Firearms

ATF is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans, including those guaranteed by the Second Amendment. The Bureau does not target lawful firearm ownership or commerce. Rather, ATF focuses its enforcement efforts on individuals and criminal organizations that illegally use firearms to commit violent crime. By holding offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law, ATF promotes public safety while preserving the lawful exercise of Second Amendment rights.

ATF works to reduce violent crime involving the criminal illegal use of firearms through an integrated criminal and regulatory enforcement approach. Criminal investigations prioritize armed violent offenders, career criminals, narco-terrorists, violent gangs, and domestic and international firearms traffickers. To prevent the diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets, ATF Industry Operations Investigators conduct license qualification and compliance inspections and partner with the firearms industry through outreach and training. Regulatory enforcement also supports compliance with applicable federal, state, and local firearm laws.

ATF supports its partnership with the firearms industry through a Senior Industry Partnership Advisor, who serves as the primary liaison to regulated industries and trade associations. The advisor provides timely responses to inquiries, clarifies regulatory requirements, and offers expert guidance to promote fair treatment and strong, sustainable relationships. Questions may be directed to industryliaison@atf.gov.