DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
                BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
                         WASHINGTON, DC 20226

                              JAN 9 1997

                                                           E:RE:FN:GS

Mr. Eric M. Larson
[address]


Dear Mr. Larson:

This is in response to your letter of November 21, 1996, in which
you request confirmation of statement made about data in the "NFA
REGISTRATION ACTIVITY - ANNUAL COMPARISON" table.  You enclosed a
copy of the table with data through December 31, 1995.

The table shows form 4467 registrations after 1971 and before 1968. 
We believe that there are errors in the date or form fields which
cause registrations to appear in those years.

The table shows pre-1934 data.  This data results from errors,
blanks, or misrepresented characters in the date field which cause
the registrations to appear prior to 1934.  The statistical report
was developed several years after the implementation of the
automated database and the programmer apparently included a
procedure to capture these date ranges because errors in the data
field show dates prior to 1934.

You asked about the "OTHER" column in the table.  This category
would be comprised of registrations where the form number is
different from the other ones tabulated.  An incorrect form number
would be counted in that column.

In regard to items 5 and 6 of your letter, we are constantly
verifying information in our database.  If we do locate a record
where the date, form number, 

                                 - 2 -

Mr. Eric Larson

or other information was not entered correctly, we enter the
correct information.  These actions may then result in an
adjustment to previously generated statistics.

We would like to point out that errors in the date or form number
fields would not affect the thoroughness of a search of the
database by NFA Branch personnel.  We use a search methodology that
ensures a thorough review of the database for all possible
responsive entries and an examination of the original registration
document.

Finally, you asked whether a firearm would be added to the Registry
if a person possessed a valid registration that was not in the
Registry.  The document the person possesses is his or her evidence
of registration.  It would be added to the National Firearms
Registration and transfer Record if the information was not already
in the Record.

We trust this has been responsive to your request.  Should any
additional information be needed, please contact us at (202) 927-
8330.

                           Sincerely yours,

                               [signed]
                           Nereida W. Levine
                  Chief, National Firearms Act Branch