By OutdoorGearPro - June 2024

If you follow the gun world, you probably heard the latest stats from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In 2024 alone, more than 17,200 firearms were reported lost or stolen from federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs). Yeah, that’s a pretty big number, and it’s causing plenty of concern across the industry and among gun owners.

Why Does This Matter?

FFLs are the gatekeepers for legal firearm sales, so when thousands of guns go missing, it’s not just a paperwork headache — it’s a potential public safety issue. Lost or stolen firearms can end up in the wrong hands, which is why dealers and regulators are doubling down on security measures. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a gun gear junkie like me, it’s important to understand the risks and what’s being done to curb these losses.

What’s Behind the Numbers?

Some of the losses come down to theft — break-ins, armed robberies, and unfortunately, sometimes inside jobs. Other times, it’s simply poor inventory management or human error. With gun sales booming in recent years, many dealers are juggling high volumes and sometimes stretched thin on security resources. That creates vulnerabilities that criminals are quick to exploit.

How FFLs Are Stepping Up

The ATF data acts like a wake-up call. Many FFLs are upgrading their gun storage with high-grade safes, surveillance systems, and better record-keeping software. Plus, staff training on handling firearms inventory is getting more attention. For outdoor shooters and gun collectors, these improvements mean safer transactions and less chance of your favorite firearm showing up in a shady spot.

What Can Gun Owners Do?

While this primarily affects dealers, gun owners should stay informed and always buy from trusted FFLs. If you’re out in