Inventory Management
Keep your bound book accurate, your inventory balanced, and the ATF happy
Bound Book Essentials
Acquisition Entries
Log within 1 business day for dealer/manufacturer receipts. Private acquisitions within 7 days. Include: date, manufacturer, importer, model, serial, type, caliber.
Disposition Entries
Record when firearm leaves your inventory. Include: date, buyer name/address, or FFL number for dealer transfers. Must match 4473 exactly.
Corrections
Never erase or white-out. Draw single line through error, initial and date, write correct entry. Original must remain readable.
Electronic Records
ATF allows electronic bound books if they meet requirements: non-erasable, auditable, printable on demand, backed up.
Serial Number Accuracy
Serial number errors are among the most common violations. Always transcribe directly from the firearm — never from paperwork. Double-check every character.
Annual Inventory
Physical Count
Count every firearm on premises. Compare against bound book balance.
Reconcile Differences
Investigate any discrepancies immediately. Document findings.
Document Results
Record inventory date, count, and any corrections made.
Report Losses
Missing firearms must be reported to ATF within 48 hours.
Inventory Best Practices
Monthly spot checks
Consistent storage locations
Tag system for status
Separate consignment
Clear transfer staging
Backup your records
Continue Learning
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FFL-Bro connects your inventory, compliance, customers, and sales in one place.