What Triggers an ATF Inspection?

A previous finding, warning letter, or warning conference makes a follow-up inspection more likely. Inspectors want to see that you've corrected the earlier issues. A shop with a clean prior record is generally in a stronger position than one with repeat problems.

Your store can also draw attention outside the routine cycle. Patterns in firearm traces, tips or complaints, and irregularities in other paperwork can all prompt a closer look.

• Firearms traced back to your store in numbers or patterns that stand out.
• Complaints or referrals from the public or from other agencies.
• Discrepancies flagged during multiple-sale reporting or other required reporting.

An inspector can review the records you're required to keep. Those retention periods span years for completed 4473s and A&D records. A clean month isn't enough when an inspector may examine transactions well into the past. You need consistent records across the full retention window. Verify current retention requirements with the ATF, since they're specific and can be updated.

Keep your records in order every day, and there's no last-minute inspection scramble. That means complete 4473s, an accurate and timely A&D Book, documented background checks, and records you can retrieve readily. e4473 is the electronic ATF Form 4473 built into the Bravo Store Systems point of sale. It keeps the form, NICS, the A&D Book, and encrypted cloud storage in one record.

For the specifics of what inspectors look for and how to prepare, read our ATF inspection guide, the list of most common ATF violations, and how to reconcile your bound book before an inspection.