The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has changed its rules for multiple sales of certain types of semi-automatic rifles in California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas due to their proximity to the southwest border.
In a letter sent to Type 07 and Type 08 Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) on June 28, 2024, the ATF told these manufacturers and importers that starting on October 1, 2024, they must fill out an ATF Form 3310.12 if a buyer purchases two or more semi-automatic rifles that can take a detachable magazine and chambered in a round greater than .22 (including .223/5.56 caliber) within a five-business day period. Currently, all FFLs across the country must report multiple handgun sales to the ATF. In southern border states, Type 01 gun shops and pawn shops must report sales of multiple semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines.
“You must submit to ATF reports of multiple sales or other dispositions whenever, at one time or during any five consecutive business days, you sell or otherwise dispose of two or more semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22 (including .223/5.56 caliber) to an unlicensed person,” the letter reads. “You are encouraged to begin reporting immediately but are required to report all such sales that occur on or after October 1, 2024. You must continue reporting multiple sales for the rifles subject to this demand letter until we provide written notice to stop.”
The business must include the firearms’ makes, models, and serial numbers. The ATF also demands the name and address of the buyer as well as driver’s license numbers and other identifiable information. The FFL is then required to send the completed form to the ATF in Martinsburg, WV. This ATF location is the same as the controversial out-of-business office that some Republicans in Congress have called a registry.
The ATF claims that the new requirement is to combat the flow of firearms to Mexican drug cartels. According to law enforcement, cartels are using straw purchasers to acquire guns to be smuggled into Mexico from the southwest states. Ironically, one of the most extensive gun-running operations in history, Fast & Furious, was run by the ATF itself.
“To assist its efforts in investigating and combating the illegal movement of firearms along and across the Southwest border, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now requiring all licensed manufacturers and importers (in addition to dealers and pawnbrokers who are already so required) in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas to submit record information concerning multiple sales of certain rifles,” the letter reads. “ATF has the authority to issue this letter to collect such record information from federal firearms licensees (FFLs) under 18 U.S.C. § 923(g)(5), and that authority has been delegated by ATF’s Director to the Chief of the National Tracing Center.”
Although importers and manufacturers are not required to follow the new rule until October 1, 2024, the ATF is encouraging these businesses to start reporting multiple sales as soon as possible.
About John Crump
John is a NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. John has written about firearms, interviewed people of all walks of life, and on the Constitution. Mr. Crump lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons and can be followed on Twitter at @crumpyss, or at www.crumpy.com.
Even after getting slapped down for “making laws,” the BATF doesn’t learn. Time to disband the organization. Probably time to put the treasonous leadership in the GrayBar Hotel.
Hey ATF idiots: go enforce law AT THE BORDER and in ‘Sanctuary Cities’ so you don’t have to infringe more on Americans’ GUARANTEED RIGHTS. Democrats always pretend to have the solution to the problems THEY CAUSED. F the ATF.
That whole “Chevron Deference” ruling must have escaped their notice.
“ATF has the authority to issue this letter to collect such record information from federal firearms licensees”
the ATF seems to think alot of things that are wrong.
I am not a FFL holder, but I do live about 7 miles from the U.S. Mexico Border. The BATFE has been stretching, twisting, and outright breaking their own rules and regs. as well as federal law, for their entire existence.
I knew all about ” Fast and Furious” for over a year, before A.G. Eric Holder claims he was made aware of it. Sad and disgusted.
Sounds like a registry to me. I recently acquired a suppressor. You have to pay to get permission from the ATF, so they know I have it, all m personal info with pic and prints, make, model and serial number. Then you have to do the 4173 (it’s not a firearm!) There’s another record at the FFL and ATF. Then the Seller has to send a registered letter to your local PD and can’t send it to you until 7 days after they respond (there is no limit on how long they can take). So the local police know I… Read more »