This handbook is primarily for the use of persons in the business of importing, manufacturing, and dealing in firearms defined by the National Firearms Act (NFA) or persons intending to go into an NFA firearms business. It should also be helpful to collectors of NFA firearms and other persons having questions about the application of the NFA. This publication is not a law book. Rather, it is intended as a "user friendly" reference book enabling the user to quickly find answers to questions concerning the NFA.

This guide lists curios or relics firearms for gun collectors. As set out in the regulations (27 CFR 478.11), curios or relics include firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. This publication is a cumulative digest of determinations made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is not inclusive of all weapons meeting curio or relic classification (i.e., firearms manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date).

This publication was prepared by the Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch (FEIB), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to assist Importers and other Firearms Industry Members in identifying firearms, ammunition, and defense articles that may be imported into the United States and to further clarify and facilitate the import process. The FEIB Guidebook was developed to provide guidance in the importation process through the proper recognition and correct use of required forms, regulatory policies, and prescribed import procedures. This guide presents a comprehensive...

As set out in the regulations (27 CFR 478.11), Curios or Relics include firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as Curios or Relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories: 1) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof; 2) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be Curios or...