U.S.

Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
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FIREARMS TECHNOLOGY

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BRANCH
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Standard Operating Procedures:
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Firearms Enforcement Officer

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Initial Training
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pencer Date
· f, Firearms Technology
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 OBJECTIVE .............................................................................................................. 4

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1.1 Mission ...................................................................................................... 4

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1.2 Purpose...................................................................................................... 4

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1.3 Benefit ....................................................................................................... 4

2.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 4

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3.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES....................................................................................... 4

3.1 Gun Control Act/Definitions ..................................................................... 4

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3.2 National Firearms Act/Definitions ............................................................ 5
3.3 Arms Export Control Act/Definitions ....................................................... 6

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3.4 Import Requirements ................................................................................ 6
3.5
3.6
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Demonstrate Proper Safety and Weapon Handling Procedures............... 6
Principles of Operation ............................................................................. 7
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3.7 Significance of Firearm Markings as They Relate to Firearms
Identification and Origin........................................................................... 7
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3.8 Prepare a Series of Essays Regarding the History and Development of

Ammunition and a List of Significant Firearms ....................................... 7
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3.9 Machinegun Conversions .......................................................................... 8

3.10 Silencers and Silencer Components........................................................... 8
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3.11 Report of Technical Examination of Criminal Evidence .......................... 8

3.12 Responses to Correspondence Submitted by the Public or the Firearms
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Industry ..................................................................................................... 8
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3.13 Import Evaluations.................................................................................... 9

3.14 Armorer Courses....................................................................................... 9
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3.15 Firearm and Ammunition Factory Tours ................................................. 9

3.16 FTB Duty Officer Assignments ................................................................. 9
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3.17 Demonstrate Professional Courtroom Demeanor and Provide Expert

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Testimony .................................................................................................. 9
3.18 Search Warrant Assistance ..................................................................... 10

4.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................ 10

5.0 REFERENCES AND EXHIBITS ............................................................................ 10

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 5.1 References ............................................................................................... 10
5.2 Exhibits.................................................................................................... 10

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 1.0 OBJECTIVE

1.1 Mission

The Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) provides expert technical support to ATF, other

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Federal agencies, State and local law enforcement, the firearms industry, Congress, and the

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general public. FTB is responsible for the classification of firearms and ammunition under
the Federal firearms laws. FTB maintains an extensive firearms reference collection, as well

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as technical firearms reference files, a library, and firearms databases. This Branch is also
responsible for the technical evaluation of firearms to determine if they meet the

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requirements for importation into the United States. Further, FTB provides the U.S.
Department of Justice, State prosecutors offices, District Attorneys offices, and military
courts with expert firearms testimony. This testimony includes the identification and origin
of firearms; how they are regulated under Federal law; and other matters relating to firearms
and the firearms industry.

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1.2 Purpose

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The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for the initial training of Firearms
Enforcement Officers (FEOs).

1.3 Benefit
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To promote quality and consistent implementation of initial training for FTB FEOs.
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2.0 INTRODUCTION
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The new FEO will be trained in a step-by-step process, assisted by a mentor/ on the job
training (OJT) FEO. This mentor will facilitate the training and will ensure that the training
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is documented.

The following learning objectives constitute the fundamental knowledge base of a Firearms
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Enforcement Officer. This lesson plan is not all inclusive, additional subjects will be
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implemented as your training progresses.

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In addition to these objectives, you will receive information from outside experts covering a
variety of related topics.
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3.0 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

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3.1 Gun Control Act/Definitions

A. The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968 (as amended) is Title 18 of United
States Code. The GCA is public law. The GCA puts forth regulation for
weapons that do not require federal tax registration.

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 B. Definitions under the Gun Control Act. The GCA establishes definitions of
firearms, regulations, penalties, and other requirements for commerce in
firearms.

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1. Firearm

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2. Destructive device

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3. Shotgun
4. Rifle

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5. Antique firearm
6. Ammunition
7. Armor Piercing Ammunition
8. Handgun

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9. Silencer

C. Interstate Nexus/Commerce

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1. As it applies to an individual
2. As it applies to a felonne
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D. Conduct of business
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1. Dealer
2. Manufacturer
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3. Importer

3.2 National Firearms Act/Definitions

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A. The National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 (as amended) is Title 26, United
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States Code. The National Firearms Act is part of the tax code. The NFA
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pertains to all firearms that require a tax registration.

B. Definitions under the NFA

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1. Firearm
2. Machinegun
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3. Rifle
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4. Shotgun
5. Any other weapon
6. Destructive device
7. Antique firearm

C. Conduct of business under the NFA

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 1. Dealer
2. Manufacturer
3. Importer

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D. Forms required

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1. Form 1
2. Form 2

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3. Form3/4
4. Form 5
5. Form 10

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3.3 Arms Export Control Act/Definitions

A. The Arms Export Control Act (AECA) is Title 22 of United States Code.

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The AECA is public law. The AECA puts forth regulations regarding the
import or export of arms, ammunition, and implements of war.

B.
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Definitions under the AECA. The AECA establishes definitions,
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regulations, penalties, and other requirements regarding the import or export
of arms, ammunition, and implements of war.
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1. Firearm
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2. Artillery projector
3. Ammunition
4. Forgings, castings, and machined bodies
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5. Defense articles
6. Proscribed countries
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3.4 Import Requirements

A. Handguns (ATF Factoring Criteria for Weapons ATF Form 5330.5 -

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formerly ATF Form 4590)

B. Rifles (Significance of the 1989 and 1998 import studies as they relate to
non-importable military rifle features)
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C. Shotguns (2011 Shotgun study, as amended)

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3.5 Demonstrate Proper Safety and Weapon Handling Procedures

A. FTB range safety presentation and weapon handling procedures

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 3.6 Principles of Operation

A. Manual operation
B. Gas operation (direct impingement & gas piston)

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C. Recoil operation (short recoil & long recoil)
D. Blowback operated (simple blowback & delayed blowback)

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3.7 Significance of Firearm Markings as They Relate to Firearms Identification
and Origin

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For tracing purposes and for violation of interstate commerce regulations by felons, the
origin of firearms and ammunition must be identified.

A. Marking requirements

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B. Headstamps

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3.8 Prepare a Series of Essays Regarding the History and Development of
Ammunition and a List of Significant Firearms
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This exercise will begin with the earliest machineguns and will evolve to current
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machineguns. You will be required to evaluate, disassemble, explain the operating
principle, and write a short history of each firearm assigned to you. Each essay will be peer
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reviewed and critiqued.

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A. Ammunition history and development

B. Gatling gun
C. Maxim
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D. MG34/42
E. Lewis
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F. Japanese type 99
G. Sten
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H. Thompson
I. M2 Carbine
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J. Browning 1919
K. UZI
L. FN FAL
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M. SKS
N. AK-47 series
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O. AR-15/M16 series
P. M10/M11 series
Q. Silencer history and development

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 3.9 Machinegun Conversions

During this exercise you will compare a firearm that it is in the factory semiautomatic
configuration and a like version that has been converted into a machinegun. Be prepared to

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discuss, document, and identify common methods of conversion for each weapon.

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A. M16/AR15
B. AK47/semiautomatic AK

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C. M11/10 and semiautomatic M11/M10
D. Other methods of conversion
E. Machinegun conversion kits
a. Uzi

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b. M2
c. AR-15 Drop In Auto Sear (DIAS) and Lightning Link.
d. Glock

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e. SKS

3.10 Silencers and Silencer Components ne

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A. Definition of a silencer/and silencer components
B. Sound levels and understanding of sound as it pertains to a silencer test
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C. Setting up the sound meter and performing a sound meter test

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3.11 Report of Technical Examination of Criminal Evidence

The basis of this learning objective is to prepare you to receive evidence and prepare a
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report of technical examination which will withstand court scrutiny.

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A. Evidence handling
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B. Prepare five reports of technical examination

3.12 Responses to Correspondence Submitted by the Public or the Firearms

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Industry

As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you will be required to prepare official responses to the
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public and the firearms industry. These responses will represent Bureau policy.
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A. Prepare five responses to correspondence submitted by the public or the

firearms industry.

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 3.13 Import Evaluations

As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you will be required to prepare responses to requests

from the firearms industry to import various firearms.

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A. Prepare five import evaluations

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3.14 Armorer Courses
As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you must be familiar with the mechanical operation of

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many firearms. Factory armorer courses provide a basis for mechanical knowledge upon
which you will build throughout your career.

A. Successfully attend three armorer courses

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3.15 Firearm and Ammunition Factory Tours

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As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you must be familiar with the manufacturing processes
of firearms and ammunition. Factory tours provide a basis for manufacturing information
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upon which you will build throughout your career.
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A. Tour a firearms manufacturing facility
B. Tour an ammunition manufacturing facility.
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3.16 FTB Duty Officer Assignments

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As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you must be capable of quickly locating pertinent

information and effectively communicating that information. FTB duty officer assignments
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will develop these skills.

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A. Complete three FTB duty officer assignments.

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3.17 Demonstrate Professional Courtroom Demeanor and Provide Expert

Testimony
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As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you must represent ATF as an expert witness in Federal
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and State court. You must demonstrate professional courtroom demeanor and effectively
communicate the contents of your reports to the court.
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A. Conduct a courtroom visit

B. Participate in a mock trial
C. Demonstrate professional courtroom demeanor
D. Provide expert testimony

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 3.18 Search Warrant Assistance

As a Firearms Enforcement Officer, you will be tasked with providing on-site technical
expertise during the execution of search warrants. You must be capable of making critical

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decisions and working well with Federal, State, and local Law Enforcement organizations.

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A. Provide technical assistance during the execution of two search warrants.

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4.0 CONCLUSION

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As a Firearms Enforcement Officer you have a multi faceted mission. On a daily basis you
will be required to field questions pertaining to the Gun Control Act (GCA), National
Firearms Act (NFA), firearm import requirements, and general firearms and ammunition
identification.

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Your daily duties will include evaluation of criminal evidence and preparation of reports of
technical examination, preparing written responses to inquiries from the firearms industry

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and the general public, and assisting other Bureau personnel. The information you convey
must be true, accurate, and able to withstand court scrutiny.
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This training program is designed to provide a basic foundation of knowledge upon which
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you will build throughout your career.
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5.0 REFERENCES AND EXHIBITS

5.1 References
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1. Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide, ATF Publication 5300.4.

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5.2 Exhibits
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Exhibit 1 Firearms Enforcement Officer Mandatory Proficiencies

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 Exhibit 1 Firearms Enforcement Officer Mandatory Proficiencies

FEO Name:____________________ OJT Instructor:____________________ Training start date:___________

FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MANDATORY PROFICIENCIES

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OBJECTIVE Description Hours Employee OJT Instructor Asst. Chief
(Initials and date) (Initials and date) (Initials and

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date)
3.1-A GCA history

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3.1-B GCA definitions
3.1-C Interstate Nexus

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3.1-D Conduct of GCA business
3.2-A NFA history
3.2-B NFA definitions
3.2-C Conduct of NFA business
3.2-D NFA forms

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3.3-A AECA history
3.3-B AECA definitions
3.4-A Handgun importation

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3.4-B Rifle importation
3.4-C Shotgun importation
3.4-D 922(r)
3.5
3.6-A
3.6-B
FTB firearm safety presentation
Manual operation
Gas operation
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3.6-C Recoil operation
3.6-D Blowback operation
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3.7-A Firearm marking requirements

3.7-B Ammunition headstamps
3.8-A Ammunition history and
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development
3.8-B Gatling gun
3.8-C Maxim
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3.8-D MG34/42
3.8-E Lewis
3.8-F Japanese type 99
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3.8-G STEN
3.8-H Thompson SMG
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3.8-I M2 Carbine
3.8-J Browning 1919
3.8-K UZI
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3.8-L FN FAL
3.8-M SKS
3.8-N AK-47
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3.8-O AR-15/M16
3.8-P MAC10/M11 series
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3.8-Q Silencer history and development

3.9-A AR-15 to M16 conversion
3.9-B AK machinegun conversion
3.9-C MAC 10 machinegun conversion
3.9-D Other methods of conversion
3.9-E Machinegun conversion kits
3.10-A Silencer history and definition

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 3.10-B Sound levels pertaining to silencers
3.10-C Sound meter test
3.11-A Evidence handling
3.11-B (1) Report of technical examination
3.11-B (2) Report of technical examination
3.11-B (3) Report of technical examination

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3.11-B (4) Report of technical examination

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3.11-B (5) Report of technical examination
3.12-A (1) Response to correspondence

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3.12-A (2) Response to correspondence
3.12-A (3) Response to correspondence
3.12-A (4) Response to correspondence

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3.12-A (5) Response to correspondence
3.13-A (1) Import evaluation
3.13-A (2) Import evaluation
3.13-A (3) Import evaluation
3.13-A (4) Import evaluation

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3.13-A (5) Import evaluation
3.14-A (1) Armorer’s course
3.14-A (2) Armorer’s course

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3.14-A (3) Armorer’s course
3.15-A Firearms manufacturing facility

3.15-B
tour
Ammunition manufacturing facility
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3.16-A (1) FTB duty FEO
3.16-A (2) FTB duty FEO
3.16-A (3) FTB duty FEO
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3.17-A Courtroom visit

3.17-B Mock trial
3.17-C Courtroom demeanor
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3.17-D Expert testimony

3.18-A (1) Search warrant
3.18-A (2) Search warrant
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