February 24, 1994






              OPEN LETTER TO ALL VIRGINIA FIREARMS LICENSEES:


I.   Implementation of the Brady Law:  As previously advised, effective February 28,
1994, the Brady Law imposes a 5-day waiting period on the transfer of handguns in
states that do not already require a prior background check.  The Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has determined that Virginia has a system that subjects
handgun purchasers to a criminal history background check prior to the transfer of a
handgun(s).  Therefore, the transfer(s) of a handgun(s) made in compliance with the
existing background check system in your State will not be subject to the Federal
waiting period procedure.  Regulations require that you maintain records to
demonstrate that a transfer was made under the State system.  

II. Reporting multiple sales of handguns.  The new law requires Federal firearms
licensees to report to ATF and to State Law Enforcement Officials the disposition of 2 or
more handguns within 5 consecutive business days to a nonlicensee.  Virginia law
prohibits the sale of more than one handgun during any 30-day period to a nonlicensee
except when the purchaser has applied for and received a Multiple Handgun Purchase
Certificate issued by the Department of State Police.  Therefore, in those instances, the
regulations require that the reports are to be made on ATF Form 3310.4, Report of
Multiple Sale or Disposition of Pistols and Revolvers, and sent no later than the close of
business on the day the multiple sale or other disposition occurs.   In reporting to the
State Police, send copy 2 of the 11/92 edition of the form or copy 3 of the 1/94.  The
report to ATF must be sent on copy 1 of the 11/92 edition or copies 1 and 2 of the 1/94
edition.

For further information, contact your local ATF office or the Firearms and Explosives   
Division at (202) 927-8300.  





                               John W. Magaw
                                 Director