C&R Bound Book

[Thernlund]

Question:  Is digital not allowed?  Must it be hard copy?

I have several spreadsheets I keep online for various things, one of which being my gun inventory.

Can I not do that for a C&R bound book too?   


-T.

[ArizonaGunOwners.com]

[JesseL]

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/licensees-records-required.html#computer-records

Q: May a licensee maintain computer records in lieu of the “bound book?”

    Yes. The Director of Industry Operations or other designated ATF official must approve a request for a record-keeping variance before the licensee may use a computer system in lieu of the “bound book” record required by the regulations.

    [27 CFR 478.22 and 478.125(h)]

[Thernlund]

Must approve, hm? 

Hmmm.


-T.

[Craig010]

I have a template I use and just print out pages as I need  them.  I thought about using a spreadsheet when I got my C&R but when I learned it had to be pre-approved by ATF I decided it wasn't worth the effort.  In addition to the pages for my 'bound book' that I keep in loose leaf document protectors, I keep a loose leaf document protector, in sequence with my entries that contains all supporting documentation such as bill of sales, auction sales, and FFLs if one is provided with the weapon when I purchase it.  Guess my OCD kicked in when I got my license.  LOL  ~Craig

[RugerDave]

Do both. Keep digital records back up remotely and bound book. Go to Office Max or somewhere similar and have the record log pages bound. 50 pages or so should do for you. Cost under $10 I believe. File by Date and last name, it helps. The more organized you appear the better the inspections will go. I hope this helps.

[Gaston34]

Definately a +1 on being organized.  You can also find a C&R bound book at the bookfactory.com that looks very professional, and runs $10.00 for the paperback version or $30.00 for the leather bound version.

[Misfire51]

Check out RK Enterprize's .com / or 1-805-687-1416 . These guy's been dioin this sence 1981 , they have everything and can answer all question's. Call them ,they will take the time . Plus they offer alot of stuff . Hope this help's. Tony

[JesseL]

FYI, the agent I spoke to this morning says that as long as the software meets all the requirements of <some-code/regulation-I-can't-recall> then it's fine to use in place of a bound book and no variance is needed.

[Thernlund]

Oooo... neat.  I'll have to look that up.   


-T.

[JesseL]

http://www.atf.gov/regulations-rulings/rulings/atf-rulings/atf-ruling-2008-2.pdf

ATF Rul. 2007-4, which allowed a FFL
who had an approved variance to use
computerized acquisition and disposition records to periodically download the required
records to portable storage devices instead of
printing out such reco
rds, is superseded by
this ruling.
ATF finds that good cause exists for author
izing the use of a computers and portable
storage devices to create and maintain the
records required by 27 CFR Part 478, Subpart H,
as the use of computers is accepted throughout the business community as a reliable, cost-
efficient means of maintaining business records.
ATF also finds that the use of a computer
to maintain required records, contingent upon the requirements outlined above, is
consistent with the effect intended by the requirements of Subpart H, as it will result in a
permanent, reliable record that will accurate
ly indicate acquisitions and dispositions of
firearms. Finally, ATF finds that the use of
computer records prope
rly containing all the
required information should not hinder the eff
ective administration of
the Federal firearms
laws or regulations – use of such records
generally makes it easier for ATF to conduct
inventories of firearms on hand and to a
udit required records. Accordingly, ATF
concludes that the requirements for approval
of an alternate method or procedure in
accordance with 27 CFR 478.22 are met.
Held
, licensed manufacturers, licensed im
porters, and licensed dealers may use
computers to create and maintain acquisition
and disposition records
required by 18 U.S.C.
923(g)(1)(A) and 27 CFR 478.121, 478.122, 478.123, and 478.125(e), Subpart H, if the
system meets the above
stated criteria.
Held further,
licensees who wish to use computers to create and maintain their
acquisition and disposition fir
earms records in accordance wi
th the requirements set forth
in this ruling are not requ
ired to obtain advance approva
l in accordance with 27 CFR
478.22.
Held further,
if administrative difficulties aris
e through the use of portable storage
media instead of printouts, the FFL will be requ
ired to provide periodic paper printouts of
such records at the request of th
e Director, Industry Operations.
ATF Rul. 2007-4, approved June
26, 2007, is hereby superseded.
Date approved: August 25, 2008
Michael J. Sullivan
Acting Director

[Thernlund]

Well... I guess that answers that.   


-T.

[ArizonaGunOwners.com]