Welcome back to another episode of Gun Industry Insider, where we bring you the latest developments shaping the firearms industry. I’m your host, Ray Toofan, and today is June 3, 2025. In this episode, we dive into the ATF's recent open letter on allowable permits for Form 4473, explore the new IWI Mafteah pistol grip firearm, and highlight six active consumer rebate offers that can boost your sales. These developments matter to shop owners, gunsmiths, and manufacturer reps, offering insights into industry trends and opportunities. Let’s get into today’s episode.

On May 23rd, the ATF released an open letter to FFLs regarding allowable permits for the 4473 and it’s got some important updates. It’s mostly a rehash about how to handle background checks when selling firearms, specifically when customers present state-issued permits. Under the Brady Act, dealers typically need to run a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System before transferring a gun to someone who’s not a dealer. However, if the buyer has an allowable state permit, the dealer can skip that NICS check. The ATF has updated the guidance on which permits qualify for this exception.

On the ATF website, they’ve put together a new Brady Permit Chart after reviewing state laws across the country. A key point that they restate is that for a permit to count, it must have been issued or renewed within the last five years. Even so-called lifetime permits are only valid for five years from their issuance date. Dealers need to be diligent about checking those dates to stay compliant.

There are also updates for several states. The updates are for: Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Puerto Rico, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. For example, Alabama and Michigan’s concealed carry permits now qualify as alternatives to the NICS check, which is a shift from previous guidance. Shop owners in or near these states should take note and check the latest chart to confirm which permits are accepted.

For dealers, this means staying proactive by periodically visiting the ATF website to review the updated Brady Permit Chart, or to keep an eye out for FFL update emails that are sent out occasionally to affected FFLs. When a customer presents a permit, the process involves having them complete Form 4473, verifying their identity, ensuring the permit is valid and within the five-year window, and recording the permit details. Importantly, even if a permit qualifies, dealers can still choose to run a NICS check if they have any doubts about its validity or compliance with the law. Also, certain states have a website where FFLs can check the validity of permits.

The letter makes it clear that dealers bear the responsibility for ensuring all transfers comply with federal, state, and local laws. Staying informed is critical, especially with these state-specific updates. This guidance is part of broader ATF efforts to work more closely with the firearms industry, which is a positive step. Dealers should read the open letter thoroughly and consider reaching out to the ATF’s Firearms Industry Programs Branch at FIPB@atf.gov for any questions about specific permits. Keeping on top of these changes ensures firearm transfers are conducted legally and safely, maintaining a compliant business.

Moving on to the new IWI Mafteah pistol grip firearm, unveiled at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting, brings another option to the table for home defense and tactical use. This semi-automatic 12-gauge firearm features a 14-inch barrel and an overall length of 27.75 inches, keeping it compact and classified as an “other” firearm to sidestep NFA regulations. Priced around $1,000 retail and $800 wholesale, it includes MLOK slots and a receiver drilled and tapped for optics, catering to those who value modern design and customization potential. Compared to the Mossberg and Remington models, it offers distinct differences worth considering.

The Mafteah has a semi-automatic action, which delivers faster follow-up shots than the pump-action mechanisms of the Mossberg 590 and Remington Tac 14 models. In a tense situation like a home defense scenario, that speed could make a significant difference. The Mossberg 590 Shockwave and Remington 870 TAC-14 require manual cycling, whereas the new Mossberg 990 Aftershock and the Remington TAC-13 are the semi-automatic variants, same as the Mafteah. The semi-automatic system on these firearms could demand more maintenance and might not hold up as well in harsh conditions compared to the simpler, more rugged pump-action designs.

Price is another point of contrast. The Mafteah’s $1,000 price tag is a steep jump from the Mossberg 590 Shockwave, which sells for $450–$500, and the Remington 870 TAC-14, priced at $500–$550. For someone watching their budget, those lower costs could outweigh the Mafteah’s advanced features. Capacity-wise, the Mafteah holds a standard 5+1 rounds, which is the same capacity as the semi-auto variants from Mossberg and Remington. It’s worth noting the Mossberg shockwave offers an 8+1 round variant with similar overall length.

Maneuverability is close across the board. The Mafteah’s 27.75-inch length is just over the Mossberg 590 Shockwave’s 26.37 inches and the Remington 870 TAC-14’s 26.3 inches, but its semi-automatic action compared to the pump-actions might ease handling in confined spaces despite the slight increase. The MLOK slots and optics readiness give it an edge for customization, appealing to tactical users who want to add lights or sights. Since it’s a relatively new release, there isn’t much information available regarding its reliability, and the higher cost has some on social media questioning its value against more affordable options.

In the last topic, I wanted to quickly go over some consumer rebate programs currently being offered by various manufacturers. Dealers can share details about these rebate offers that provide value to customers. For those interested in suppressors, Sig Sauer is running a promotion from May 26 to July 31, 2025, where purchasing one SLH Titanium suppressor means getting a SRD22X suppressor for free. This will save the customer around $400, which is the cost of the two required tax stamps. Another suppressor deal comes from Huxwrx, offering a free tax stamp with the purchase of a FLOW 762 TI suppressor between June 1 and June 30, 2025. That eliminates the $200 NFA fee, which is similar to the Sig suppressor rebate.

For firearms, Winchester provides a $50 rebate on select new Super X Pump shotguns, Wildcat rifles, Xpert rifles, or XPR rifles purchased from May 23 to June 15, 2025. Savage is offering a $50 mail-in rebate on Axis series rifles bought between June 1 and June 30, 2025, marketed as a Father’s day promotion. Customers can claim this rebate on up to five rifles per household, although most customers will probably just purchase one rifle. Kimber extended their existing rebate offer, which is for new 1911 purchases, running from December 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. Depending on the model’s MSRP, customers receive store credit and magazines—$75 credit and two magazines for 1911s under $1000 MSRP, or $150 credit and three magazines for those over $1000 MSRP.

Browning provides rebates between $25 and $75 on eligible new firearms purchased from May 23 to July 6, 2025. The exact amount depends on the model, so customers need to confirm specifics for their chosen firearm. These offers make certain products more attractive and can tip the scales for customers debating a purchase. Dealers can emphasize the savings and added value, like the store credit and magazines from Kimber, to highlight how these promotions enhance the buying experience.

Wrapping up today’s episode, we delved into the ATF's latest guidance on allowable permits for Form 4473, explored the innovative features of the IWI Mafteah pistol grip firearm, and highlighted six active consumer rebate offers that can help you boost sales. These updates are essential for staying compliant, offering cutting-edge products, and maximizing your business opportunities. Got thoughts or topics you’d like us to look into? Email us at insider@gunindustryinsider.com or reach out on X at @GunInsider. Stay tuned for the next episode—we’ll bring you more updates that matter to your shop or next sales call. Thanks for listening. Until next time!