[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9748-9749]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3391]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms

[Notice No. 911]


Expiration of the Registration Period for Possession of the USAS-
12, Striker-12, and Streetsweeper Shotguns (ATF Ruling 2001-1)

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of 
the Treasury.

ACTION: General notice.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is issuing 
this notice to announce the availability of ATF Ruling 2001-1. This 
ruling advises that the registration period for people who are 
currently in possession of the USAS-12, Striker-12, and Steetsweeper 
shotguns expires on May 1, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Advance copies of ATF Ruling 2001-1 are available at no cost 
upon request from the National Firearms Act Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20226. The ruling may also be viewed at ATF's web site at: http://www.atf.treas.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Fisher, National Firearms Act 
Branch, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20226 (202-927-8330).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is announcing the 
issuance of ATF Ruling 2001-1. This

[[Page 9749]]

ruling, which will be published in a future issue of the ``Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms Quarterly Bulletin,'' advises that the 
registration period for people who are currently in possession of the 
USAS-12, Striker-12, and Streetsweeper shotguns will expire on May 1, 
2001. The full text of the ruling follows:

ATF Ruling 2001-1

    Pursuant to ATF Rulings 94-1 (ATF Q.B. 1994-1, 22) and 94-2 (ATF 
Q.B. 1994-1, 24), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) 
classified the USAS-12, Striker 12, and Streetsweeper shotguns as 
destructive devices under the National Firearms Act (NFA), 26 U.S.C. 
Chapter 53. The NFA requires that certain ``firearms'' be registered 
and imposes taxes on their making and transfer. The term ``firearm'' is 
defined in section 5845 to include ``destructive devices.'' The term 
``destructive device'' is defined in section 5845(f)(2) as follows:

    [T]he term ``destructive device'' means * * * (2) any type of 
weapon by whatever name known which will, or which may be readily 
converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or 
other propellant, the barrel or barrels of which have a bore of more 
than one-half inch in diameter, except a shotgun or shotgun shell 
which the Secretary finds is generally recognized as particularly 
suitable for sporting purposes; * * *.

    The USAS-12, Striker 12, and Streetsweeper shotguns were classified 
as destructive devices pursuant to section 5845(f) because they are 
shotguns with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter which are 
not generally recognized as particularly suitable for sporting 
purposes.
    Pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 7805(b), ATF. Ruls. 94-1 and 94-2 were issued 
prospectively with respect to the making, transfer, and special 
(occupational) taxes imposed by the NFA. Thus, although the 
classification of the three shotguns as NFA weapons was retroactive, 
the prospective application of the tax provisions allowed registration 
without payment of tax. ATF has contacted all purchasers of record of 
the shotguns to advise them of the classification of the weapons as 
destructive devices and that the weapons must be registered. ATF has 
registered approximately 8,200 of these weapons to date.
    Held, the registration period for the USAS-12, Striker-12, and 
Streetsweeper shotguns will close on May 1, 2001. No further 
registrations will be accepted after that date. Persons in possession 
of unregistered NFA firearms are subject to all applicable penalties 
under 26 U.S.C. Chapter 53.

    Approved: February 2, 2001.
Bradley A. Buckles,
Director.
[FR Doc. 01-3391 Filed 2-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P