Running an FFL comes with real responsibility. ATF compliance isn’t paperwork for paperwork’s sake—it’s what keeps your license intact and your business open.

Most violations don’t happen because someone is careless or dishonest. They happen because things get rushed, details get missed, or “the usual way” quietly drifts off track. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to avoid once you know where stores typically slip.

Here are the most common ATF compliance issues inspectors see, and what actually helps prevent them.

1. ATF Form 4473 Errors

Form 4473 mistakes are one of the most common inspection findings.

Typical problems include:

  • Missing customer information
  • Wrong firearm details (serial number, model, caliber)
  • Dates or signatures filled in incorrectly
  • Fixing errors the wrong way

Most of these happen at the counter, usually when things are busy.

What helps:

  • Check every 4473 before the customer walks out
  • Make sure staff knows how to fix mistakes the ATF-approved way
  • Slow down enough to confirm required fields are filled in
  • Review completed forms regularly, not just before an inspection

Small errors don’t stay small when inspectors see the same mistake over and over.

2. A&D (Bound Book) Problems

Your A&D record has to match reality—every firearm, every time.

Common issues include:

  • Entries made late
  • Missing or incorrect serial numbers
  • Wrong acquisition or disposition dates
  • Guns on the shelf that aren’t in the book (or in the book but not on the shelf)

These problems usually build up over time.

What helps:

  • Update the A&D daily
  • Don’t leave entries for “later”
  • Compare physical inventory to the book on a regular schedule
  • Make it clear who is responsible for keeping records current

Inspectors pay attention to patterns. One late entry is one thing. A habit of late entries is another.

3. Background Check Mistakes

Background check errors can turn into serious violations fast.

This includes:

  • Missing NICS transaction numbers
  • Transferring a firearm before a required proceed
  • Mishandling delays or denials
  • Not documenting exemptions or permits correctly

These mistakes often happen when staff feels pressured to move quickly.

What helps:

  • Use the same NICS process every single time
  • Write everything down—proceed, delay, deny
  • Make sure staff understands state-specific rules
  • Never rush a transfer to keep a customer happy

If something feels unclear, stop and verify. That pause is always cheaper than a violation.

4. Not Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms on Time

Lost or stolen firearms must be reported to ATF within 48 hours of discovery.

Violations usually happen because:

  • Inventory issues aren’t caught quickly
  • Reporting gets delayed
  • Documentation is incomplete

What helps:

  • Check inventory often enough to catch problems early
  • Investigate missing firearms immediately
  • Have a clear internal process for reporting
  • Write down every step once a loss is found

Finding a problem early gives you options. Finding it late usually doesn’t.

5. Inadequate Employee Training

A lot of violations come down to staff not knowing exactly what’s required.

This shows up as:

  • Incorrect transfers
  • Inconsistent recordkeeping
  • Confusion about federal or state rules

What helps:

  • Train employees regularly, not just once
  • Keep training records
  • Limit sensitive tasks to people who are trained
  • Spot-check work instead of assuming everything is fine

Even a strong system breaks down if the people using it aren’t confident in what they’re doing.

Staying Ready for an Inspection

Passing an ATF inspection isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.

Stores that do well tend to:

  • Do things the same way every time
  • Catch mistakes early
  • Fix small issues before they pile up
  • Treat compliance as part of daily work, not a special event

When compliance is baked into everyday operations, inspections stop being disruptive. They become routine.

ATF compliance usually doesn’t fail on inspection day. It fails weeks earlier when shortcuts creep in or checks get skipped. The stores that stay out of trouble aren’t flawless—they’re disciplined. They slow down when it matters, double-check their work, and make compliance part of how the business runs every day.

‍