HARTFORD, CT – On Tuesday, ATF executives discussed Final Rule 2021R-05, “Definition of ‘Frame or Receiver’ and Identification of Firearms,” for the first time since being finalized earlier this month. A three-hour educational session was delivered by Marvin Richardson (ATF Deputy Director), Marianna Mitchem (Chief, Firearms & Explosives Industry Division), and James Vann (Associate Chief Counsel) at the 8th annual Firearms Industry Conference hosted by Orchid and Williams Mullen’s Firearms Industry Group.
“We appreciate the ATF’s willingness to address a large cross-section of FFLs on Final Rule 2021R-05,” said Orchid CEO, Jon Rydberg “The rule becomes effective in 120 days on August 24th and will have a significant impact on manufacturing and retail firearm operations. The ruling will likely impact everything relating to firearm manufacturing, serialization, marking applications, supply chain transactions, ERP routings, electronic A&D record keeping, retail and gunsmithing transactions, suppressor manufacturing and other activities involving GCA, NFA and privately made firearms.”
The significance of the ruling warrants many additional industry education sessions, including the first session of a webinar series being hosted by Jon Rydberg and Philip Milks of Orchid and attorneys Chuck James and Camden Webb of Williams Mullen on Friday, May 6. ATF also announced they will host several virtual sessions to educate the industry on the Final Rule.
FFLs who wish to join the first Orchid & Williams Mullen webinar can register for more information at orchidadvisors.com/finalrule. During the session, the team will share insights from the Final Rule discussion with ATF, review the rule’s new regulations, and conduct a deep dive into how they will impact FFLs and the firearms industry. Dates and registration information regarding ATF-led sessions will be announced shortly.
Among the more prevalent topics discussed during the ATF FIC session included:
·Critically defining a firearm frame and receiver with a focus on the mechanisms which make the item functional. Significant discussion was held around ‘incomplete’ firearms and how the revised definition offers clarity to industry-termed 80% receivers.
·Addressing the concept of parts kits and at what point they would be considered a complete firearm.
·Permissibility and prohibitions regarding Privately Made Firearms (PMFs) and how the receipt or possession of a PMF impacts licensees.
·Clarifying the definition of gunsmithing and manufacturing.
·Redefining a suppressor citing specific receiver and frame nomenclature and included marking requirements depending on suppressor type.
·Addressing various recordkeeping issues, including the consolidation of records and requirement for permanent retention for licensed entities.
“The ATF ruling is one of the most significant in recent memory. We are pleased to have relationships with and participation from ATF executives to allow us to hear directly from our regulators and to express concerns from industry participants in a constructive manner,” said Chuck James, Co-Chair of the Williams Mullen Firearms Industry Group.
About Orchid LLC
Orchid LLC and its family of companies, including partner firm FFL Law, have been offering business software, firearms-friendly payments, and legal and regulatory services to the shooting sports industry for over a decade. With powerful POS, ecommerce, ERP and Bound Book solutions, as well as expert knowledge of ATF, import/export and state-level regulations, Orchid helps FFLs profitably manufacture, distribute and sell firearms with great efficiency and the utmost compliance. Get started today at orchidadvisors.com.
About Williams Mullen
Williams Mullen is a regional, full-service law firm with offices across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The firm’s Firearms Industry Group helps industry members navigate legal issues from regulatory compliance to e-commerce development, financing needs and interest from the venture capital world. In addition, Williams Mullen attorneys provide advice and counsel in matters involving Import/Export Controls, White Collar & Investigations, Cybersecurity & Data Protection, Intellectual Property, Employment Law, Tax Law, Government Contracting and legal aspects of social media marketing. Learn how Williams Mullen can assist your company at williamsmullen.com.
