Q1S5.24 Release Notes 

This program, printed documentation and documents should not be used as a substitute for professional advice in specific situations. The procedures, images and examples in this document are for illustrative purposes only and may not be applicable in your setting due to differences in preference, settings and/or state and local regulations.

Orchid eState

Current Releases

2024 Legislative Session 

The State and Federal Firearm Bill Tracker has been updated to the 2024 Legislative Session. At launch of the new year there are 690 active B2B and B2C firearm-related bills.

Orchid Armor Piercing Ammo Book (APAB)

APAB API Enhancement

No updates for this period

Orchid eBound

ATF Form 4473 (August 2023 Revision)

This past August, ATF notified the firearms industry of updates made to Form 4473 and the release of a revised form. Though not mandatory for use until February 1, 2024, the Orchid eBound/e4473 application has been updated to reflect these revisions.

New Form Launch Date

Orchid eBound released the new e4473 on the evening of Sunday, January 21, 2024, and it was available for use beginning the morning of Monday, January 22. As of January 22, Orchid eBound will process all new transactions using the updated 4473. No action is required by the user to begin use of the new form. Simply invoking the “Start 4473” will display the new form.

In-Process Forms

In accordance with ATF guidance, any in-process forms that were started before February 1, 2024, can be completed in the legacy format. Orchid eBound will continue to display that form without any required action from our users.

User Training

While the usability changes are minor, including text enhancements and the addition of one new prohibited person question, we understand the importance of thorough training for our customers. We will provide a training video available for review starting Thursday morning, January 18. This approach ensures that all eBound customers and their employees can access the training at their convenience. The video will comprehensively cover all updates related to the 4473 form and is designed to be concise, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. 

4473 Background Checks Enhanced with Washington State SAFE API Integration 4473 

Effective now, FFLs in Washington State can perform 4473-related background checks directly through the Washington State “SAFE” system with an Orchid-enabled API. Please note that this new functionality is in beta mode and is actively monitored during early deployment.

Upon toggling the feature to “on” (found in Orchid eBound Account Settings), the user will be prompted to enter an API key.  Firearm transferees will be prompted with additional Washington-required questions as an appendix to Section B of the 4473 or 4473 Kiosk. 

Upon reaching the background check area of Section C, users can automatically submit a background check via an API-enabled button. Responses will either appear immediately or, if delayed, will display in a green alert button in the header menu of the eBound window.  In addition, the new functionality will automatically generate the Washington State Firearm Transfer Application (FIR-652-001) and is made available along-side the 4473 within eBound.

Additional information about the Washington SAFE program can be found here (https://safe.wsp.wa.gov/splash-screen).

Refreshed Account Settings

As part of the Washington State SAFE effort, we took the opportunity to better align the toggle options presented in the “Account Settings” area of eBound.