Simone Lawson
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requires federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to report multiple handgun purchases by the same individual within a certain time frame. This is done to investigate potential firearms trafficking cases. The ATF Form 3310.4 is used to report the purchase of two or more handguns within a five-day period, and it must be submitted to the ATF and the local law enforcement agency. While some gun shop owners have stated that ATF agents have visited individuals who purchased multiple firearms, others have mentioned that their customers who made multiple purchases were not contacted by the ATF.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to report multiple handgun purchases to the ATF? | Federal firearms licensees (FFLs) |
| When do FFLs need to report multiple handgun purchases? | When there is a sale or other disposition of multiple firearms to the same purchaser within a certain time period. |
| What constitutes a "business day" for reporting purposes? | A day that a licensee conducts business pursuant to the license, regardless of whether state offices are open. |
| What is considered a "multiple" handgun purchase? | Purchasing more than 2 firearms in a 5-day period. |
| What form do FFLs need to use to report multiple handgun sales? | ATF Form 3310.4 or ATF Form 3310.12 |
| How many copies of the form need to be submitted? | 3 copies: 1 sent to ATF, 1 to the Chief Local Law Enforcement Official (CLEO), and 1 attached to the Firearms Transaction Record ATF Form 4473. |
| Where should the forms be sent? | ATF National Tracing Center: by fax at 1-877-283-0288, email MultipleHandgunSalesForms@atf.gov, or mail to U.S. Department of Justice NTC - MS P.O. Box 0279 Kearneysville, WV 25430–0279 |
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What You'll Learn
The ATF's definition of 'multiple'
The ATF's definition of "multiple" in the context of handgun purchases is not entirely clear, but it is generally understood to mean the purchase of more than one firearm in a single transaction or within a certain time frame. According to the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, federal firearms licensees (FFLs) are required to submit a report to the ATF when there is a sale or disposition of multiple firearms to the same purchaser within a specified time period. This requirement applies to Type 01 dealers, Type 02 pawnbrokers, Type 07 manufacturers, and Type 08 importers.
The ATF Form 3310.4, also known as the "Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Firearms," is used to report the multiple sales of handguns. This form must be completed and submitted by the FFL to the ATF, with additional copies sent to the local law enforcement agency and retained in the FFL's files. The form typically applies to the purchase of two or more pistols or revolvers by an unlicensed person within a five-day period.
In certain states, such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, there are additional requirements for reporting multiple firearms sales. These states must report the multiple sales of specific types of rifles, including semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting detachable magazines and with a caliber greater than .22. The ATF has also been authorized to enforce the reporting of multiple sales or dispositions of certain rifles in these states.
It is important to note that the ATF does not always conduct home visits or follow-ups after multiple firearm purchases. However, they may investigate possible firearms trafficking cases based on the information gathered from multiple sales transactions. The ATF's focus is on combating the illegal movement of firearms, particularly along the Southwest border.
While there may be some variations and exceptions, the ATF generally defines "multiple" handgun purchases as more than one firearm acquired by the same individual within a specific time frame, typically within five consecutive business days. This definition triggers the reporting requirements for FFLs and helps the ATF monitor and investigate potential firearms-related issues.
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Reporting process
The ATF requires the reporting of multiple handgun purchases by an individual within a certain timeframe. This is to ensure that firearms do not end up in the hands of prohibited persons, which includes individuals who are not federal firearms licensees.
The reporting process for multiple handgun sales is as follows:
- Identification of Reportable Sales: Firstly, it is important to identify when a report needs to be filed. A report is required when two or more handguns are sold or transferred to the same individual at the same time or within five consecutive business days. Here, "business days" refer to days when the licensee conducts business, regardless of whether state offices are open.
- Record-Keeping: To effectively identify reportable sales, it is recommended that retailers maintain a handgun sales log book. This log book should include the customer's full name and the date of sale for each handgun transaction. Training employees to record all handgun sales in this log book is crucial, especially when two handguns are sold in a single transaction.
- Form Completion: When a reportable sale occurs, the licensee must complete ATF Form 3310.4, "Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers." Three copies of this form must be filled out.
- Submission: The completed forms should be submitted promptly to the ATF National Tracing Center and the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) for the location where the sale occurred. The ATF recommends submitting the forms by fax or email to ensure faster delivery and to avoid potential issues with postal mail. The submission deadline for these forms is the close of business on the day the multiple sale occurs.
It is important to note that failure to file these multiple-handgun reports in a timely and proper manner is considered a serious violation by the ATF, as it can hinder law enforcement efforts to identify and respond to potential criminal activity.
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Required information
The ATF requires a report on multiple sales or dispositions of certain rifles and handguns. This includes semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a calibre greater than .22 (including .223 or 5.56 mm). For handguns, a report is required if two or more pistols or revolvers are sold or disposed of to an unlicensed person within five consecutive business days.
The ATF Form 3310.4 is used to report multiple sales of handguns, and ATF Form 3310.12 is used for reporting multiple sales of rifles. The form must be sent to the ATF National Tracing Center by fax, email, or mail. A copy is also sent to the Chief Local Law Enforcement Official (CLEO), and another copy is attached to the corresponding Firearms Transaction Record ATF Form 4473.
The ATF uses the information gathered from multiple sales or disposition transactions to investigate possible firearms trafficking cases, particularly along the Southwest border with Mexico.
It is important to note that the definition of a "business day" for reporting purposes refers to any day that a licensee conducts business, regardless of whether state offices are open. This distinction is important for reporting requirements, as it includes weekends and days when state offices are closed.
FFLs are responsible for reporting multiple sales and ensuring that the necessary paperwork is completed and submitted to the ATF.
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Submission deadlines
When it comes to submission deadlines for reporting multiple handgun purchases to the ATF, there are specific guidelines that must be followed. Firstly, it's important to understand that federal law does not require record-keeping for firearm transfers between two individuals who are not federal firearms licensees. However, licensees are obligated to ensure that they do not transfer firearms to individuals prohibited from possessing them.
Now, for multiple handgun sales or dispositions by licensees, the ATF has defined specific criteria. If a licensee sells or disposes of two or more handguns to the same person at the same time or within five consecutive business days, it is considered a multiple handgun purchase. "Business days" refer specifically to the days the licensee conducts business pursuant to their license, regardless of whether state offices are open.
In such cases, the licensee must report the transaction by completing ATF Form 3310.4, "Report of Multiple Sale or Other Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers." This form must be submitted promptly, with a specific deadline for each copy. The first copy must be sent to the ATF National Tracing Center no later than the close of business on the day of the multiple sales or dispositions. This can be done by fax, email, or mail. The fax number and email address for submission are provided on the ATF website.
It is recommended to send the form by email to ensure timely delivery and avoid potential issues with postal services or fax machine limitations. When emailing, it is advisable to request a "delivery receipt" for confirmation. If faxing the form, be sure to retain the fax transmission receipt for your records.
Additionally, a second report may be required under certain circumstances. If a customer buys two handguns on one day and then purchases a third handgun within five business days of the initial report, another report must be filed. Therefore, record-keepers must always consider the previous five business days to determine if additional reports are necessary.
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Enforcement
The ATF requires federal firearms licensees (FFLs) to submit a report when there is a sale or disposition of multiple firearms to the same purchaser within a certain time frame. This is to aid in investigating and combating the illegal movement of firearms, particularly along the Southwest border.
FFLs in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas are required to report multiple sales of certain rifles, including semi-automatic rifles with a calibre greater than .22 and capable of accepting a detachable magazine. These FFLs must complete ATF Form 3310.12, with two copies sent to the ATF's National Tracing Center and the corresponding local law enforcement official (CLEO).
For multiple handgun sales, FFLs must advise the ATF if two or more pistols or revolvers are sold or disposed of to an unlicensed person within a five-day period. This is done using ATF Form 3310.4, which lists the firearms purchased and the purchaser's information. One copy is sent to the ATF, another to the local CLEO, and the FFL retains the third copy.
Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in enforcement actions by the ATF. The ATF may conduct home visits to purchasers of multiple firearms, particularly if there are concerns about potential firearms trafficking or illegal activities. The ATF has the authority to investigate and take appropriate action against any violations of firearms laws, including the illegal movement of firearms across borders.
It is important to note that the ATF takes these matters seriously and has the resources to track and investigate multiple firearm purchases. While not all multiple sales may result in immediate action, the ATF may monitor and flag certain individuals for further scrutiny or follow-up. The ATF works closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance and address any potential threats to public safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Per the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, a multiple handgun purchase is when an unlicensed person buys two or more pistols or revolvers within five consecutive business days.
Form 3310.4, also known as ATF Form 3310.4, is used to report multiple handgun purchases.
The FFL or Federal Firearms Licensee is responsible for reporting multiple handgun purchases to the ATF.
Three copies of Form 3310.4 are required. The first copy is sent to the ATF National Tracing Center, the second to the Chief Local Law Enforcement Official (CLEO), and the third is attached to the corresponding Firearms Transaction Record ATF Form 4473.
Yes, as of October 1, 2024, FFLs in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas must report the multiple sales of certain rifles, including semiautomatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22.
