under this part to deal in such device or 
firearm, is prohibited unless the person to receive such device or firearm 
furnishes to the licensee a sworn statement setting forth 
(a) The reasons why there is a reasonable necessity for such person to purchase 
or otherwise acquire the device or weapon; and 
(b) That such person's receipt or possession of the device or weapon would be 
consistent with public safety. Such sworn statement shall be made on the 
application to transfer and register the firearm required by Part 179 of this 
chapter. The sale or delivery of the device or weapon shall not be made until 
the application for transfer is approved by the Director and returned to the 
licensee (transferor) as provided in Part 179 of this chapter. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10497, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.99 Certain prohibited sales or deliveries. 
(a) Interstate sales or deliveries. A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector shall not sell or deliver any firearm to 
any person not licensed under this part and who the licensee knows or has 
reasonable cause to believe does not reside in (or if a corporation or other 
business entity, does not maintain a place of business in) the State in which 
the licensee's place of business or activity is located: Provided, That the 
foregoing provisions of this paragraph: (1) shall not apply to the sale or 
delivery of a rifle or shotgun (curio or relic, in the case of a licensed 
collector) to a resident of a State other than the State in which the licensee's 
place of business or collection premises is located if the requirements of § 
178.96(c) are fully met, and (2) shall not apply to the loan or rental of a 
firearm to any person for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes (see § 
178.97). 
(b) Sales or deliveries to underage persons. A licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector shall not sell or deliver 
(1) any firearm or ammunition to any individual who the importer, manufacturer, 
dealer, or collector knows or has reasonable cause to believe is less than 18 
years of age, and, if the firearm, or ammunition, is other than a shotgun or 
rifle, or ammunition for a shotgun or rifle, to any individual who the importer, 
manufacturer, dealer, or collector knows or has reasonable cause to believe is 
less than 21 years of age, or (2) any firearm to any person in any State where 
the purchase or possession by such person of such firearm would be in violation 
of any State law or any published ordinance applicable at the place of sale, 
delivery, or other disposition, unless the importer, manufacturer, dealer, or 
collector knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the purchase or 
possession would not be in violation of such State law or such published 
ordinance. 
(c) Sales or deliveries to prohibited categories of persons. A licensed 
manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector shall 
not sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing 
or having reasonable cause to believe that such person: 
(1) Is, except as provided by § 178.143, under indictment for, or, except as 
provided by § 178.144, has been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year; 
(2) Is a fugitive from justice; 
(3) Is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined 
in section 102 of the Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 802); 
(4) Has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any 
mental institution; 
(5) Is an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States; 
(6) Has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions; 
(7) Who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced citizenship; 
or
(8) Is subject to a court order that restrains such person from harassing, 
stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such 
intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an 
intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, 
except that this paragraph shall only apply to a court order that --
(i) Was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and 
at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and
(ii)(A) Includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the 
physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(B) By its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use 
of physical force against such intimate partner or child that would reasonably 
be expected to cause bodily injury. 
(d) Manufacture, importation, and sale of armor piercing ammunition by licensed 
importers and licensed manufacturers. A licensed importer or licensed 
manufacturer shall not import or manufacture armor piercing ammunition or sell 
or deliver such ammunition, except: 
(1) For use of the United States or any department or agency thereof or any 
State or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof; 
(2) For the purpose of exportation; or 
(3) For the purpose of testing or experimentation authorized by the Director 
under the provisions of § 178.149. 
(e) Transfer of armor piercing ammunition by licensed dealers. A licensed dealer 
shall not willfully transfer armor piercing ammunition: Provided, That armor 
piercing ammunition received and maintained by the licensed dealer as business 
inventory prior to August 28, 1986, may be transferred to any department or 
agency of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof if a 
record of such ammunition is maintained in the form and manner prescribed by § 
178.125(c). Any licensed dealer who violates this paragraph is subject to 
license revocation. See Subpart E of this part. For purposes of this paragraph, 
the Director shall furnish each licensed dealer information defining which 
projectiles are considered armor piercing. Such information may not be 
all-inclusive for purposes of the prohibition on manufacture, importation, or 
sale or delivery by a manufacturer or importer of such ammunition or 18 U.S.C. 
929 relating to criminal misuse of such ammunition. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10497, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17454, April 6, 
1995]
§ 178.100 Conduct of business away from licensed premises. 
(a) A licensee may conduct business temporarily at a gun show or event as 
defined in paragraph (b) if the gun show or event is located in the same State 
specified on the license: Provided, That such business shall not be conducted 
from any motorized or towed vehicle. The premises of the gun show or event at 
which the licensee conducts business shall be considered part of the licensed 
premises. Accordingly, no separate fee or license is required for the gun show 
or event locations. However, licensees shall comply with the provisions of § 
178.91 relating to posting of licenses (or a copy thereof) while conducting 
business at the gun show or event. 
(b) A gun show or an event is a function sponsored by any national, State, or 
local organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other 
sporting use of firearms, or an organization or association that sponsors 
functions devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of 
firearms in the community. 
(c) Licensees conducting business at gun shows or events shall maintain firearms 
records in the form and manner prescribed by Subpart H of this part. In 
addition, records of firearms transactions conducted at gun shows or events 
shall include the location of the sale or other disposition and be entered in 
the acquisition and disposition records of the licensee and retained on the 
premises specified on the license. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10498, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.101 Record of transactions. 
Every licensee shall maintain firearms and armor piercing ammunition records in 
such form and manner as is prescribed by Subpart H of this part.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10498, Mar. 31, 1988] 
§ 178.102 Sales or deliveries of handguns after February 27, 1994, and before 
November 30, 1998. 
(a) Waiting period. Except as provided in paragraph (d), a licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not sell, deliver, or transfer a 
handgun (other than the return of a handgun to the person from whom it was 
received) to any individual who is not licensed under this part unless the 
licensee: 
(1) Receives from the transferee a statement of intent to obtain a handgun on 
Form 5300.35 in accordance with § 178.130; 
(2) Verifies the identity of the transferee by examining the identification 
document presented, and noting on Form 5300.35 the type of identification used; 
(3) Within 1 day after the transferee furnishes the statement, provides notice 
of the contents of the statement on Form 5300.35, in the manner prescribed by 
paragraph (b) of this section, to the chief law enforcement officer of the place 
of residence of the transferee; 
(4) Within 1 day after the transferee furnishes the statement to the licensee, 
transmits a copy of Form 5300.35 to the chief law enforcement officer of the 
place of residence of the transferee; and 
(5)(i) Five business days (meaning days on which State offices are open) have 
elapsed from the date the licensee furnished actual notice of the contents of 
the statement to the chief law enforcement officer, during which period the 
licensee has not received information from such officer that receipt or 
possession of the handgun by the transferee would be in violation of Federal, 
State, or local law; or 
(ii) The licensee has received notice from the chief law enforcement officer 
within the 5 business days that the officer has no information indicating that 
receipt or possession of the handgun by the transferee would violate Federal, 
State, or local law. 
Example 1. A licensee furnishes actual notice of the contents of the statement 
to the chief law enforcement officer on Tuesday. If State offices are not open 
on Saturday and Sunday, 5 business days would have elapsed on the following 
Tuesday. The licensee may deliver the handgun on the next day, Wednesday. 
Example 2. A licensee furnishes actual notice of the contents of the statement 
to the chief law enforcement officer on Saturday. If State offices are not open 
on Saturday and Sunday, 5 business days would have elapsed on the following 
Friday. The licensee may deliver the handgun on the next day, Saturday. 
(b) Form of notice. The notice required by paragraph (a)(3) of this section 
shall be actual notice and shall be given in a manner acceptable to such 
officer. For example, if the chief law enforcement officer will only accept 
notice in writing and not by telephone, notice shall be given by the licensee to 
the chief law enforcement officer in writing. In that case, the 5-day waiting 
period prescribed by paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section begins at the time such 
written notice is received by the chief law enforcement officer. If the licensee 
sends notice to such officer by mail, the licensee shall send the notice by 
certified mail (return receipt requested) or by any other method of mailing 
which will provide a written receipt: Provided, That where the chief law 
enforcement officer will only accept notice by hand delivery, notice may be sent 
in writing by the licensee to the chief law enforcement officer by certified 
mail (return receipt requested) or by any other method of mailing which will 
provide a written receipt. 
(c) Chief law enforcement officer. The law requires that notice of the contents 
of the transferee's statement of intent to obtain a handgun and the statement be 
provided by the licensee to the chief law enforcement officer of the place of 
residence of the transferee. For purposes of this section, § 178.130, and § 
178.131, the "chief law enforcement officer" means the chief of police, the 
sheriff, or an equivalent officer or the designee of any such individual. Where 
the State or local law enforcement officials have notified the licensee that a 
particular official has been designated to receive the notice and statement 
specified in paragraphs (a)(3) and (4) of this section, the licensee shall 
provide the information to that designated official. 
(d) Alternatives to waiting period. The provisions of paragraph (a) of this 
section shall not apply if --
(1) The transferee has presented to the licensee a written statement, issued by 
the chief law enforcement officer of the transferee's place of residence, 
stating that the transferee requires access to a handgun because of a threat to 
the life of the transferee or of any member of the household of the transferee. 
The written statement must have been issued by the chief law enforcement officer 
during the 10-day period ending on the date that the transferee has informed the 
licensee of the transferee's intention to obtain a handgun. The written 
statement shall be on a letter bearing the letterhead of the chief law 
enforcement officer and shall be signed by the officer and dated; 
(2) The transferee has presented to the licensee a permit or license 
that -- 
(i) Allows the transferee to possess or acquire a handgun; 
(ii) Was issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer 
is to take place; and 
(iii) The law of the State provides that such a permit is to be issued only 
after an authorized government official has verified that the information 
available to such official does not indicate that possession of a handgun by the 
transferee would be in violation of Federal, State, or local law; 
(3) The law of the State requires that, before any licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer completes the transfer of a handgun to an 
individual who is not licensed under this part, an authorized government 
official verify that the information available to such official does not 
indicate that possession of a handgun by the transferee would be in violation of 
law; 
(4) The handgun is subject to the provisions of the National Firearms Act and 
has been approved for transfer under 27 CFR Part 179; or 
(5) On application of the licensee, in accordance with the provisions of § 
178.150, the Director has certified that compliance with paragraph (a) of this 
section is impracticable. 
(6) The documents referred to in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section shall 
be retained in the records of the licensee in accordance with the provisions of 
§ 178.131. 
(e) Disclosure of information. (1) Any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
or licensed dealer who, after the transfer of a handgun to a nonlicensee, 
receives a report from a chief law enforcement officer containing information 
that receipt or possession of the handgun by the transferee violates Federal, 
State, or local law shall, within 1 business day (meaning a day on which State 
offices are open) after receipt of the report, communicate any information the 
licensee has concerning the transfer and the transferee, including a copy of 
Form 4473 required by §178.124, to the chief law enforcement officer of the 
place of business of the licensee and to the chief law enforcement officer of 
the place of residence of the transferee. The licensee may also provide this 
information to the local ATF office. 
(2) Any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer who 
receives information from a chief law enforcement officer regarding the transfer 
of a handgun to a nonlicensee, not otherwise available to the public, shall not 
disclose such information except to the transferee, to law enforcement 
authorities, or pursuant to the direction of a court of law. 
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512 
-0520)
[T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10786, Feb. 27, 1995]
Subpart G-Importation 
§ 178.111 General. 
(a) Section 922(a)(3) of the Act makes it unlawful, with certain exceptions not 
pertinent here, for any person other than a licensee to transport into or 
receive in the State where the person resides any firearm purchased or otherwise 
obtained by the person outside of that State. However, section 925(a)(4) 
provides a limited exception for the transportation, shipment, receipt or 
importation of certain firearms and ammunition by certain members of the United 
States Armed Forces. Section 922(1) of the Act makes it unlawful for any person 
knowingly to import or bring into the United States or any possession thereof 
any firearm or ammunition except as provided by section 925(d) of the Act, which 
section provides standards for importing or bringing firearms or ammunition into 
the United States. Section 925(d) also provides standards for importing or 
bringing firearm barrels into the United States. Accordingly, no firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition may be imported or brought into the United States 
except as provided by this part. 
(b) Where a firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition is imported and the 
authorization for importation required by this subpart has not been obtained by 
the person importing same, such person shall: 
(1) Store, at the person's expense, such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition 
at a facility designated by U.S Customs or the regional director (compliance) to 
await the issuance of the required authorization or other disposition; or 
(2) Abandon such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to the U.S. Government; 
or 
(3) Export such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition. 
(c) Any inquiry relative to the provisions or procedures under this subpart, 
other than that pertaining to the payment of customs duties or the release from 
Customs custody of firearms, firearm barrels, or ammunition authorized by the 
Director to be imported, shall be directed to the regional director (compliance) 
for reply. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10498, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.112 Importation by a licensed importer. 
(a) No firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition shall be imported or brought into 
the United States by a licensed importer (as defined in § 178.11) unless the 
Director has authorized the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition. 
(b) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6, to import or bring a firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition into the United States or a possession thereof 
under this section shall be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The 
application shall contain (1) the name, address, and license number of the 
importer; (2) a description of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be 
imported, including type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver; and in the 
case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter), model, caliber, size or gauge, barrel 
length (if a firearm or firearm barrel), country of manufacture, and name of the 
manufacturer; (3) the unit cost of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to 
be imported; (4) the country from which to be imported; (5) the name and address 
of the foreign seller and the foreign shipper; (6) verification that if a 
firearm, it will be identified as required by this part; and (7)(i) if a firearm 
or ammunition imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, a 
statement describing such purposes, or (ii) if a firearm or ammunition for use 
in connection with competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, 
U.S.C., a statement describing such intended use, or (iii) if an unserviceable 
firearm (other than a machinegun) being imported as a curio or museum piece, a 
description of how it was rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is 
a curio or museum piece, or (iv) if a firearm other than a surplus military 
firearm, of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under 
section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and is for sporting 
purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes, or (v) if 
ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement why the ammunition 
is particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes, or (vi) 
if a firearm barrel, and is for a handgun, an explanation why the handgun is 
generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes. If the Director approves the application, such approved 
application shall serve as the permit to import the firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition described therein, and importation of such firearms, firearm barrels, 
or ammunition may continue to be made by the licensed importer under the 
approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The Director 
shall furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two 
copies thereof for administrative use. If the Director disapproves the 
application, the licensed importer shall be notified of the basis for the 
disapproval. 
(c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought into the United 
States by a licensed importer may be released from Customs custody to the 
licensed importer upon showing that the importer has obtained a permit from the 
Director for the importation of the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition to be 
released. In obtaining the release from Customs custody of a firearm, firearm 
barrel, or ammunition authorized by this section to be imported through use of a 
permit, the licensed importer shall prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and 
furnish the original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition. The Customs officer shall, after certification, 
forward the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form.
The ATF Form 6A shall show the name, address, and license number of the 
importer, the name of the manufacturer of the firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition, the country of manufacture, the type, model, and caliber, size or 
gauge, and the number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds of ammunition 
released. 
(d) Within 15 days of the date of release from Customs custody, the licensed 
importer shall (1) forward to the address specified on the form a copy of ATF 
Form 6A on which shall be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the ATF 
Form 6A certified by Customs, (2) pursuant to § 178.92, place all required 
identification data on each imported firearm if same did not bear such 
identification data at the time of its release from Customs custody, and (3) 
post in the records required to be maintained by the importer under Subpart H of 
this part all required information regarding the importation.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10498, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.113 Importation by other licensees. 
(a) No person other than a licensed importer (as defined in § 178.11) shall 
engage in the business of importing firearms or ammunition. Therefore, no 
firearm or ammunition shall be imported or brought into the United States or a 
possession thereof by any licensee other than a licensed importer unless the 
Director issues a permit authorizing the importation of the firearm or 
ammunition. No barrel for a handgun not generally recognized as particularly 
suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes shall be imported or 
brought into the United States or a possession thereof by any person. Therefore, 
no firearm barrel shall be imported or brought into the United States or 
possession thereof by any licensee other than a licensed importer unless the 
Director issues a permit authorizing the importation of the firearm barrel. 
(b) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6, to import or bring a firearm, 
firearm barrel or ammunition into the United States or a possession thereof by a 
licensee, other than a licensed importer, shall be filed, in triplicate, with 
the Director. The application shall contain (1) the name, address, and license 
number of the applicant, (2) a description of the firearm, firearm barrel or 
ammunition to be imported, including type (e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, 
revolver; and in the case of ammunition only, ball, wadcutter), model, caliber, 
size or gauge, barrel length (if a firearm or firearm barrel), country of 
manufacture, and name of the manufacturer, (3) the unit cost of the firearm, 
firearm barrel or ammunition to be imported, (4) the name and address of the 
foreign seller and the foreign shipper, (5) the country from which the firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition is to be imported, and (6)(i) if a firearm or 
ammunition imported or brought in for scientific or research purposes, a 
statement describing such purposes, or (ii) if a firearm or ammunition for use 
in connection with competition or training pursuant to Chapter 401 of Title 10, 
U.S.C., a statement describing such intended use, or (iii) if an unserviceable 
firearm (other than a machinegun) being imported as a curio or museum piece, a 
description of how it was rendered unserviceable and an explanation of why it is 
a curio or museum piece, or (iv) if a firearm other than a surplus military 
firearm, of a type that does not fall within the definition of a firearm under 
section 5845(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is for sporting 
purposes, an explanation of why the firearm is generally recognized as 
particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes, or (v) if 
ammunition being imported for sporting purposes, a statement why the ammunition 
is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes, or (vi) if a firearm barrel, and is for a handgun, an 
explanation why the handgun is generally recognized as particularly suitable for 
or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. If the Director approves the 
application, such approved application shall serve as the permit to import the 
firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition described therein. The Director shall 
furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and retain two copies 
thereof for administrative use. If the Director disapproves the application, the 
applicant shall be notified of the basis for the disapproval. 
(c) A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or brought into the United 
States or a possession thereof under the provisions of this section may be 
released from Customs custody to the licensee importing the firearm, firearm 
barrel, or ammunition upon showing that the licensee has obtained a permit from 
the Director for the importation. In obtaining the release of the firearm, 
firearm barrel, or ammunition from Customs custody, the licensee importing same 
shall furnish ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm, firearm 
barrel, or ammunition. The Customs officer shall, after certification, forward 
the ATF Form 6A to the address specified on the form. The ATF Form 6A shall show 
the name, address, and the license number of the licensee, the name of the 
manufacturer, the country of manufacture, and the type, model, and caliber, size 
(if ammunition) or gauge of the firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition so 
released, and, if applicable, the number of firearms, firearm barrels, or rounds 
of ammunition released. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10499, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.113a Importation of firearm barrels by nonlicensees. 
(a) A permit will not be issued for a firearm barrel for a handgun not generally 
recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting 
purposes. No firearm barrel shall be imported or brought into the United States 
or possession thereof by any nonlicensee unless the Director issues a permit 
authorizing the importation of the firearm barrel. 
(b) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6, to import or bring a firearm barrel 
into the United States or a possession thereof under this section shall be 
filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application shall contain (1) the 
name and address of the applicant, (2) a description of the firearm barrel to be 
imported, including type (e.g.; rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver), model, 
caliber, size or gauge, barrel length, country of manufacture, and name of the 
manufacturer, (3) the unit cost of the firearm barrel, (4) the name and address 
of the foreign seller and the foreign shipper, (5) the country from which the 
firearm barrel is to be imported, and (6) if a handgun barrel, an explanation of 
why the barrel is for a handgun that is generally recognized as particularly 
suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes. If the Director approves 
the application, such approved application shall serve as the permit to import 
the firearm barrel. The Director shall furnish the approved application (permit) 
to the applicant and retain two copies thereof for administrative use. If the 
Director disapproves the application, the applicant shall be notified of the 
basis for the disapproval.
(c) A firearm barrel imported or brought into the United States or a possession 
thereof under the provisions of this section may be released from Customs 
custody to the person importing the firearm barrel upon showing that the person 
has obtained a permit from the Director for the importation. In obtaining the 
release of the firearm barrel from Customs custody, the person importing same 
shall furnish ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm barrel. 
The Customs officer shall, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the 
address specified on the form. The ATF Form 6A shall show the name and address 
of the person importing the firearm barrel, the name of the manufacturer, the 
country of manufacture, and the type, model, and caliber or gauge of the firearm 
barrel so released, and, if applicable, the number of firearm barrels released. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10499, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.114 Importation by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
(a) The Director may issue a permit authorizing the importation of a firearm or 
ammunition into the United States to the place of residence of any military 
member of the U.S. Armed Forces who is on active duty outside the United States, 
or who has been on active duty outside the United States within the 60-day 
period immediately preceding the intended importation: Provided, That such 
firearm or ammunition is generally recognized as particularly suitable for or 
readily adaptable to sporting purposes and is intended for the personal use of 
such member. An application for such a permit, ATF Form 6, shall be filed, in 
triplicate, with the Director. The application shall contain (1) the name and 
current address of the applicant, (2) certification that the transportation, 
receipt, or possession of the firearm or ammunition to be imported would not 
constitute a violation of any provision of the Act or of any State law or local 
ordinance at the place of the applicant's residence,
(3) a description of the firearm or ammunition to be imported, including type 
(e.g., rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver; and in the case of ammunition only, 
ball, wadcutter), model, caliber, size or gauge, barrel length (if a firearm), 
country of manufacture, and the name of the manufacturer, (4) the unit cost of 
the firearm or ammunition to be imported, (5) the name and address of the 
foreign seller (if applicable) and the foreign shipper, (6) the country from 
which the firearm or ammunition is to be imported, (7)(i) that the firearm or 
ammunition being imported is for the personal use of the applicant, and (ii) if 
a firearm, a statement that it is not a surplus military firearm, that it does 
not fall within the definition of a firearm under section 5845(a) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and an explanation of why the firearm is 
generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes, or (iii) if ammunition, a statement why it is generally 
recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting 
purposes, and (8) the applicant's date of birth, rank or grade, place of 
residence, present foreign duty station or last foreign duty station, as the 
case may be, the date of the applicant's reassignment to a duty station within 
the United States, if applicable, and the military branch of which the applicant 
is a member. If the Director approves the application, such approved application 
shall serve as the permit to import the firearm or ammunition described therein. 
The Director shall furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant 
and shall retain the two copies thereof for administrative purposes. If the 
Director disapproves the application, the applicant shall be notified of the 
basis for the disapproval. 
(b) Upon receipt of an approved application (permit) to import the firearm or 
ammunition, the applicant may obtain the release of same from Customs custody 
upon showing that the applicant has obtained a permit from the Director for the 
importation. In obtaining the release of the firearm or ammunition from Customs 
custody, the military member of the U.S. Armed Forces importing same shall 
furnish ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the firearm or ammunition. 
The Customs officer shall, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the 
address specified on the form. The ATF Form 6A shall show the name and address 
of such military member, the name of the manufacturer, the country of 
manufacture, and the type, model, and caliber, size or gauge of the firearm or 
ammunition so released, and, if applicable, the number of firearms or rounds of 
ammunition released. However, when such military member is on active duty 
outside the United States, the military member may appoint, in writing, an agent 
to obtain the release of the firearm or ammunition from Customs custody for such 
member. Such agent shall present sufficient identification of the agent and the 
written authorization to act on behalf of such military member to the Customs 
officer who is to release the firearm or ammunition. 
(c) Firearms determined by the Department of Defense to be war souvenirs may be 
imported into the United States by the military members of the U.S. Armed Forces 
under such provisions and procedures as the Department of Defense may issue. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10500, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.115 Exempt importation. 
(a) Firearms and ammunition may be brought into the United States or any 
possession thereof by any person who can establish to the satisfaction of 
Customs that such firearm or ammunition was previously taken out of the United 
States or any possession thereof by such person. Registration on Customs Form 
4457 or on any other registration document available for this purpose may be 
completed before departure from the United States at any U.S. customhouse or any 
office of an regional director (compliance). A bill of sale or other commercial 
document showing transfer of the firearm or ammunition in the United States to 
such person also may be used to establish proof that the firearm or ammunition 
was taken out of the United States by such person. Firearms and ammunition 
furnished under the provisions of section 925(a)(3) of the Act to military 
members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside of the United States 
also may be imported into the United States or any possession thereof by such 
military members upon establishing to the satisfaction of Customs that such 
firearms and ammunition were so obtained. 
(b) Firearms, firearm barrels, and ammunition may be imported or brought into 
the United States by or for the United States or any department or agency 
thereof, or any State or any department, agency, or political subdivision 
thereof. A firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition imported or brought into the 
United States under this paragraph may be released from Customs custody upon a 
showing that the firearm, firearm barrel or ammunition is being imported or 
brought into the United States by or for such a governmental entity. 
(c) The provisions of this subpart shall not apply with respect to the 
importation into the United States of any antique firearm. 
(d) Firearms and ammunition are not imported into the United States, and the 
provisions of this subpart shall not apply, when such firearms and ammunition 
are brought into the United States by: 
(1) A nonresident of the United States for legitimate hunting or lawful sporting 
purposes, and such firearms and such ammunition as remains following such 
shooting activity are to be taken back out of the territorial limits of the 
United States by such person upon conclusion of the shooting activity; 
(2) Foreign military personnel on official assignment to the United States who 
bring such firearms or ammunition into the United States for their exclusive use 
while on official duty in the United States; 
(3) Official representatives of foreign governments who are accredited to the 
U.S. Government or are en route to or from other countries to which accredited; 
(4) Officials of foreign governments and distinguished foreign visitors who have 
been so designated by the Department of State; and 
(5) Foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments entering 
the United States on official law enforcement business. 
(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (d)(2), (3), (4) and (5) of 
this section, the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate may in the interest 
of public safety and necessity require a permit for the importation or bringing 
into the United States of any firearms or ammunition. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-58, 44 FR 32367, June 6, 1979; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10500, 
Mar. 31, 1988] 
§ 178.116 Conditional importation. 
The Director shall permit the conditional importation or bringing into the 
United States or any possession thereof of any firearm, firearm barrel, or 
ammunition for the purpose of examining and testing the firearm, firearm barrel, 
or ammunition in connection with making a determination as to whether the 
importation or bringing in of such firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition will 
be authorized under this part. An application on ATF Form 6 for such conditional 
importation shall be filed, in duplicate, with the Director. The Director may 
impose conditions upon any importation under this section including a 
requirement that the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition be shipped directly 
from Customs custody to the Director and that the person importing or bringing 
in the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition must agree to either export the 
firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition or destroy same if a determination is 
made that the firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition may not be imported or 
brought in under this part. A firearm, firearm barrel, or ammunition imported or 
brought into the United States or any possession thereof under the provision of 
this section shall be released from Customs custody upon the payment of customs 
duties, if applicable, and in the manner prescribed in the conditional 
authorization issued by the Director. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10500, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.117 Function outside a customs territory. 
In the insular possessions of the United States outside customs territory, the 
functions performed by U.S. Customs officers under this subpart within a customs 
territory may be performed by the appropriate authorities of a territorial 
government or other officers of the United States who have been designated to 
perform such functions. For the purpose of this subpart, the term customs 
territory means the United States, the District of Columbia, and the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. 
§ 178.118 Importation of certain firearms classified as curios or relics.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, a licensed importer may import 
all rifles and shotguns classified by the Director as curios or relics, and all 
handguns classified by the Director as curios or relics that are determined to 
be generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to 
sporting purposes. The importation of such curio or relic firearms must be in 
accordance with the applicable importation provisions of this part and the 
importation provisions of 27 CFR Part 47. Curios or relics which fall within the 
definition of "firearm" under 26 U.S.C. 5845(a) must also meet the importation 
provisions of 27 CFR Part 179 before they may be imported.
[T.D. ATF-202, 50 FR 14383, Apr. 12, 1985] 
§ 178.119 Importation of large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured 
after September 13, 1994.
(a) No large capacity ammunition feeding device manufactured after September 13, 
1994, shall be imported or brought into the United States unless the Director 
has authorized the importation of such device.
(b) An application for a permit, ATF Form 6, to import or bring a large capacity 
ammunition feeding device into the United States or a possession thereof under 
this section shall be filed, in triplicate, with the Director. The application 
shall contain:
(1) The name and address of the person importing the device,
(2) A description of the device to be imported, including model, caliber, size, 
country of manufacture, and name of the manufacturer,
(3) The unit cost of the device to be imported,
(4) The country from which to be imported,
(5) The name and address of the foreign seller and the foreign shipper,
(6) Verification that such device will be marked as required by this part, and
(7) A statement by the importer that the device is being imported for sale to 
purchasers specified in § 178.40a(b).
(c) If the Director approves the application, such approved application shall 
serve as the permit to import the device described therein, and importation of 
such devices may continue to be made by the person importing such devices under 
the approved application (permit) during the period specified thereon. The 
Director shall furnish the approved application (permit) to the applicant and 
retain two copies thereof for administrative use. If the Director disapproves 
the application, the person importing such devices shall be notified of the 
basis for the disapproval.
(d) A large capacity ammunition feeding device imported or brought into the 
United States by a person importing such a device may be released from Customs 
custody to the person importing such a device upon showing that such person has 
obtained a permit from the Director for the importation of the device to be 
released. In obtaining the release from Customs custody of such a device 
authorized by this section to be imported through use of a permit, the person 
importing such a device shall prepare ATF Form 6A, in duplicate, and furnish the 
original ATF Form 6A to the Customs officer releasing the device. The Customs 
officer shall, after certification, forward the ATF Form 6A to the address 
specified on the form. The ATF Form 6A shall show the name and address of the 
person importing the device, the country of manufacture, the type, model, 
caliber, size, and the number of devices released.
(e) Within 15 days of the date of release from Customs custody the person 
importing such a device shall:
(1) Forward to the address specified on the form a copy of ATF Form 6A on which 
shall be reported any error or discrepancy appearing on the ATF Form 6A 
certified by Customs, and
(2) Pursuant to § 178.92, place all required identification data on each 
imported device if same did not bear such identification data at the time of its 
release from Customs custody.
(Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
under control numbers 1512-0017 and 1512-0018; paragraphs (d) and (e) approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0019)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17454, April 6, 1995]
Subpart H-Records 
§ 178.121 General. 
(a) The records pertaining to firearms transactions prescribed by this part 
shall be retained on the licensed premises in the manner prescribed by this 
subpart and for the length of time prescribed by § 178.129. The records 
pertaining to ammunition prescribed by this part shall be retained on the 
licensed premises in the manner prescribed by § 178.125. 
(b) ATF officers may, for the purposes and under the conditions prescribed in § 
178.23, enter the premises of any licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, 
licensed dealer, or licensed collector for the purpose of examining or 
inspecting any record or document required by or obtained under this part. 
Section 923(g) of the Act requires licensed importers, licensed manufacturers, 
licensed dealers, and licensed collectors to make such records available for 
such examination or inspection during business hours or, in the case of licensed 
collectors, hours of operation, as provided in § 178.23. 
(c) Each licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, and licensed 
collector shall maintain such records of importation, production, shipment, 
receipt, sale, or other disposition, whether temporary or permanent, of firearms 
and such records of the disposition of ammunition as the regulations contained 
in this part prescribe. Section 922(m) of the Act makes it unlawful for any 
licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector 
knowingly to make any false entry in, to fail to make appropriate entry in, or 
to fail to properly maintain any such record.
(d) For recordkeeping requirements for sales by licensees at gun shows see § 
178.100(c).
(Information collection requirements in paragraph (a) approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 1512-0129; information collection 
requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget under control number 1512-0387) 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-191, 49 FR 46891, Nov. 29, 1984; T.D. ATF-208, 50 FR 26703, 
June 28, 1985; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10501, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.122 Records maintained by importers. 
(a) Each licensed importer shall, within 15 days of the date of importation or 
other acquisition, record the type, model, caliber or gauge, manufacturer, 
country of manufacture, and the serial number of each firearm imported or 
otherwise acquired, and the date such importation or other acquisition was made. 

(b) A record of firearms disposed of by a licensed importer to another licensee 
and a separate record of armor piercing ammunition dispositions to governmental 
entities, for exportation, or for testing or experimentation authorized under 
the provisions of § 178.149 shall be maintained by the licensed importer on the 
licensed premises. For firearms, the record shall show the quantity, type, 
manufacturer, country of manufacture, caliber or gauge, model, serial number of 
the firearms so transferred, the name and license number of the licensee to whom 
the firearms were transferred, and the date of the transaction. For armor 
piercing ammunition, the record shall show the date of the transaction, 
manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity of projectiles, and the name and 
address of the purchaser. The information required by this paragraph shall be 
entered in the proper record book not later than the seventh day following the 
date of the transaction, and such information shall be recorded under the 
following formats: 
Importer's Firearms Disposition Record
Quantity 
Type 
Manufacturer 
Country of manufacture 
Caliber or gauge 
Model 
Serial No. 
Name and license No. of licensee to whom transferred 
Date of the transaction 
Importer's Armor Piercing Ammunition Disposition Record
Date
Manufacturer
Caliber or gauge
Quantity of projectiles
Purchaser Name and address
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the 
regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained 
by a licensed importer to record the disposal of firearms and armor piercing 
ammunition when it is shown by the licensed importer that such alternate records 
will accurately and readily disclose the information required by paragraph (b) 
of this section. A licensed importer who proposes to use alternate records shall 
submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the regional director (compliance) 
and shall describe the proposed alternate records and the need therefor. Such 
alternate records shall not be employed by the licensed importer until approval 
in such regard is received from the regional director (compliance).
(d) Each licensed importer shall maintain separate records of the sales or other 
dispositions made of firearms to nonlicensees. Such records shall be maintained 
in the form and manner as prescribed by § 178.124 and 178.125 in regard to 
firearms transaction records and records of acquisition and disposition of 
firearms.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10501, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.123 Records maintained by manufacturers. 
(a) Each licensed manufacturer shall record the type, model, caliber or gauge, 
and serial number of each complete firearm manufactured or otherwise acquired, 
and the date such manufacture or other acquisition was made. The information 
required by this paragraph shall be recorded not later than the seventh day 
following the date such manufacture or other acquisition was made. 
(b) A record of firearms disposed of by a manufacturer to another licensee and a 
separate record of armor piercing ammunition dispositions to governmental 
entities, for exportation, or for testing or experimentation authorized under 
the provision of § 178.149 shall be maintained by the licensed manufacturer on 
the licensed premises. For firearms, the record shall show the quantity, type, 
model, manufacturer, caliber, size or gauge, serial number of the firearms so 
transferred, the name and license number of the licensee to whom the firearms 
were transferred, and the date of the transaction. For armor piercing 
ammunition, the record shall show the manufacturer, caliber or gauge, quantity, 
the name and address of the transferee to whom the armor piercing ammunition was 
transferred, and the date of the transaction. The information required by this 
paragraph shall be entered in the proper record book not later than the seventh 
day following the date of the transaction, and such information shall be 
recorded under the format prescribed by § 178.122, except that the name of the 
manufacturer of a firearm or armor piercing ammunition need not be recorded if 
the firearm or armor piercing ammunition is of the manufacturer's own 
manufacture. 
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the 
regional director (compliance) may authorize alternate records to be maintained 
by a licensed manufacturer to record the disposal of firearms and armor piercing 
ammunition when it is shown by the licensed manufacturer that such alternate 
records will accurately and readily disclose the information required by 
paragraph (b) of this section. A licensed manufacturer who proposes to use 
alternate records shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the 
regional director (compliance) and shall describe the proposed alternate record 
and the need therefor. Such alternate records shall not be employed by the 
licensed manufacturer until approval in such regard is received from the 
regional director (compliance). 
(d) Each licensed manufacturer shall maintain separate records of the sales or 
other dispositions made of firearms to nonlicensees. Such records shall be 
maintained in the form and manner as prescribed by § 178.124 and § 178.125 in 
regard to firearms transaction records and records of acquisition and 
disposition of firearms.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0369)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10501, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.124 Firearms transaction record. 
(a) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not 
sell or otherwise dispose, temporarily or permanently, of any firearm to any 
person, other than another licensee, unless the licensee records the transaction 
on a firearms transaction record, Form 4473: Provided, That a firearms 
transaction record, Form 4473, shall not be required to record the disposition 
made of a firearm delivered to a licensee for the sole purpose of repair or 
customizing when such firearm or a replacement firearm is returned to the person 
from whom received. 
(b) A licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer shall retain 
in alphabetical (by name of purchaser), chronological (by date of disposition), 
or numerical (by transaction serial number) order, and as a part of the required 
records, each Form 4473 obtained in the course of transferring custody of the 
firearms.
(c) Prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a firearm to a nonlicensee 
who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is 
located, the licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer so 
transferring the firearm shall obtain a Form 4473 from the transferee showing 
the name, address (including county or similar political subdivision), date and 
place of birth, height, weight, and race of the transferee, and certification by 
the transferee that the transferee is not prohibited by the Act from 
transporting or shipping a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce or 
receiving a firearm which has been shipped or transported in interstate or 
foreign commerce or possessing a firearm in or affecting commerce. The licensee 
shall identify the firearm to be transferred by listing in the Form 4473 the 
name of the manufacturer, the name of the importer (if any), the type, model, 
caliber or gauge, and the serial number of the firearm. Before transferring the 
firearm described in the Form 4473, the licensee: 
(1) Shall cause the transferee to be identified in any manner customarily used 
in commercial transactions (e.g., a driver's license), and shall note on the 
form the method used, and 
(2) If the licensee does not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the 
transferee is disqualified by law from receiving the firearm, shall sign and 
date the form. 
(d) Prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a shotgun or rifle under the 
provisions contained in § 178.96(c) to a nonlicensee who is not a resident of 
the State in which the licensee's business premises is located, the licensee so 
transferring the shotgun or rifle, and such transferee, shall comply with the 
requirements of paragraph (c) of this section. 
(e) Prior to making a transfer of a firearm to any nonlicensee who is not a 
resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located, and 
such nonlicensee is acquiring the firearm by loan or rental from the licensee 
for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, the licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer so furnishing the firearm, and such transferee, 
shall comply with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section. 
(f) Form 4473 shall be submitted, in duplicate, to a licensed importer, licensed 
manufacturer, or licensed dealer by a transferee who is purchasing or otherwise 
acquiring a firearm by other than an over-the-counter transaction, and who is a 
resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is located. The 
Form 4473 shall show the name, address, date and place of birth, height, weight, 
and race of the transferee; and the title, name, and address of the principal 
law enforcement officer of the locality to which the firearm will be delivered. 
The transferee also must date and execute the sworn statement contained on the 
form showing that, in case the firearm to be transferred is a firearm other than 
a shotgun or rifle, the transferee is 21 years or more of age; that, in case the 
firearm to be transferred is a shotgun or rifle, the transferee is 18 years or 
more of age; that the transferee is not prohibited by the provisions of the Act 
from shipping or transporting a firearm in interstate or foreign commerce or 
receiving a firearm which has been shipped or transported in interstate or 
foreign commerce or possessing a firearm in or affecting commerce; and that the 
transferee's receipt of the firearm would not be in violation of any statute of 
the State or published ordinance applicable to the locality in which the 
transferee resides. Upon receipt of such Forms 4473, the licensee shall identify 
the firearm to be transferred by listing in the Forms 4473 the name of the 
manufacturer, the name of the importer (if any), the type, model, caliber or 
gauge, and the serial number of the firearm to be transferred. The licensee 
shall prior to shipment or delivery of the firearm to such transferee, forward 
by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the Form 
4473 to the principal law enforcement officer named in the Form 4473 by the 
transferee, and shall delay shipment or delivery of the firearm to the 
transferee for a period of at least 7 days following receipt by the licensee of 
the return receipt evidencing delivery of the copy of the Form 4473 to such 
principal law enforcement officer, or the return of the copy of the Form 4473 to 
the licensee due to the refusal of such principal law enforcement officer to 
accept same in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations. The original 
Form 4473, and evidence of receipt or rejection of delivery of the copy of the 
Form 4473 sent to the principal law enforcement officer, shall be retained by 
the licensee as a part of the records required to be kept under this subpart. 
(g) A licensee who sells or otherwise disposes of a firearm to a nonlicensee who 
is other than an individual, shall obtain from the transferee the information 
required by this section from an individual authorized to act on behalf of the 
transferee. In addition, the licensee shall obtain from the individual acting on 
behalf of the transferee a written statement, executed under the penalties of 
perjury, that the firearm is being acquired for the use of and will be the 
property of the transferee, and showing the name and address of that transferee. 

(h) The requirements of this section shall be in addition to any other 
recordkeeping requirement contained in this part. 
(i) A licensee may obtain, upon request, an emergency supply of Forms 4473 from 
any regional director (compliance). For normal usage, a licensee should request 
a year's supply from the ATF Distribution Center, P. O. Box 5950, Springfield, 
Virginia 22150-5950. 
(Paragraph (f) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 1512-0130; all other recordkeeping approved by the Office of Management 
and Budget under control number 1512-0129)
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968, as amended by T.D. ATF -172, 49 FR 14942, Apr. 16, 
1984; T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39625, Oct. 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10502, Mar. 
31, 1988]
§ 178.124a Firearms transaction record in lieu of record of receipt and 
disposition.
(a) A licensed dealer acquiring firearms after August 1, 1988 and contemplating 
the disposition of not more than 50 firearms within a succeeding 12-month period 
to licensees or nonlicensees may maintain a record of the acquisition and 
disposition of such firearms on a firearms transaction record, Form 4473(LV), 
Part I or II, in lieu of the records prescribed by § 178.125.
Such 12-month period shall commence from the date the licensed dealer first 
records the purchase or other acquisition of a firearm on Form 4473(LV) pursuant 
to this section. A licensed dealer who maintains records pursuant to this 
section, but whose firearms dispositions exceed 50 firearms within such 12-month 
period, shall make and maintain the acquisition and disposition records required 
by §178.125 with respect to each firearm exceeding 50.
(b) Each licensed dealer maintaining firearms acquisition and disposition 
records pursuant to this section shall record the purchase or other acquisition 
of a firearm on Form 4473(LV), Part I or II, in accordance with the instructions 
on the form not later than the close of the next business day following the date 
of such purchase or acquisition. However, when disposition is made of a firearm 
before the close of the next business day after the receipt of that firearm, the 
licensed dealer making such disposition shall enter all required acquisition 
information regarding the firearm on the Form 4473(LV) at the time such transfer 
or disposition is made. The record on Form 4473(LV) shall show the date of 
receipt, the name and address or the name and license number of the person from 
whom received, the name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, 
serial number, type, and caliber or gauge of the firearm.
(c) Each licensed dealer maintaining firearms acquisition and disposition 
records pursuant to this section shall retain Form 4473(LV), Part I or II, 
reflecting firearms possessed by such business in chronological (by date of 
receipt) or numerical (by transaction serial number) order. Forms 4473(LV) 
reflecting the licensee's sale or disposition of firearms shall be retained in 
alphabetical (by name of purchaser), chronological (by date of disposition) or 
numerical (by transaction serial number) order.
(d) A licensed dealer maintaining records pursuant to this section shall record 
the sale or other disposition of a firearm to another licensee by entering on 
the Form 4473(LV), Part I, associated with such firearm, the name and license 
number of the person to whom transferred and by signing and dating the form.
(e) A licensed dealer shall obtain the Form 4473(LV), Part I, associated with 
the firearm in lieu of a Form 4473 and comply with the requirements specified in 
§ 178.124(c) prior to making an over-the-counter transfer of a firearm to a 
nonlicensee:
(1) Who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises is 
located;
(2) Who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises 
is located and the firearm is a shotgun or rifle and the transfer is under the 
provisions of § 178.96(c); or
(3) Who is not a resident of the State in which the licensee's business premises 
is located and who is acquiring the firearm by loan or rental for temporary use 
for lawful sporting purposes.
(f) A licensed dealer shall obtain the Form 4473(LV), Part II, associated with 
the firearm in lieu of a Form 4473 and comply with the requirements specified in 
§ 178.124(f) prior to making a disposition of a firearm to a nonlicensee who is 
purchasing or otherwise acquiring a firearm by other than an over-the-counter 
transaction and who is a resident of the State in which the licensee's business 
premises is located. If the licensee's record of the acquisition of the firearm 
is, at the time of the disposition, being maintained on a Form 4473(LV), Part I, 
for over-the-counter transactions, the licensee shall transfer the information 
relative to the receipt of the firearm, as required by paragraph (b) of this 
section, to Form 4473(LV), Part II. The corresponding form 4473(LV), Part I, may 
then be destroyed.
[T.D. ATF-273, 53 FR 24687, June 30, 1988]
§ 178.125 Record of receipt and disposition. 
(a) Armor piercing ammunition sales by licensed collectors to nonlicensees. The 
sale or other disposition of armor piercing ammunition by licensed collectors 
shall be recorded in a bound record at the time a transaction is made. The bound 
record shall be maintained in chronological order by date of sale or disposition 
of the armor piercing ammunition, and shall be retained on the licensed premises 
of the licensee for a period not less than two years following the date of the 
recorded sale or disposition of the armor piercing ammunition. The bound record 
entry shall show: 
(1) The date of the transaction; 
(2) The name of the manufacturer; 
(3) The caliber or gauge; 
(4) The quantity of projectiles; 
(5) The name, address, and date of birth of the nonlicensee; and 
(6) The method used to establish the identity of the armor piercing ammunition 
purchaser. 
The format required for the bound record is as follows:
Disposition Record of Armor Piercing Ammunition
Date 
Manufacturer 
Caliber or gauge 
Quantity of projectiles 
Purchaser 
Name and address 
Date of birth 
Enter a (x) in the "known" column if purchaser is personally known to you. 
Otherwise, establish the purchaser's identification 
Known 
Driver's license 
Other type (specify) 
However, when a commercial record is made at the time a transaction is made, a 
licensee may delay making an entry into the bound record if the provisions of 
paragraph (d) of this section are complied with. 
(b) Armor piercing ammunition sales by licensed collectors to licensees. Sales 
or other dispositions of armor piercing ammunition from a licensed collector to 
another licensee shall be recorded and maintained in the manner prescribed in 
§178.122(b) for importers: Provided, That the license number of the transferee 
may be recorded in lieu of the transferee's address. 
(c) Armor piercing ammunition sales by licensed dealers to governmental 
entities. A record of armor piercing ammunition disposed of by a licensed dealer 
to a governmental entity pursuant to § 178.99(e) shall be maintained by the 
licensed dealer on the licensed premises and shall show the name of the 
manufacturer, the caliber or gauge, the quantity, the name and address of the 
entity to which the armor piercing ammunition was transferred, and the date of 
the transaction. Such information shall be recorded under the format prescribed 
by § 178.122(b). Each licensed dealer disposing of armor piercing ammunition 
pursuant to § 178.99(e) shall also maintain a record showing the date of 
acquisition of such ammunition which shall be filed in an orderly manner 
separate from other commercial records maintained and be readily available for 
inspection. The records required by this paragraph shall be retained on the 
licensed premises of the licensee for a period not less than two years following 
the date of the recorded sale or disposition of the armor piercing ammunition. 
(d) Commercial records of armor piercing ammunition transactions. When a 
commercial record is made at the time of sale or other disposition of armor 
piercing ammunition, and such record contains all information required by the 
bound record prescribed by paragraph (a) of this section, the licensed collector 
transferring the armor piercing ammunition may, for a period not exceeding 7 
days following the date of such transfer, delay making the required entry into 
such bound record: Provided, That the commercial record pertaining to the 
transfer is: 
(1) Maintained by the licensed collector separate from other commercial 
documents maintained by such licensee, and 
(2) Is readily available for inspection on the licensed premises until such time 
as the required entry into the bound record is made.
(e) Firearms receipt and disposition by dealers. Except as provided in § 
178.124a with respect to alternate records for the receipt and disposition of 
firearms by dealers, each licensed dealer shall enter into a record each receipt 
and disposition of firearms. In addition, before commencing or continuing a 
firearms business, each licensed dealer shall inventory the firearms possessed 
for such business and shall record same in the record required by this 
paragraph. The record required by this paragraph shall be maintained in bound 
form under the format prescribed below. The purchase or other acquisition of a 
firearm shall, except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, be recorded 
not later than the close of the next business day following the date of such 
purchase or acquisition. The record shall show the date of receipt, the name and 
address or the name and license number of the person from whom received, the 
name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, serial number, type, 
and the caliber or gauge of the firearm. The sale or other disposition of a 
firearm shall be recorded by the licensed dealer not later than 7 days following 
the date of such transaction. When such disposition is made to a nonlicensee, 
the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, obtained by the licensed dealer 
shall be retained, until the transaction is recorded, separate from the 
licensee's Form 4473 file and be readily available for inspection. When such 
disposition is made to a licensee, the commercial record of the transaction 
shall be retained, until the transaction is recorded, separate from other 
commercial documents maintained by the licensed dealer, and be readily available 
for inspection. The record shall show the date of the sale or other disposition 
of each firearm, the name and address of the person to whom the firearm is 
transferred, or the name and license number of the person to whom transferred if 
such person is a licensee, or the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, serial 
number if the licensed dealer transferring the firearm serially numbers the 
Forms 4473 and files them numerically. The format required for the record of 
receipt and disposition of firearms is as follows: 
Firearms Acquisition and Disposition Record 
Description of firearm 
Manufacturer and/or Importer 
Model 
Serial No. 
Type 
Caliber or gauge 
Receipt 
Date 
Name and address or name and license No. 
Disposition 
Date 
Name 
Address or license No. if licensee, or Form 4473 Serial No. if Forms 4473 filed 
numerically
(f) Firearms receipt and disposition by licensed collectors. Each licensed 
collector shall enter into a record each receipt and disposition of firearms 
curios or relics. The record required by this paragraph shall be maintained in 
bound form under the format prescribed below. The purchase or other acquisition 
of a curio or relic shall, except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, 
be recorded not later than the close of the next business day following the date 
of such purchase or other acquisition. The record shall show the date of 
receipt, the name and address or the name and license number of the person from 
whom received, the name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, 
serial number, type, and the caliber or gauge of the firearm curio or relic. The 
sale or other disposition of a curio or relic shall be recorded by the licensed 
collector not later than 7 days following the date of such transaction. When 
such disposition is made to a licensee, the commercial record of the transaction 
shall be retained, until the transaction is recorded, separate from other 
commercial documents maintained by the licensee, and be readily available for 
inspection. The record shall show the date of the sale or other disposition of 
each firearm curio or relic, the name and address of the person to whom the 
firearm curio or relic is transferred, or the name and license number of the 
person to whom transferred if such person is a licensee, and the date of birth 
of the transferee if other than a licensee. In addition, the licensee shall 
cause the transferee, if other than a licensee, to be identified in any manner 
customarily used in commercial transactions (e.g., a driver's license), and 
shall note on the record the method used. The format required for the record of 
receipt and disposition of firearms by collectors is as follows:
Firearms Collectors Acquisition and Disposition Record
Description of firearm
Manufacturer and/or importer
Model
Serial No.
Type
Caliber or gauge
Receipt
Date
Name and address or name and license No.
Disposition
Date
Name and address or name and license No.
Date of birth if nonlicensee
Driver's license No. or other identification if nonlicensee
(g) Commercial records of firearms received. When a commercial record is held by 
a licensed dealer or licensed collector showing the acquisition of a firearm or 
firearm curio or relic, and such record contains all acquisition information 
required by the bound record prescribed by paragraphs (e) and (f) of this 
section, the licensed dealer or licensed collector acquiring such firearm or 
curio or relic, may, for a period not exceeding 7 days following the date of 
such acquisition, delay making the required entry into such bound record: 
Provided, That the commercial record is, until such time as the required entry 
into the bound record is made, (1) maintained by the licensed dealer or licensed 
collector separate from other commercial documents maintained by such licensee, 
and (2) readily available for inspection on the licensed premises: Provided 
further, That when disposition is made of a firearm or firearm curio or relic 
not entered in the bound record under the provisions of this paragraph, the 
licensed dealer or licensed collector making such disposition shall enter all 
required acquisition information regarding the firearm or firearm curio or relic 
in the bound record at the time such transfer or disposition is made. 
(h) Alternate records. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a), (e), 
and (f) of this section, the regional director (compliance) may authorize 
alternate records to be maintained by a licensed dealer or licensed collector to 
record the acquisition and disposition of firearms or curios or relics and the 
disposition of armor piercing ammunition when it is shown by the licensed dealer 
or the licensed collector that such alternate records will accurately and 
readily disclose the required information. A licensed dealer or licensed 
collector who proposes to use alternate records shall submit a letter 
application, in duplicate, to the regional director (compliance) and shall 
describe the proposed alternate records and the need therefor. Such alternate 
records shall not be employed by the licensed dealer or licensed collector until 
approval in such regard is received from the regional director (compliance). 
(i) Requirements for importers and manufacturers. Each licensed importer and 
licensed manufacturer selling or otherwise disposing of firearms or armor 
piercing ammunition to nonlicensees shall maintain such records of such 
transactions as are required of licensed dealers by this section.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10503, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-273, 53 FR 
24687, June 30, 1988; T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32508, July 17, 1991]
§ 178.125a Personal firearms collection. 
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, a licensed 
manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer is not required to record on 
a firearms transaction record, Form 4473, the sale or other disposition of a 
firearm maintained as part of the licensee's personal firearms collection:
Provided, That (1) the licensee has maintained the firearm as part of such 
collection for 1 year from the date the firearm was transferred from the 
business inventory into the personal collection or otherwise acquired as a 
personal firearm, (2) the licensee recorded in the bound record prescribed by § 
178.125(e) the receipt of the firearm into the business inventory or other 
acquisition, (3) the licensee recorded the firearm as a disposition in the bound 
record prescribed by § 178.125(e) when the firearm was transferred from the 
business inventory into the personal; firearms collection or otherwise acquired 
as a personal firearm, and (4) the licensee enters the sale or other disposition 
of the firearm from the personal firearms collection into a bound record, under 
the format prescribed below, identifying the firearm transferred by recording 
the name of the manufacturer and importer (if any), the model, serial number, 
type, and the caliber or gauge, and showing the date of the sale or other 
disposition, the name and address of the transferee, or the name and business 
address of the transferee if such person is a licensee, and the date of birth of 
the transferee if other than a licensee. In addition, the licensee shall cause 
the transferee, if other than a licensee, to be identified in any manner 
customarily used in commercial transactions (e.g., a driver's license). The 
format required for the disposition record of personal firearms is as follows:
Disposition Record of Personal Firearms
Description of firearm
Manufacturer and/or importer
Model
Serial No.
Type
Caliber or gauge
Disposition
Date
Name and address (business address if licensee)
Date of birth of nonlicensee
(b) Any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer selling or 
otherwise disposing of a firearm from the licensee's personal firearms 
collection under this section shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by 
the Act and this part on the dispositions of firearms by persons other than 
licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10504, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 
32509, July 17, 1991]
§ 178.126 Furnishing transaction information. 
(a) Each licensee shall, when required by letter issued by the regional director 
(compliance), and until notified to the contrary in writing by such officer, 
submit on Form 4483, Report of Firearms Transactions, for the periods and at the 
times specified in the letter issued by the regional director (compliance), all 
record information required by this subpart, or such lesser record information 
as the regional director (compliance) in his letter may specify. 
(b) The regional director (compliance) may authorize the information to be 
submitted in a manner other than that prescribed in paragraph (a) of this 
section when it is shown by a licensee that an alternate method of reporting is 
reasonably necessary and will not unduly hinder the effective administration of 
this part. A licensee who proposes to use an alternate method of reporting shall 
submit a letter application, in duplicate, to the regional director (compliance) 
and shall describe the proposed alternate method of reporting and the need 
therefor. An alternate method of reporting shall not be employed by the licensee 
until approval in such regard is received from the regional director 
(compliance).
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0387)
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 16835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-172, 49 FR 14942, Apr. 16, 1984] 
§ 178.126a Reporting multiple sales or other disposition of pistols and 
revolvers. 
Each licensee shall prepare a report of multiple sales or other disposition 
whenever the licensee sells or otherwise disposes of, at one time or during any 
five consecutive business days, two or more pistols, or revolvers, or any 
combination of pistols and revolvers totaling two or more, to an unlicensed 
person: Provided, That a report need not be made where pistols or revolvers, or 
any combination thereof, are returned to the same person from whom they were 
received. The report shall be prepared on Form 3310.4, Report of Multiple Sale 
or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers. Not later than the close of 
business on the day that the multiple sale or other disposition occurs, the 
licensee shall forward two copies of Form 3310.4 to the ATF office specified 
thereon and one copy to the State police or to the local law enforcement agency 
in which the sale or other disposition took place. Where the State or local law 
enforcement officials have notified the licensee that a particular official has 
been designated to receive Forms 3310.4, the licensee shall forward such forms 
to that designated official. The licensee shall retain one copy of Form 3310.4 
and attach it to the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, executed upon 
delivery of the pistols or revolvers.
Example 1. A licensee sells a pistol and revolver in a single transaction to an 
unlicensed person. This is a multiple sale and must be reported not later than 
the close of business on the date of the transaction. 
Example 2. A licensee sells a pistol on Monday and sells a revolver on the 
following Friday to the same unlicensed person. This is a multiple sale and must 
be reported not later than the close of business on Friday. If the licensee 
sells the same unlicensed person another pistol or revolver on the following 
Monday, this would constitute an additional multiple sale and must also be 
reported. 
Example 3. A licensee maintaining business hours on Monday through Saturday 
sells a revolver to an unlicensed person on Monday and sells another revolver to 
the same person on the following Saturday. This does not constitute a multiple 
sale and need not be reported since the sales did not occur during five 
consecutive business days. 
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0006)
[T.D. ATF-16, 40 FR 19202, May 2, 1975, as amended by T.D. ATF-172, 49 FR 14942, 
Apr. 16, 1984; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10505, Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 
7113, Feb. 14, 1994; T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10787, Feb. 27, 1995] 
§ 178.127 Discontinuance of business.
Where a licensed business is discontinued and succeeded by a new licensee, the 
records prescribed by this subpart shall appropriately reflect such facts and 
shall be delivered to the successor. Where discontinuance of the business is 
absolute, the records shall be delivered within 30 days following the business 
discontinuance to the ATF Out-of-Business Records Center, Spring Mills Office 
Park, 2029 Stonewall Jackson Drive, Falling Waters, West Virginia 25419, or any 
ATF office in the region in which the business was located: Provided, however, 
Where State law or local ordinance requires the delivery of records to other 
responsible authority, the Chief, Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center may 
arrange for the delivery of the records required by this subpart to such 
authority: Provided further, That where a licensed business is discontinued and 
succeeded by a new licensee, the records may be delivered within 30 days 
following the business discontinuance to the ATF Out-of-Business Records Center 
or to any ATF office in the region in which the business was located. 
[T.D. ATF-290, 54 FR 53055, Dec. 27, 1989; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17455, April 6, 
1995]
§ 178.128 False statement or representation. 
(a) Any person who knowingly makes any false statement or representation in 
applying for any license or exemption or relief from disability, under the 
provisions of the Act, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not 
more than 5 years, or both. 
(b) Any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed 
dealer, or licensed collector who knowingly makes any false statement or 
representation with respect to any information required by the provisions of the 
Act or this part to be kept in the records of a person licensed under the Act or 
this part shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 
years, or both. 
(c) Any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed 
collector who knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect 
to any information required by the provisions of the Act or this part to be kept 
in the records of a person licensed under the Act or this part shall be fined 
not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10505, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.129 Record retention.
(a) Records prior to Act. Licensed importers and licensed manufacturers may 
dispose of records of sale or other disposition of firearms prior to December 
16, 1968. Licensed dealers and licensed collectors may dispose of all records of 
firearms transactions that occurred prior to December 16, 1968.
(b) Firearms transaction record, statement of intent to obtain a handgun, 
reports of multiple sales or other disposition of pistols and revolvers, and 
reports of theft or loss of firearms. Licensees shall retain each Form 4473 and 
Form 4473(LV) for a period of not less than 20 years after the date of sale or 
disposition. Licensees shall retain each Form 5300.35 for a period of not less 
than 5 years after notice of the intent to obtain the handgun was forwarded to 
the chief law enforcement officer. Licensees shall retain each copy of Form 
3310.4 (Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistol and Revolvers) 
for a period of not less than 5 years after the date of sale or other 
disposition. Licensees shall retain each copy of Form 3310.11 (Federal Firearms 
Licensee Theft/Loss Report) for a period of not less than 5 years after the date 
the theft or loss was reported to ATF.
(c) Records of importation and manufacture. Licensed importers and licensed 
manufacturers shall maintain permanent records of the importation, manufacture 
or other acquisition of firearms. Licensed importers' records and licensed 
manufacturers' records of the sale or other disposition of firearms after 
December 15, 1968, shall be retained through December 15, 1988, after which 
records of transactions over 20 years of age may be discarded.
(d) Records of dealers and collectors under the Act. The records prepared by 
licensed dealers and licensed collectors under the Act of the sale or other 
disposition of firearms and the corresponding record of receipt of such firearms 
shall be retained through December 15, 1988, after which records of transactions 
over 20 years of age may be discarded. 
(e) Retention of records of transactions in semiautomatic assault weapons. The 
documentation required by §§ 178.40(c) and 178.132 shall be retained in the 
licensee's permanent records for a period of not less than 5 years after the 
date of sale or other disposition. 
(Paragraph (b) approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
numbers 1512-0520, 1512-0006, and 1512-0524; Paragraph (e) approved by the 
Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0526; all other 
recordkeeping approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control 
number 1512-0129.) 
[T.D. ATF-208, 50 FR 26704, June 28, 1985 and correctly designated at 50 FR 
35081, Aug. 29, 1985, as amended by T.D. ATF-273, 53 FR 24687, June 30, 1988; 
T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10787, Feb. 27, 1995; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17455, April 6, 
1995] 
§ 178.130 Statement of intent to obtain a handgun after February 27, 1994, and 
before November 30, 1998. 
(a)(1) Except as provided in §§ 178.102(d) and 178.131, a licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer shall not sell, deliver, or transfer a 
handgun (other than the return of a handgun to the person from whom it was 
received) unless the licensee has received from the transferee a statement of 
intent to obtain a handgun on Form 5300.35 in duplicate. The statement shall 
contain the transferee's name, address, and date of birth. The transferee must 
date and execute the sworn statement contained on the form showing that the 
transferee is not under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a 
term exceeding 1 year; has not been convicted in any court of such a crime; is 
not a fugitive from justice; is not an unlawful user of or addicted to any 
controlled substance; has not been adjudicated as a mental defective or been 
committed to a mental institution; is not an alien who is illegally or 
unlawfully in the United States; has not been discharged from the Armed Forces 
under dishonorable conditions; and is not a person who, having been a citizen of 
the United States, has renounced such citizenship. 
(2) In order to facilitate the transfer of a handgun and enable the chief law 
enforcement officer to verify the identity of the person acquiring the handgun, 
Form 5300.35 requests certain additional optional information. This information 
includes the social security number, height, weight, sex, alien registration 
number, and place of birth of the transferee. Such information may help avoid 
the possibility of the transferee being misidentified as a felon or other 
prohibited person. 
(b) Upon receipt of Form 5300.35 from the transferee, the licensee shall: 
(1) Verify the identity of the transferee by examining the identification 
document presented and note on Form 5300.35 the type of identification used; and 

(2) Complete Form 5300.35 to show that notice of the transferee's statement of 
intent to obtain a handgun and a copy of the form have been provided to the 
chief law enforcement officer in compliance with § 178.102(a). 
(c) The licensee shall retain the original Form 5300.35 as part of the records 
required to be kept under this subpart. If the sale, delivery, or transfer of 
the handgun to the transferee is made, Form 5300.35 shall be attached to the 
firearms transaction record, Form 4473, executed upon delivery of the handgun as 
provided in § 178.124. If the sale, delivery, or transfer is not made, the 
licensee shall retain Form 5300.35 as part of the records required to be kept 
under this subpart. Forms 5300.35 with respect to which a sale, delivery, or 
transfer did not take place shall be retained in alphabetical (by name of 
transferee) or chronological (by date of transferee's sworn statement) order. 
(d) The requirements of this section shall be in addition to any other 
recordkeeping requirements contained in this part. 
(e) A licensee may obtain, upon request, an emergency supply of Forms 5300.35 
from any regional director (compliance) or local ATF office (compliance). 
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0520) 

[T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 7113, Feb. 14, 1994, as amended by T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 
10787, Feb. 27, 1995]
§ 178.131 Handgun transactions not subject to the waiting period. 
(a)(1) A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer whose 
sale, delivery, or transfer of a handgun is made pursuant to the alternative 
provisions of § 178.102(d) and is not subject to the waiting period prescribed 
by § 178.102(a) shall maintain the records required by this paragraph. 
(2) If the transfer is pursuant to a written statement of the chief law 
enforcement officer in accordance with § 178.102(d)(1), the licensee shall 
retain such statement and attach it to the firearms transaction record, Form 
4473, executed upon delivery of the handgun. 
(3) If the transfer is pursuant to a permit or license in accordance with § 
178.102(d)(2), the licensee shall either retain a copy of the purchaser's permit 
or license and attach it to the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, or 
record on the firearms transaction record, Form 4473, any identifying number, 
the date of issuance, and the expiration date (if provided) from the permit or 
license. 
(4) If the transfer is pursuant to a verification of eligibility to possess a 
handgun (e.g., an instant record check) by a government official in accordance 
with § 178.102(d)(3), the licensee shall attach to the firearms transaction 
record, Form 4473, executed upon delivery of the handgun, a statement showing 
the date of verification and any identifying number assigned to the transaction 
by the agency responsible for conducting the verification of eligibility. 
(5) If the transfer is pursuant to a certification by ATF in accordance with §§ 
178.102(d)(5) and 178.150, the licensee shall maintain the certification as part 
of the records required to be kept under this subpart and for the period 
prescribed for the retention of Form 5300.35 in § 178.129(b). 
(b) The requirements of this section shall be in addition to any other 
recordkeeping requirements contained in this part. (Approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under control number 1512-0520) 
[T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10788, Feb. 27, 1995]
§ 178.132 Dispositions of semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity 
ammunition feeding devices to law enforcement officers for official use.
Licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and licensed dealers in 
semiautomatic assault weapons, as well as persons who manufacture, import, or 
deal in large capacity ammunition feeding devices, may transfer such weapons and 
devices manufactured after September 13, 1994, to law enforcement officers with 
the following documentation:
(a) A written statement from the purchasing officer, under penalty of perjury, 
stating that the weapon is being purchased for use in performing official duties 
and that the weapon is not being acquired for personal use or for purposes of 
transfer or resale; and
(b) A written statement from a supervisor of the purchasing officer, under 
penalty of perjury, stating that the purchasing officer is acquiring the weapon 
for use in official duties, that the firearm is suitable for use in performing 
official duties, and that the weapon is not being acquired for personal use or 
for purposes of transfer or resale.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0526)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17455, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.133 Records of transactions in semiautomatic assault weapons.
The evidence specified in § 178.40(c), relating to transactions in semiautomatic 
assault weapons, shall be retained in the permanent records of the manufacturer 
or dealer and in the records of the licensee to whom the weapons are 
transferred.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0526)
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17455, April 6, 1995]
Subpart I-Exemptions, Seizures, and Forfeitures
§ 178.141 General. 
The provisions of this part shall not apply with respect to: 
(a) The transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any 
firearm or ammunition imported for, sold or shipped to, or issued for the use 
of, the United States or any department or agency thereof or any State or any 
department, agency, or political subdivision thereof.
(b) The shipment or receipt of firearms or ammunition when sold or issued by the 
Secretary of the Army pursuant to section 4308 of Title 10, U.S.C., and the 
transportation of any such firearm or ammunition carried out to enable a person, 
who lawfully received such firearm or ammunition from the Secretary of the Army, 
to engage in military training or in competitions. 
(c) The shipment, unless otherwise prohibited by the Act or any other Federal 
law, by a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer to a 
member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty outside the United States or to 
clubs, recognized by the Department of Defense, whose entire membership is 
composed of such members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and such members or clubs may 
receive a firearm or ammunition determined by the Director to be generally 
recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes and intended for the 
personal use of such member or club. Before making a shipment of firearms or 
ammunition under the provisions of t his paragraph, a licensed importer, 
licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer may submit a written request, in 
duplicate, to the Director for a determination by the Director whether such 
shipment would constitute a violation of the Act or any other Federal law, or 
whether the firearm or ammunition is considered by the Director to be generally 
recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes. 
(d) The transportation, shipment, receipt, possession, or importation of any 
antique firearm. 
[33 FR 18555, Dec. 14, 1968. Redesignated at 40 FR 10835, Apr. 15, 1975, and 
amended by T.D. ATF-241, 51 FR 39628, Oct. 29, 1986; T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10505, 
Mar. 31, 1988; T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 32509, July 17, 1991]
§ 178.142 Effect of pardons and expunctions of convictions. 
(a) A pardon granted by the President of the United States regarding a Federal 
conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year 
shall remove any disability which otherwise would be imposed by the provisions 
of this part with respect to that conviction. 
(b) A pardon granted by the Governor of a State or other State pardoning 
authority or by the pardoning authority of a foreign jurisdiction with respect 
to a conviction, or any expunction, reversal, setting aside of a conviction, or 
other proceeding rendering a conviction nugatory, or a restoration of civil 
rights shall remove any disability which otherwise would be imposed by the 
provisions of this part with respect to the conviction, unless: 
(1) The pardon, expunction, setting aside, or other proceeding rendering a 
conviction nugatory, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the 
person may not ship, transport, possess or receive firearms; or 
(2) The pardon, expunction, setting aside, or other proceeding rendering a 
conviction nugatory, or restoration of civil rights did not fully restore the 
rights of the person to possess or receive firearms under the law of the 
jurisdiction where the conviction occurred.
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10505, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.143 Relief from disabilities incurred by indictment. 
A licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed 
collector who is indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term 
exceeding 1 year may, notwithstanding any other provision of the Act, continue 
operations pursuant to his existing license during the term of such indictment 
and until any conviction pursuant to the indictment becomes final: Provided, 
That if the term of the license expires during the period between the date of 
the indictment and the date the conviction thereunder becomes final, such 
importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector must file a timely application for 
the renewal of his license in order to continue operations. Such application 
shall show that the applicant is under indictment for a crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year. 
§ 178.144 Relief from disabilities under the Act. 
(a) Any person may make application for relief from the disabilities under 
section 922(g) and (n) of the Act (see § 178.32). 
(b) An application for such relief shall be filed, in triplicate, with the 
Director. It shall include the information required by this section and such 
other supporting data as the Director and the applicant deem appropriate. 
(c) Any record or document of a court or other government entity or official 
required by this paragraph to be furnished by an applicant in support of an 
application for relief shall be certified by the court or other government 
entity or official as a true copy. An application shall include: 
(1) In the case of an applicant who is an individual, a written statement from 
each of 3 references, who are not related to the applicant by blood or marriage 
and have known the applicant for at least 3 years, recommending the granting of 
relief; 
(2) Written consent to examine and obtain copies of records and to receive 
statements and information regarding the applicant's background, including 
records, statements and other information concerning employment, medical 
history, military service, and criminal record; 
(3) In the case of an applicant under indictment, a copy of the indictment or 
information; 
(4) In the case of an applicant having been convicted of a crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year, a copy of the indictment or 
information on which the applicant was convicted, the judgment of conviction or 
record of any plea of nolo contendere or plea of guilty or finding of guilt by 
the court, and any pardon, expunction, setting aside or other record purporting 
to show that the conviction was rendered nugatory or that civil rights were 
restored; 
(5) In the case of an applicant who has been adjudicated a mental defective or 
committed to a mental institution, a copy of the order of a court, board, 
commission, or other lawful authority that made the adjudication or ordered the 
commitment, any petition that sought to have the applicant so adjudicated or 
committed, any medical records reflecting the reasons for commitment and 
diagnoses of the applicant, and any court order or finding of a court, board, 
commission, or other lawful authority showing the applicant's discharge from 
commitment, restoration of mental competency and the restoration of rights; 
(6) In the case of an applicant who has been discharged from the Armed Forces 
under dishonorable conditions, a copy of the applicant's summary of service 
record (Department of Defense Form 214), charge sheet (Department of Defense 
Form 458), and final court martial order; and 
(7) In the case of an applicant who, having been a citizen of the United States, 
has renounced his or her citizenship, a copy of the formal renunciation of 
nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a 
foreign state or before an officer designated by the Attorney General when the 
United States was in a state of war (See 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(5) and (6)). 
(d) The Director may grant relief to an applicant if it is established to the 
satisfaction of the Director that the circumstances regarding the disability, 
and the applicant's record and reputation, are such that the applicant will not 
be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that the granting 
of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. The Director will 
not ordinarily grant relief if the applicant has not been discharged from parole 
or probation for a period of at least 2 years. Relief will not be granted to an 
applicant who is prohibited from possessing all types of firearms by the law of 
the State where such applicant resides. 
(e) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section, an 
applicant who has been adjudicated a mental defective or committed to a mental 
institution will not be granted relief unless the applicant was subsequently 
determined by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority to have been 
restored to mental competency, to be no longer suffering from a mental disorder, 
and to have had all rights restored. 
(f) Upon receipt of an incomplete or improperly executed application for relief, 
the applicant shall be notified of the deficiency in the application. If the 
application is not corrected and returned within 30 days following the date of 
notification, the application shall be considered as having been abandoned. 
(g) Whenever the Director grants relief to any person pursuant to this section, 
a notice of such action shall be promptly published in the Federal Register, 
together with the reasons therefor. 
(h) A person who has been granted relief under this section shall be relieved of 
any disabilities imposed by the Act with respect to the acquisition, receipt, 
transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms or ammunition and 
incurred by reason of such disability. 
(i)(1) A licensee who incurs disabilities under the Act (See § 178.32(a)) during 
the term of a current license or while the licensee has pending a license 
renewal application, and who files an application for removal of such 
disabilities, shall not be barred from licensed operations for 30 days following 
the date on which the applicant was first subject to such disabilities (or 30 
days after the date upon which the conviction for a crime punishable by 
imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year becomes final), and if the licensee 
files the application for relief as provided by this section within such 30-day 
period, the licensee may further continue licensed operations during the 
pendency of the application. A licensee who does not file such application 
within such 30-day period shall not continue licensed operations beyond 30 days 
following the date on which the licensee was first subject to such disabilities 
(or 30 days from the date the conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment 
for a term exceeding 1 year becomes final).
(2) In the event the term of a license of a person expires during the 30-day 
period specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this section, or during the pendency of 
the application for relief, a timely application for renewal of the license must 
be filed in order to continue licensed operations. Such license application 
shall show that the applicant is subject to Federal firearms disabilities, shall 
describe the event giving rise to such disabilities, and shall state when the 
disabilities were incurred.
(3) A licensee shall not continue licensed operations beyond 30 days following 
the date the Director issues notification that the licensee's applications for 
removal of disabilities has been denied.
(4) When as provided in this paragraph a licensee may no longer continue 
licensed operations, any application for renewal of license filed by the 
licensee during the pendency of the application for removal of disabilities 
shall be denied by the regional director (compliance).
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10506, Mar. 31, 1988, as amended by T.D. ATF-313, 56 FR 
32509, July 17, 1991; 56 FR 43649, Sept. 3, 1991]
§ 178.145 Research organizations. 
The provisions of § 178.98 with respect to the sale or delivery of destructive 
devices, machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and short-barreled rifles shall 
not apply to the sale or delivery of such devices and weapons to any research 
organization designated by the Director to receive same. A research organization 
desiring such designation shall submit a letter application, in duplicate, to 
the Director. Such application shall contain the name and address of the 
research organization, the names and addresses of the persons directing or 
controlling, directly or indirectly, the policies and management of such 
organization, the nature and purpose of the research being conducted, a 
description of the devices and weapons to be received, and the identity of the 
person or persons from whom such devices and weapons are to be received. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.146 Deliveries by mail to certain persons. 
The provisions of this part shall not be construed as prohibiting a licensed 
importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer from depositing a firearm 
for conveyance in the mails to any officer, employee, agent, or watchman who, 
pursuant to the provisions of section 1715 of title 18, U.S.C., is eligible to 
receive through the mails pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of 
being concealed on the person, for use in connection with his official duties. 
§ 178.147 Return of firearm. 
A person not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State or local law may ship a 
firearm to a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer for 
any lawful purpose, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the 
licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer may return in 
interstate or foreign commerce to that person the firearm or a replacement 
firearm of the same kind and type. See § 178.124(a) for requirements of a Form 
4473 prior to return. A person not otherwise prohibited by Federal, State or 
local law may ship a firearm curio or relic to a licensed collector for any 
lawful purpose, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the 
licensed collector may return in interstate or foreign commerce to that person 
the firearm curio or relic. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.148 Armor piercing ammunition intended for sporting or industrial 
purposes. 
The Director may exempt certain armor piercing ammunition from the requirements 
of this part. A person who desires to obtain an exemption under this section for 
any such ammunition which is primarily intended for sporting purposes or 
intended for industrial purposes, including charges used in oil and gas well 
perforating devices, shall submit a written request to the Director. Each 
request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and contain a complete 
and accurate description of the ammunition, the name and address of the 
manufacturer or importer, the purpose of and use for which it is designed and 
intended, and any photographs, diagrams, or drawings as may be necessary to 
enable the Director to make a determination. The Director may require that a 
sample of the ammunition be submitted for examination and evaluation. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.149 Armor piercing ammunition manufactured or imported for the purpose of 
testing or experimentation. 
The provisions of §§ 178.37 and 178.99(d) with respect to the manufacture or 
importation of armor piercing ammunition and the sale or delivery of armor 
piercing ammunition by manufacturers and importers shall not apply to the 
manufacture, importation, sale or delivery of armor piercing ammunition for the 
purpose of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director. A person 
desiring such authorization to receive armor piercing ammunition shall submit a 
letter application, in duplicate, to the Director. Such application shall 
contain the name and addresses of the persons directing or controlling, directly 
or indirectly, the policies and management of the applicant, the nature or 
purpose of the testing or experimentation, a description of the armor piercing 
ammunition to be received, and the identity of the manufacturer or importer from 
whom such ammunition is to be received. The approved application shall be 
submitted to the manufacturer or importer who shall retain a copy as part of the 
records required by Subpart H of this part. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988]
§ 178.150 Alternative to handgun waiting period in certain geographical 
locations. 
(a) The provisions of § 178.102(d)(5) shall be applicable when the Director has 
certified that compliance with the waiting period provisions of § 178.102(a) is 
impracticable because: 
(1) The ratio of the number of law enforcement officers of the State in which 
the transfer is to occur to the number of square miles of land area of the State 
does not exceed 0.0025; 
(2) The business premises of the licensee at which the transfer is to occur are 
extremely remote in relation to the chief law enforcement officer; and 
(3) There is an absence of telecommunications facilities in the geographical 
area in which the business premises are located. 
(b) A licensee who desires to obtain a certification under this section shall 
submit a written request to the Director. Each request shall be executed under 
the penalties of perjury and contain information sufficient for the Director to 
make such certification. Such information shall include statistical data, 
official reports, or other statements of government agencies pertaining to the 
ratio of law enforcement officers to the number of square miles of land area of 
a State and statements of government agencies and private utility companies 
regarding the absence of telecommunications facilities in the geographical area 
in which the licensee's business premises are located. 
[T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 7114, Feb. 14, 1994, as amended by T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 
10788, Feb. 27, 1995]
§ 178.151 Semiautomatic rifles or shotguns for testing or experimentation. 
(a) The provisions of § 178.39 shall not apply to the assembly of semiautomatic 
rifles or shotguns for the purpose of testing or experimentation as authorized 
by the Director. 
(b) A person desiring authorization to assemble nonsporting semiautomatic rifles 
or shotguns shall submit a written request, in duplicate, to the Director. Each 
such request shall be executed under the penalties of perjury and shall contain 
a complete and accurate description of the firearm to be assembled, and such 
diagrams or drawings as may be necessary to enable the Director to make a 
determination. The Director may require the submission of the firearm parts for 
examination and evaluation. If the submission of the firearm parts is 
impractical, the person requesting the authorization shall so advise the 
Director and designate the place where the firearm parts will be available for 
examination and evaluation. 
[T.D. ATF-346, 58 FR 40590, July 29, 1993]
§ 178.152 Seizure and forfeiture. 
(a) Any firearm or ammunition involved in or used in any knowing violation of 
subsections (a)(4), (a)(6), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), or (k) of section 922 of 
the Act, or knowing importation or bringing into the United States or any 
possession thereof any firearm or ammunition in violation of section 922(l) of 
the Act, or knowing violation of section 924 of the Act, or willful violation of 
any other provision of the Act or of this part, or any violation of any other 
criminal law of the United States, or any firearm or ammunition intended to be 
used in any offense referred to in paragraph (c) of this section, where such 
intent is demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence, shall be subject to 
seizure and forfeiture, and all provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and disposition of firearms, as defined in 
section 5845(a) of that Code, shall, so far as applicable, extend to seizures 
and forfeitures under the provisions of the Act: Provided, That upon acquittal 
of the owner or possessor, or dismissal of the charges against such person other 
than upon motion of the Government prior to trial, or lapse of or court 
termination of the restraining order to which he is subject, the seized or 
relinquished firearms or ammunition shall be returned forthwith to the owner or 
possessor or to a person delegated by the owner or possessor unless the return 
of the firearms or ammunition would place the owner or possessor or the delegate 
of the owner or possessor in violation of law. Any action or proceeding for the 
forfeiture of firearms or ammunition shall be commenced within 120 days of such 
seizure. 
(b) Only those firearms or quantities of ammunition particularly named and 
individually identified as involved in or used in any violation of the 
provisions of the Act or this part, or any other criminal law of the United 
States or as intended to be used in any offense referred to in paragraph (c) of 
this section, where such intent is demonstrated by clear and convincing 
evidence, shall be subject to seizure, forfeiture and disposition. 
(c) The offenses referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section for which 
firearms and ammunition intended to be used in such offenses are subject to 
seizure and forfeiture are: 
(1) Any crime of violence, as that term is defined in section 924(c)(3) of the 
Act; 
(2) Any offense punishable under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et 
seq.) or the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act (21 U.S.C. 951 et 
seq.); 
(3) Any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), or 
922(b)(3) of the Act, where the firearm or ammunition intended to be used in 
such offense is involved in a pattern of activities which includes a violation 
of any offense described in section 922(a)(1), 922(a)(3), 922(a)(5), or 
922(b)(3) of the Act; 
(4) Any offense described in section 922(d) of the Act where the firearm or 
ammunition is intended to be used in such offense by the transferor of such 
firearm or ammunition; 
(5) Any offense described in section 922(i), 922(j), 922(l), 922(n), or 924(b) 
of the Act; and 
(6) Any offense which may be prosecuted in a court of the United States which 
involves the exportation of firearms or ammunition. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988; Redesignated at T.D. ATF-354, 59 FR 
7114, Feb. 14, 1994, and further redesignated by T.D. ATF-361, 60 FR 10788, Feb. 
27, 1995; T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17455, April 6, 1995]
§ 178.153 Semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding 
devices manufactured or imported for the purposes of testing or experimentation.
The provisions of § 178.40 with respect to the manufacture, transfer, or 
possession of a semiautomatic assault weapon, and § 178.40a with respect to 
large capacity ammunition feeding devices, shall not apply to the manufacture, 
transfer, or possession of such weapons or devices by a manufacturer or importer 
for the purposes of testing or experimentation as authorized by the Director. A 
person desiring such authorization shall submit a letter application, in 
duplicate, to the Director. Such application shall contain the name and 
addresses of the persons directing or controlling, directly or indirectly, the 
policies and management of the applicant, the nature or purpose of the testing 
or experimentation, a description of the weapons or devices to be manufactured 
or imported, and the source of the weapons or devices. The approved application 
shall be retained as part of the records required by Subpart H of this part.
[T.D. ATF-363, 60 FR 107456, April 6, 1995]
Subpart J - [Reserved]
Subpart K-Exportation 
§ 178.171 Exportation. 
Firearms and ammunition shall be exported in accordance with the applicable 
provisions of section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) and 
regulations thereunder. However, licensed manufacturers, licensed importers, and 
licensed dealers exporting firearms shall maintain records showing the 
manufacture or acquisition of the firearms as required by this part and records 
showing the name and address of the foreign consignee of the firearms and the 
date the firearms were exported. Licensed manufacturers and licensed importers 
exporting armor piercing ammunition and semiautomatic assault weapons 
manufactured after September 13, 1994, shall maintain records showing the name 
and address of the foreign consignee and the date the armor piercing ammunition 
or semiautomatic assault weapons were exported. 
[T.D. ATF-270, 53 FR 10507, Mar. 31, 1988; T. D. ATF-363, 60 FR 17456, April 6, 
1995]

This file was last modified on August 25, 1998.

Source: http://www.atf.treas.gov/pub/gca.htm, 1998.