ATF NFA Division Ensures Consistent Staffing and Record Processing Times
Recent concerns regarding staffing levels within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Firearms Act (NFA) Division have prompted scrutiny from the firearms community. Many industry insiders speculated that potential budget cuts might hinder the processing of NFA applications. However, recent discussions with officials from the American Suppressor Association (ASA) have clarified the current situation.
Staffing Levels Remain Steady
In a recent conference call, Stephen Albro, Chief of the ATF NFA Division, confirmed that staffing levels have not experienced any reductions since the SHOT Show held in late January. Contrary to circulating rumors, no employees from the NFA Division accepted voluntary buyouts, and the five probationary employees at risk during government budget adjustments retained their positions. This steady staffing situation is crucial for the timely handling of applications.
Impressive Application Processing Rates
Despite a temporary spike in wait times during January, attributed to the clearance of delayed background checks, the NFA Division demonstrated robust productivity in February. The Division processed an astounding 157,673 NFA applications, setting a new monthly record. Notably, 100,747 of these applications were Form 4s, showing a slight decline from January’s figures, which recorded 103,542 Form 4 submissions. Overall, NFA applications dropped by 9% from January but remained consistent given February’s shorter duration.
Current Wait Times
The record processing speeds have led to a reduction in wait times for applicants. In December, individuals experienced an average wait of 20 days for Form 4 applications, which extended to 42 days in January. However, by February, this average had decreased back to 24 days. Similarly, trust applications saw a decrease in processing times, returning to an average of 34 days after peaking at 48 days in January. It is important to note that the median wait time for individual suppressor applications did increase from 13 days in January to 17 days in February.
Technical Issues and Future Improvements
The NFA Division is also addressing a recurring technical issue within the ATF’s eForms system. A bug affecting applicants with name suffixes—such as “Jr.” or “III”—has resurfaced, which previously hindered form submissions. While the NFA Division lacks its own IT developers to address these glitches, they are actively working with the ATF’s Information Technology Division to implement a resolution promptly.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges posed by staffing concerns and technical issues, the NFA Division is processing applications at an unprecedented rate, making it a favorable time for individuals seeking NFA items, including suppressors. The ongoing communication between the ATF and industry representatives like the ASA ensures transparency and continued improvement in service delivery.
About the Author
John Crump is an NRA instructor and constitutional activist based in Northern Virginia. With a wealth of knowledge about firearms and constitutional law, he continues to contribute to the dialogue surrounding gun rights. Follow him on X at @crumpyss or visit www.crumpy.com.
