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RuleSignificant2022-080262022-04-26

Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms

Justice Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Bureau

Abstract

The Department of Justice ("Department") is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF") regulations to remove and replace the regulatory definitions of "firearm frame or receiver" and "frame or receiver" because the current regulations fail to capture the full meaning of those terms. The Department is also amending ATF's definitions of "firearm" and "gunsmith" to clarify the meaning of those terms, and to provide definitions of terms such as "complete weapon," "complete muffler or silencer device," "multi- piece frame or receiver," "privately made firearm," and "readily" for purposes of clarity given advancements in firearms technology. Further, the Department is amending ATF's regulations on marking and recordkeeping that are necessary to implement these new or amended definitions.

Action & Dates

Action
Final rule.
Dates
This rule is effective August 24, 2022.
Effective Date
2022-08-24

CFR References

Topics

Administrative practice and procedureArms and munitionsChemicalsExcise taxesExportsFreightImportsIntergovernmental relationsLaw enforcement officersMilitary personnelPenaltiesReporting and recordkeeping requirementsResearchScientific equipmentSeizures and forfeituresTransportation

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives 27 CFR Parts 447, 478, and 479 [Docket No. 2021R-05F; AG Order No. 5374-2022] RIN 1140-AA54 AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Department of Justice. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Department of Justice (“Department”) is amending Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) regulations to remove and replace the regulatory definitions of “firearm frame or receiver” and “frame or receiver” because the current regulations fail to capture the full meaning of those terms. The Department is also amending ATF's definitions of “firearm” and “gunsmith” to clarify the meaning of those terms, and to provide definitions of terms such as “complete weapon,” “complete muffler or silencer device,” “multi-piece frame or receiver,” “privately made firearm,” and “readily” for purposes of clarity given advancements in firearms technology. Further, the Department is amending ATF's regulations on marking and recordkeeping that are necessary to implement these new or amended definitions. DATES: This rule is effective August 24, 2022. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vivian Chu, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Enforcement Programs and Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice, 99 New York Ave. NE, Washingt

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Full Document

Citation: 87 FR 24652