U.S.

Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ATF Guidebook -
Importation & Verification of Firearms,
Ammunition, and Implements of War

Firearms Verification
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 2

Firearms Verification Overview

Marking Requirements
Licensed Importer – 18 U.S.C. § 923(i) and 27 CFR § 478.92
26 U.S.C. § 5842 and 27 CFR § 479.102

1. SERIAL NUMBER

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame or

receiver
• The serial number cannot duplicate the serial number appearing on any other firearm the
importer previously imported
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print
size no smaller than 1/16 inch

2. NAME of MANUFACTURER

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

3. COUNTRY of ORIGIN

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the country of origin must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

4. MODEL DESIGNATION (If assigned)

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the model designation must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

5. CALIBER OR GAUGE

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the caliber or gauge must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

6. NAME of IMPORTER

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 3

For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the importer’s name must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

7. CITY & STATE of the IMPORTER

• Must be conspicuously engraved, cast or stamped (impressed) on the firearm frame,

receiver, barrel or slide
• For firearms imported after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting or stamping
(impressing) of the importer’s city and state must be to a minimum depth of .003 inch

NOTE: The importer must ensure that these marks of identification appear on each firearm. If
the manufacturer did not mark them, the importer must place the required markings on the
firearm within 15 days after their release from Customs and Border Protection custody. The
Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may authorize other means of
firearms identification upon receipt of a letter application from the importer, submitted in
duplicate, showing that such other means of identification is reasonable and will not hinder the
effective administration of the regulations.

Identification of Firearms

MARKING REQUIREMENTS – FIREARMS (27 CFR 478.92)

Sec. 478.92 How must licensed manufacturers and licensed importers identify firearms,
armor piercing ammunition?

(a)(1) Firearms. You, as a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer of firearms, must legibly
identify each firearm manufactured or imported as follows:

(i) 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 an individual serial number. The serial number must be
placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed,
and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For
firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving,
casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a minimum depth
of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and

(ii) 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 certain additional information. This information
must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or
removed. For firearms manufactured or imported on and after January 30, 2002,
the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be to a
minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:

(A) The model, if such designation has been made;

(B) The caliber or gauge:
(C) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable,
the
name of the foreign manufacturer;
(D) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 4

(or recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer

maintain your place of business; and
(E) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which
it
was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation
thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For
additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs
regulations at 19 CFR part 134.

(2) Firearm frames or receivers. A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component
part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of
by you must be identified as required by this section.

(3) Special markings for semiautomatic assault weapons, effective July 5,

1995. In
the case of any semiautomatic assault weapon manufactured after September 13,
1994, you must mark the frame or receiver “RESTRICTED LAW
ENFORCEMENT/GOVERNMENT USE ONLY'' or, in the case of weapons
manufactured for export, “FOR EXPORT ONLY,'' in a manner not susceptible of
being readily obliterated, altered, or removed. For weapons manufactured or
imported on and after January 30, 2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping
(impressing) of the special markings prescribed in this paragraph (a)(3) must be to
a minimum depth of .003 inch.

NOTE: SECTION 478.92(a)(3) REPEALED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2004

(4) Exceptions:

(i) Alternate means of identification. The Director may authorize other

means of identification upon receipt of a letter application from you,
submitted 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 from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that engraving,
casting,
or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or
impracticable.

(iii) Machine guns, silencers, and parts. Any part defined as a

machine gun,
firearm muffler, or firearm silencer in Sec. 478.11, that is not a
component
part of a complete weapon at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise
disposed of by you, must 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
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 5

silencers upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in

duplicate,
showing that such other identification is reasonable and will not hinder
the
effective administration of this part.

(5) Measurement of height and depth of markings. The depth of all markings
required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of the metal and not
the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of
this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the
character impression bottoms (bases).

(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 letter
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 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.

(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:
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 6

(A) With the name of the manufacturer, country of origin, and,

(B) Effective July 5, 1995, the name, city and State (or recognized
abbreviation
thereof) of the importer.

(iii) Further, large capacity ammunition feeding devices manufactured after

September 13, 1994, shall be marked “RESTRICTED LAW ENFORCEMENT/
GOVERNMENT USE ONLY'' or, in the case of devices manufactured or imported
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
[Link] belted ammunition are only required to place the identification
marks prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) on 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

NOTE: SECTION 478.92(c) REPEALED ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2004

MARKING REQUIREMENTS – NFA FIREARMS (27 CFR § 479.102)

Section 479.102 How must firearms be identified?

(a) You, as a manufacturer, importer, or maker of a firearm, must legibly identify the firearm as
follows:

(1) 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 an individual serial number. The serial number must be
placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered, or removed,
and must not duplicate any serial number placed by you on any other firearm. For
firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30, 2002, the
engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of the serial number must be to a
minimum depth of .003 inch and in a print size no smaller than 1/16 inch; and

(2) 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 certain additional information. This information
must be placed in a manner not susceptible of being readily obliterated, altered or
removed. For firearms manufactured, imported, or made on and after January 30,
2002, the engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) of this information must be
to a minimum depth of .003 inch. The additional information includes:
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 7

(i) The model, if such designation has been made;

(ii) The caliber or gauge;
(iii) Your name (or recognized abbreviation) and also, when applicable,
the same of the foreign manufacturer or maker;
(iv) In the case of a domestically made firearm, the city and State (or
recognized abbreviation thereof) where you as the manufacturer
maintain your place of business, or where you, as the maker, made the
firearm; and
(v) In the case of an imported firearm, the name of the country in which
it was manufactured and the city and State (or recognized abbreviation
thereof) where you as the importer maintain your place of business. For
additional requirements relating to imported firearms, see Customs
regulations at 19 CFR part 134.

( b) The depth of all markings required by this section will be measured from the flat surface of
the metal and not the peaks or ridges. The height of serial numbers required by paragraph (a)
(1) of this section will be measured as the distance between the latitudinal ends of the
character impression bottoms (bases).

(c) The Director may authorize other means of identification upon receipt of a letter application
from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is reasonable and will
not hinder the effective administration of this part.

(d) In the case of a destructive device, the Director may authorize other means of identifying
that weapon upon receipt of a letter application from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that
engraving, casting, or stamping (impressing) such a weapon would be dangerous or
impracticable.

(e) A firearm frame or receiver that is not a component part of a complete weapon at the time it
is sold, shipped, or otherwise disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.

(f)(1) Any part defined as a machine gun, muffler, or silencer for the purposes of this part that
is not a component part of a complete firearm at the time it is sold, shipped, or otherwise
disposed of by you must be identified as required by this section.

(2) 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 from you, submitted in duplicate, showing that such other identification is
reasonable and will not hinder the effective administration of this
part.

ATF Rulings

ATF Ruling 2002-6

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has been asked by State and local law
enforcement officials to trace firearms that are marked, in part, with non-Roman letters and/or
non-Arabic numbers. Specifically, ATF received a request to trace a Makarov type pistol made
in Bulgaria. The original manufacturer marking was ИМ 18 355. Because the importer did not
stamp the firearm with a unique identifier that could be recognized by either ATF or a State or
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 8

local law enforcement official, and because the marking contained a Cyrillic character, the
firearm was not properly recorded, resulting in a failed trace of the weapon.

Because markings with non-Roman characters or non-Arabic are not easily recorded or
transmitted through means by importers, dealers, or distributors, many firearm traces have
proved unsuccessful. In some cases, an importer attempts to translate portions of the
markings into Roman letters and Arabic numbers and re-marks the weapon with the serial
number ДМ7639И. The importer translated the marking as LM7639i but rather than restamp
the entire number merely added the letters “L” and “i” below the original markings. This
practice often results in failed traces because those required to record the markings (importers,
dealers, or distributors) may record only the translated portions or both sets of markings.
Moreover, law enforcement recovering a firearm with such markings may submit a trace
request lacking some portion of the markings, further impeding efforts to successfully trace the
firearm.

In addition, ATF has found that some traces have failed because the required markings on the
firearms barrel were wholly partially obstructed from plain view by a flash suppressor or
bayonet mount, resulting in the Federal Firearms Licensee creating an inaccurate record. ATF
has been unable to trace hundreds of firearms as a result of nonstandard or obscured
markings.

As a result of these practices, some licensed importers my not be in compliance with the
marking requirements set forth in 27 CFR 178.92* and 27 CFR 179.102* because they have
marked using non-Roman letters (such as Greek or Russian letters, ∆ or Д) or non-Arabic
numbers (e.g., XXV).

The above regulations require markings that legibly identify each item or package and require
that such markings be conspicuous. ATF has consistently taken the position that “legibly”
marked means using exclusively Roman letters, (A, a, B, b, C, c, and so forth) and
‘conspicuous” means that all required markings must be placed in such a manner as to be
wholly unobstructed from plain view. These regulation apply to licensed manufacturers and
licensed importers relative to firearms, armor piercing ammunition, and large capacity
ammunition feeding devices, and to makers of National Firearms Act firearms.

Firearms, armor piercing ammunition and large capacity ammunition feeding devices which
contain required markings or labels using non-Roman letters (such as Greek or Russian
letters, ∆ or Д) or non-Arabic letter (e.g., XXV), must be completely remarked or relabeled with
a new serial number or other required markings that satisfy the legibility requirements
described above. It is not sufficient to simply add an additional Roman letter or Arabic numeral
to a nonconforming marking; a new and unique marking using Roman letters and Arabic
numerals is required. When feasible, the new markings should be placed directly above the
non-compliant markings.

Similarly, firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices which contain required
markings obstructed in whole or in part from plain view must be remarked with required
markings that satisfy the conspicuousness requirements described above. For example,
required markings may not be placed on a portion of the barrel where the markings would be
wholly or partially obstructed from view by another part of the firearm, such as a flash
suppressor or bayonet mount.
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 9

In certain unavoidable circumstances owing mainly to firearms of unusual design or other

limiting factor(s) which would limit the ability of the manufacturer or importer to comply with the
above legibility and conspicuousness requirements, alternate means of identification may be
authorized as described in 27 CFR 178.92(a)(3)(i), (ii), or (iii)* and 27 CFR 178.92(c)(3)(iii)*.

Held, a Makarov type pistol imported from Bulgaria utilizing Cyrillic letters or non-Arabic
numbers is not marked in accordance with 27 CFR 178.92* and 27 CFR 179.102*.

Held further, an imported firearm with any part of the required marking partially or wholly
obstructed from plain view is not marked in accordance with section 27 CFR 178.92* and 27
CFR 179.102*.

Date signed: November 5, 2002

* New provisions are under Parts 478 and 479, not 178 and 179.

Firearms Verification - Marking Requirements

ATF Ruling 75-28

The Bureau has determined that in some cases, the serial number placed on a firearm by a
foreign manufacturer is adequate to provide the identification number by 27 CFR § 178.928*.
See also 27 CFR § 178.22(a)*.

Held, where a serial number has been placed on the frame or receiver of a firearm by a foreign
manufacturer in the manner contemplated by 27 CFR § 178.92*, and such serial number does
not duplicate a number previously adopted or assigned by the import to any other firearm, the
importer may adopt the serial number of the foreign manufacturer.

Provided, the importer shall in all cases place his name and address (city and state or
recognized abbreviation thereof), and any other marks necessary to comply with the
identification requirements of 27 CFR § 178.92*, on such imported firearms.

* New provisions are under Parts 478 and 479, not 178 and 179.

Firearms Verification - Marking Requirements

Industry Circular

Industry Circular 77-20

DUPLICATION OF SERIAL NUMBERS BY LICENSED IMPORTERS

ATF has noted cases where some licensed importers have adopted the same serial number
for more than one firearm. These instances of duplication have generally occurred when
firearms are received from more than one source.
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 10

Title 27 CFR § 178.92* requires that the serial number affixed to a firearm must not duplicate
the number affixed to any other firearm that you import into the United States. Those of you
who import destructive devices are under the same requirement due to the inclusion of
destructive devices in the definition of firearm as used in 27 CFR § 178.11*. ATF Ruling 75-28
also reminds you of the other identifying marks required by 27 CFR § 178.92*. In addition to a
unique serial number, each firearm must be marked to show the model (if any); the caliber or
gauge; the name of the manufacturer and importer, or recognizable abbreviations; the country
of manufacture; and the city and State (or recognized abbreviations) in which your licensed
premises are located.

NOTE: All cited references to regulation and statutes in the foregoing ATF rulings and industry
circular use identifiers and section indicators in effect at the time the rulings and industry
circular were approved. On January 24, 2003, ATF was part of a reorganization of government
which placed it under the Department of Justice (DOJ). This transition resulted in certain
changes within the numbering system and identification of ATF’s regulations now issued and
referenced under the authority of DOJ.

* New provision us under Part 478, not 178.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 11

Firearm
18 U.S.C., § 921(a)(3)

NOTE: This section is intended to provide basic guidance in understanding firearm terminology.
Please bear in mind that these illustrations do not necessarily depict importable firearms.

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.

Firearm Frame or Receiver

 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 12

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. 27 CFR § 478.11.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 13

Antique Firearm
18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(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.
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 14

C. Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol, which is
designed to use black powder, or black powder substitute, and which cannot use fixed
ammunition. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term antique firearm shall not include
any weapon which includes a firearm frame or receiver, any firearm which is converted
into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily
converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock or any
combination thereof.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 15

Ammunition
18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(A)

The term "AMMUNITION" means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant
powder designed for use in any 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. 27 CFR § 478.11

Armor piercing ammunition – 18 U.S.C., § 921(a)(17)(B)

• 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
• 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.

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 Attorney General finds is
primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes, or any other projectile or
projectile core which the Attorney General finds is intended to be used for industrial
purposes, including a charge used in an oil and gas well perforating device.
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 16

Silencer
18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24)

The term "FIREARM SILENCER " or

"FIREARM MUFFLER" means any
device for silencing, muffling, or
diminishing the report of a portable
firearm, including any combination of
parts, designed or redesigned, and
intended for the use in assembling or
fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm
muffler, any part intended only for use in
such assembly or fabrication.

NOTE: Any device that meets the definition as stipulated above in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)
(24) is also subject to controls of the National Firearms Act 26 U.S.C., Chapter 53.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 17

Pistol
18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(29) And 27 CFR § 478.11

The term "PISTOL" means 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 chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s);

• and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending
below the line of the bore(s).

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the pistol
category. Since pistol configurations differ significantly, various models in this
classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration,
but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any given design.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 18

Revolver
18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(29) And 27 CFR § 478.11

The term "REVOLVER" means 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.

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the

revolver category. Since revolver configurations differ significantly, various
models in this classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a
revised configuration but not necessarily all components shown will be
incorporated in any one given design.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 19

Rifle
18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(7) And 27 CFR § 478.11

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.

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the rifle
category. Since rifle configurations differ significantly, various models in this
classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration
but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given
design.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - Gun Control Act Definitions 20

Shotgun
18 U.S.C. § 921 (a)(5) And 27 CFR § 478.11

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.

NOTE: This illustration shows the primary characteristics exhibited in the shotgun
category. Since shotgun configurations differ significantly, various models in this
classification may exhibit any of the illustrated components in a revised configuration
but not necessarily all components shown will be incorporated in any one given
design.

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 21

Firearm
26 U.S.C. Chapter 53

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the following definitions are used to define and verify the
different types of firearms:

§ 5845(d) – 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.

§ 5845(a)(1) – The term "FIREARM" means a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in
length;

§ 5845(a)(2) – The term "FIREARM" means a weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has
an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;

Rifle– 26 U.S.C., § 5485(a)

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the following definitions are used to define and verify the
different types of firearms:
 Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 22

§ 5845(c) – 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.

§ 5845(a)(3) – The term "FIREARM" means a rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;

§ 5845(a)(4) – The term "FIREARM" means a weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an
overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;

ATF Internet
 Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 23

Silencer
26 U.S.C. § 5845(a)(7)

For the purposes of the National

Firearms Act the term Silencer is
defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(24)

The term "FIREARM SILENCER " or

"FIREARM MUFFLER" means any
device for silencing, muffling, or
diminishing the report of a portable
firearm, including any combination of
parts, designed or redesigned, and
intended for the use in assembling or
fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm
muffler, any part intended only for use in
such assembly or fabrication.

NOTE: Any device that meets the definition as stipulated above in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)
(24) is also subject to controls as defined in the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C.,
Chapter 53.

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Machinegun
26 U.S.C. § 5845(b)

For the
purposes of
the
National
Firearms
Act the
term

Machinegun means:

• 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 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 machinegun, or
• 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.

NOTE: Due to the similarity in appearance and general configuration of

semiautomatic firearms, a comprehensive examination of the firearm and/or its
component parts is required to correctly determine its classification.

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Any Other Weapon

26 U.S.C. § 5845(e)

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the term "ANY OTHER WEAPON " means:

• Any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can
be discharged through the energy of an explosive;
• A pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a
fixed shotgun shell;
• Weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18
inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel
without manual reloading; and
• Any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire.

Such term shall not include a pistol or a revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or
weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing
fixed ammunition.

Examples of "ANY OTHER WEAPON" include:

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Destructive Device
26 U.S.C. § 5845(f)

For the
purposes of
the National
Firearms Act,
the term

"DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE” means:

• A missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than 1/4 oz.

• Any type of weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may readily be
converted to expel a projectile, by the action of an explosive or other propellant, the
barrel or barrels of which have a bore greater than one-half inch in diameter.
• A combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a device into a
destructive device and from which a destructive device can be readily assembled.

Exemptions:

• A shotgun or shotgun shell which is determined by the Attorney General to be generally

recognized as particularly suitable for sporting purposes.
• a device which is neither designed nor redesigned for use as a weapon,
• a device which is designed or redesigned for use as a signaling, pyrotechnic, line-
throwing, safety, or similar device,
• surplus ordnance sold, loaded, or given by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to law
such as antique, obsolete bronze or iron cannon,
• a device which the Attorney General determines is not likely to be used as a weapon.
• An antique firearm, or
• a rifle which the owner intended to use solely for sporting purposes.
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Antique Firearm
26 U.S.C. § 5845(g)

For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the term "ANTIQUE FIREARM" means any
firearm not intended or redesigned for using rim fire or conventional center fire ignition with
fixed ammunition and manufactured in or before 1898 (including any matchlock, flintlock,
percussion cap or similar type of ignition system or replica thereof, whether actually
manufactured before or after the year 1898) and also any firearm using fixed ammunition
manufactured in or before 1898, for which ammunition is no longer manufactured in the United
States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

Examples of "ANTIQUE WEAPONS" include:

1. Muzzleloading Rifle (made in or before 1898 or a Replica thereof)

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 16 inches and/or an overall length less than 26 inches, it is not
subject to NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a
primitive ignition system identified as an exempting characteristic.

2. Original Percussion Shotgun

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 18 inches and/or an overall length less than 26 inches, it is not
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subject to NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a

primitive ignition system identified as an exempting characteristic.

3. Original Antique Rifle

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 16 inches, it is subject to NFA regulations governing those
dimensions because it employs a conventional ignition system and uses fixed
ammunition that is readily available through ordinary channels of commercial
trade. Consequently, this weapon would be classified as a "Short-barreled
Shotgun" and therefore all NFA regulations apply.

4. Original Antique Shotgun

 Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 31

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 18 inches, it is subject to NFA regulations governing minimum
dimensions because it employs a conventional ignition system and uses fixed
ammunition that is readily available through ordinary channels of commercial
trade. Consequently, this weapon would be classified as a "short-barreled
Shotgun" and therefore all NFA regulations.

5. Original Antique Rifle

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 16 inches and is less than 16 inches in overall length, it is subject to
NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a conventional
ignition system and uses fixed ammunition that is readily available through
ordinary channels of commercial trade. Consequently, this weapon would be
 Firearms Verification - National Firearms Act Definitions 32

classified as a "Weapon made from a Rifle" and therefore all NFA regulations
apply.

6. Original Antique Shotgun

◦ Determinants for Classification: Even though this weapon may exhibit a barrel
shorter than 18 inches and is less than 16 inches in overall length, it is subject to
NFA regulations governing those dimensions because it employs a conventional
ignition system and uses fixed ammunition that is readily available through
ordinary channels of commercial trade. Consequently, this weapon would be
classified as a "Weapon made from a Rifle" and therefore all NFA regulations
apply.