How do I handle NICS background check delays at my gun shop?

When NICS returns a delay, you must hold the transfer for up to three business days. If NICS hasn’t responded after three business days, you have the legal option to proceed — but you are not required to. Best practice is to flag the firearm as pending in your...

What is an A&D book and do I legally need one?

An A&D book — Acquisition and Disposition record — is a federal requirement for all FFL holders. It must log every firearm that enters your inventory (acquisition) and every firearm that leaves (disposition), regardless of how. ATF requires this record to be...

Can I keep my A&D book digitally instead of on paper?

Yes. ATF allows electronic A&D records as long as they meet specific requirements — including the ability to produce a printed copy on demand during an inspection. Not all software meets these requirements, so confirm that any system you use explicitly states it...

What happens during an ATF inspection of my gun shop?

An ATF Industry Operations Inspector (IOI) will arrive — sometimes unannounced — and request your A&D book, 4473s, and physical inventory for cross-referencing. They will check that every firearm in your possession has an acquisition entry, every sold firearm has...