Firearms & Explosives Industry Attorney
Compliance powered by counsel.
Christopher M. Chiafullo, Esq. has spent nearly 30 years defending the firearms and explosives industry. As founding principal of The Chiafullo Group and founder of FFLGuard, he helps licensees nationwide pass ATF inspections, keep their licenses, and grow without regulatory surprises.
About
The attorney the industry calls when ATF does.
Chris Chiafullo is the founding principal of The Chiafullo Group, LLC and the originator of FFLGuard. His practice focuses on federal firearms law and on keeping Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees in good standing with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
He has served as outside, special and general counsel to some of the best-known names in the industry, has consulted with White House administration officials on firearms policy, and sits on the advisory board of the Second Amendment Law Center.
Before founding his firm in 2005, he practiced at Saiber and Budd Larner. He is a graduate of Boston University and Seton Hall University School of Law.
Services
How Chris helps licensees and manufacturers.
FFLGuard
A compliance and legal program for Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees: training, around-the-clock access, rapid response and early legal intervention, delivered by firearms-trained attorneys and experts, many of them former ATF personnel.
Outside & General Counsel
Outside, special and general counsel for manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and security companies, covering ATF inspections, license applications, revocation defense and regulatory strategy.
Compliance Software Consulting
Guidance on electronic acquisition and disposition records and compliance systems, in partnership with FastBound and with experience across platforms including Epicor, AXIS and RestrIQ.
Firearms Diagnostics Institute
The FFLGuard Firearms Diagnostics Institute evaluates, classifies, tests and places mil-spec firearms for U.S. and foreign governments.
Experience & Clients
Trusted across the industry.
Chris has served as counsel or consultant to companies including:
- Brink's
- Constellis (ACADEMI & Triple Canopy)
- Heckler & Koch-US
- Knight's Armament
- Lipsey's
- Wilson Combat
- GunBroker.com
- Crye Precision
- IWI
- SAR-USA
- Diamondback Firearms
- GearFire
- Rural King
- 3M
- PwC (engagement)
Client names to be confirmed by Chris before launch. Logos shown only with written permission.
Speaking & Media
A familiar voice at SHOT Show and beyond.
Chris speaks regularly to licensees and industry leaders on ATF enforcement, inspections and compliance.
- Podcast: a conversation with ATF Director Robert CekadaA candid discussion of the issues keeping firearms businesses up at night.
- SHOT Show & The BriefingSessions on ATF compliance and enforcement trends for the industry.
- White House consultationConsulted with administration officials on firearms industry policy.
- Second Amendment Law CenterAdvisory board member.
Insights
Answers for licensees.
Starter article
What to do when ATF schedules your inspection
A checklist for the weeks before inspectors arrive.
Starter article
Common Form 4473 errors that lead to revocation
The recurring mistakes, and how to catch them first.
Starter article
Warning letter, warning conference or revocation?
How ATF escalates, and when to call counsel.
FAQ
Questions licensees ask.
Draft answers for Chris to review. Written in the question-and-answer format AI search tools quote.
What happens if ATF finds violations during a compliance inspection?
After an inspection ATF may close it with no action, issue a Report of Violations, send a warning letter, hold a warning conference, or, for willful violations, begin proceedings to revoke or deny renewal of the license. Involving firearms counsel early, before responding to findings, gives a licensee the most options.
What is FFLGuard?
FFLGuard is a compliance and legal program for Federal Firearms and Explosives Licensees, founded by Chris Chiafullo. It combines training, around-the-clock access, rapid response and early legal intervention, delivered by firearms-trained attorneys and experts, many of them former ATF personnel.
Should I call an attorney before an ATF inspection?
Yes. Counsel can review your records and procedures before inspectors arrive, help you correct problems you can fix, and make sure the people on site know what to expect.
Who does Chris Chiafullo represent?
He represents hundreds of Federal Firearms Licensees and Federal Explosives Licensees nationwide, from single-location dealers to manufacturers, importers, distributors and security companies.
Contact
Schedule a consultation.
- Phone(888) 335-4731 ext. 706
- The Chiafullo Group, LLC382 Belleville Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109
- FFLGuard · New York244 Fifth Ave., Suite 1960, New York, NY 10001
- OnlineLinkedIn · X @FFLGuard · fflguard.com
Phone, offices and email to be confirmed by Chris before launch.