Federal Firearms Regulations

Federal Firearms License (FFL)

Arsenal Armory holds a valid Federal Firearms License issued by the ATF, authorizing us to engage in the business of manufacturing, importing, and dealing in firearms and ammunition.

Our Type 07 FFL with Class 02 SOT status authorizes us to manufacture, deal in, and transfer all Title I firearms as well as Title II/NFA firearms including machine guns, suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any other weapons (AOWs).

ATF Compliance Statement

Arsenal Armory maintains strict compliance with all ATF regulations governing the manufacture, sale, and transfer of firearms. Our compliance program includes:

• Acquisition & Disposition Records: We maintain accurate, real-time A&D records for all firearms that enter and leave our inventory, in accordance with 27 CFR § 478.121-125.
• ATF Form 4473: Every firearm transfer to a non-licensee requires completion of ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record). We verify all information and retain records for the required period. See purchase process for details.
• Record Retention: All required records are maintained for a minimum of 20 years or until business discontinuation, at which point records are transferred to the ATF.
• Inspection Readiness: We submit to all ATF compliance inspections and maintain our premises and records in inspection-ready condition.
• Theft/Loss Reporting: Any theft or loss of firearms is reported to ATF and local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery, as required by 18 U.S.C. § 923(g)(6).

NICS Background Check System

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. All firearm transfers to non-licensees require a NICS check.

How NICS Works

1. Buyer completes ATF Form 4473 with personal information
2. We submit the information to NICS via telephone or electronic system
3. NICS checks FBI databases including NCIC, III, and NICS Index
4. NICS returns one of three responses: Proceed, Denied, or Delayed

NICS Response Types

Delayed Transfer Policy

When a NICS check results in a "Delayed" response, federal law allows (but does not require) the transfer to proceed after three business days if no final determination is received. However, Washington State law may impose additional waiting periods that supersede this provision.

Our Policy: We will not transfer a firearm on a delayed response until we receive a "Proceed" determination or the applicable state waiting period has elapsed, whichever is longer. We will contact you with status updates.

National Firearms Act (NFA) Items

The National Firearms Act of 1934 regulates certain categories of firearms and devices, commonly referred to as "Title II" or "NFA" items. As a licensed manufacturer with SOT status, Arsenal Armory can manufacture, transfer, and possess all NFA items.

NFA Categories We Handle

NFA Transfer Process

1. Select Item: Choose an NFA item from our inventory or arrange transfer from another dealer.
2. Complete Paperwork: Fill out ATF Form 4 (transfer) with required information. Individual, trust, or entity registration available.
3. Submit Application: Application submitted to ATF with $200 tax payment, fingerprint cards, and passport photos (for individuals and responsible persons).
4. Wait for Approval: Current ATF processing times range from 2 months to 2 years. We hold the item securely until approval.
5. Take Possession: Upon Form 4 approval, complete final 4473 and take possession of your NFA item.

Gun Control Act (GCA) Requirements

The Gun Control Act of 1968 establishes the framework for federal firearms regulations. Key requirements include:

Prohibited Persons

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), the following persons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. See also individual requirements:

• Persons convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
• Fugitives from justice
• Unlawful users of or persons addicted to controlled substances
• Persons adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to mental institutions
• Illegal aliens and certain nonimmigrant visa holders
• Persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
• Persons who have renounced U.S. citizenship
• Persons subject to certain restraining orders
• Persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence

Age Requirements (Federal)

• 21 years or older: Required to purchase handguns and handgun ammunition from an FFL
• 18 years or older: May purchase long guns (rifles and shotguns) and ammunition from an FFL

Note: Washington State imposes additional age requirements. See our Washington State Regulations page.

Interstate Transfer Restrictions

• Handguns: May only be transferred to residents of the state where the FFL is located.
• Long Guns: May be transferred to residents of any state, provided the transfer complies with the laws of both states.
• Non-Residents: Out-of-state residents may purchase long guns in person at our location if legal in both Washington and their home state.

Additional Federal Requirements

Multiple Handgun Sales Report

FFLs must report to ATF when a single individual purchases two or more handguns within five consecutive business days (ATF Form 3310.4).

Armor Piercing Ammunition

The manufacture, import, and sale of armor-piercing handgun ammunition to non-law enforcement is prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(7)-(8).

Undetectable Firearms

The Undetectable Firearms Act prohibits manufacture, possession, and transfer of firearms not detectable by walk-through metal detectors or standard airport X-ray machines (18 U.S.C. § 922(p)).

Serialization Requirements

All firearms manufactured or imported must bear serial numbers and other required markings. As a manufacturer, Arsenal Armory complies with all serialization requirements under 27 CFR § 478.92.