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The following notice describes the changes in ATF Form 4473 that go into effect Over-the-Counter transfers on and after September 1, 2007:
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U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives
Washington., DC 20226Br/>
www.atf.govIMPORTANT NOTICE TO FEDERAL FIREARMS LICENSEES
In the Open Letter to All Federal Firearms Licensees dated May 9, 2007, we notified you that ATF would be clarifying certain information on the Firearms Transaction Record Part I – Over-the-Counter (ATF Form 4473), Specifically, the form has been revised to clarify the question regarding “mental defectives” and to incorporate the definitions of this term set forth in the regulations, 27 CFR 478.11. The revision also incorporates certain provisions of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public law 109-162) by adding “tribal offense” and “tribal law” to the definition of Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence (MCDV).
This notice highlights the changes to the ATF Form 4473 and accompanies a small initial supply of revised forms. You should review these changes to include the clarifying language in Section A, Question 11(f), the inclusion of two definitions, and the addition of “tribal offense” and “tribal law” in the MCDV definition.
All Federal Firearms Licensees must use this form on and after, but NOT BEFORE September 1, 2007. As of September 1, 2007, all previous editions (including the Form dated July 2005) are obsolete and should not be used.
The revisions include the following:
Section A
Question 11.f. The revised question reads as follows:
“Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective (which includes a determination by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that you are a danger to yourself or to others or are incompetent to manage your affairs) OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution?”
Definitions
Both “Adjudicated as a Mental Defective” and “Committed to a Mental Institution” as defined in 27 CFR 478.11 were added to the Definitions section,
The definition of “Misdemeanor Crimes of Domestic Violence” was revised to include “tribal” offenses committed under “tribal law” in order to incorporate the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P. L. 109-162).
Questions
Please contact your local ATF office with any questions you have about the revised form.
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Interesting how “tribal law” worked itself into our firearms regulations, hmm?
