Senior ATF official proposes loosening gun regulations

[RTFM]

- original read form Soldier Systems:
http://soldiersystems.net/2017/02/06/atf-associate-deputy-director-suggests-lifting-many-firearms-regulations/


Take the source for what it is:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/senior-atf-official-proposes-loosening-gun-regulations/2017/02/06/beeb1120-ec7c-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html?utm_term=.0aaad0343514

arlier today the Washington Post referenced an 11-page white paper, written by a high-ranking official at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ronald B Turk who is Associate Deputy Director (Chief Operating Officer) at the ATF.

What is so interesting about this document, Titled “Options to Reduce or Modify Firearms Regulations” and dated 20 January, 2017, is its content. Turk suggests wide sweeping reforms for gun laws and most would be welcomed by gun owners and the industry which services them. However, this document was clearly marked “Not for public distribution” and was intended to stir internal government dialogue. Considering the source of the public disclosure (WaPo) we have to contemplate that its leak was intended to shock rather than inspire the public.

It’s topics would have never been considered privately, let alone publicly during the Obama Administration. Here is a list compiled by JF, a member of a Facebook group considered with NFA law.

1. New Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) Dealing Exclusively at Gun Shows (or internet)

2. Creating a better process to approve pending requests for AP Ammo from manufacturers

3. Importing Surplus Firearms from Foreign Countries

4. Variances for SOTs to transfer Post-1986 machine guns without Demo Letters

5. Stabilizing Brace, creating a more consistent ruling

6. Commission a study on “Sporting Purposes” to comply with modern needs

7. Create a database of previous ATF rulings

8. “Legalizing” Silencers, citing expense of regulation. Change definition on “Silencer Parts”

9. Interstate Sale of Firearms at Gun shows

10. Destructive Devices, distinguishing between launcher and munitions

11 & 12. Demand letters to FFLs involving guns used in crimes

13. Changing requirement of FFL recording keeping from 20 years to indefinite

14. Allowing greater use of NICS by FFLs

15. Requiring ATF director to be confirmed by Senate

16. Reviewing a long list of Regs for Removal/Amendment

The only one which will probably create outcry from gun owners is #13 which recommends extending ATF record keeping to indefinite from 20 years. Everything else has some up at some time or another as things gun owners and industry want. Obviously, this document isn’t an official ATF policy position, but it’s a great place to start a conversation when someone wants to discuss “common sense” gun laws.

ATF White Paper Cover

Link to 11 page .PDF
http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Options-to-Reduce-or-Modify-Firearms-Regulation.pdf

[Big Frank]

I'd like to see a lot of regulations changed and they need to quit using the anti-gunners made up words that are designed to scare ignorant non-gunners, like "assault weapons" or "semi auto assault weapons". There are no such things and it should be acknowledged that there aren't.

[tombogan03884]

They need to review all gun laws in view of the Dredd Scott decision which specified the ownership and carrying of arms as a basic right of citizenship, It was superceded by the 13 th amendment which granted blacks citizenship, but it's reasoning has never been challenged)
Also re examine the "sporting clause" in light of the Miller decision which ruled that only militarily useful arms were protected.

[Pathfinder]

All of these4 changes need to - no MUST - be enacted by Congress and not through the ATF.

IMHO this is a cheap shoddy ploy by the ATF to save their asses - and the organization! We have learned the hard way we cannot - and must not - trust anyone in the ATF. So make the rules LAWS and then the ATF under a gun-grabbing President cannot use the ATF to reinstate them on his whim.

[fatbaldguy]

It is a trap.  Lull us into complacency.  If now laws are repealed, when a democratic administration is in place, we're screwed in the nether regions.

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

It is a trap.  Lull us into complacency.  If now laws are repealed, when a democratic administration is in place, we're screwed in the nether regions.

This is correct.  We need to fix the issue by repealing laws!

[alfsauve]

I'm displeased at the way the ATF has been able to morph from a tax collection agency to a full blown law enforcement one by usurping powers from the FBI.  Granted it was done through various legislation but I'm sure exec's at the ATF had a hand in shaping that by lobbying Congress.

[jaybet]

I have read that a couple of retired ATF guys are saying this tool is just trying to: a) get a promotion, and b) insure that ATF stays rather than be dissolved. He's just sucking up to Trump. "Look at me, you can work with me and I take direction". I agree with what was stated earlier though. Do away with them or change it by legislation so that the next Obamanumbnutz can't throw the rules back on.

[tombogan03884]

All "policies" should have to pass Congress like any other law.

[billt]

I read several articles saying this is killing the silencer industry. Sales are plummeting to the point many silencer companies are laying off people. The reason is many people who want them are waiting for this to pass so they won't have to eat the $200.00 tax to buy one. Many also believe they will drop in price, because the only thing holding the price up is because it's a NFA item.

Regardless if it's true or not, people are holding off on buying these things. In a way I can't blame them. In a lot of locations the paperwork for these things takes forever to clear. So a lot of people figure they have to wait anyway, so why not hold off until they can simply walk in and buy one without having their names and address on file with the ATF? And end up $200.00 richer too boot.

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2017/02/foghorn/layoffs-reported-silencerco-citing-lagging-sales-due-hearing-protection-act/

http://modernrifleman.net/2017/02/02/mass-layoffs-at-silencerco/

http://www.recoilweb.com/whats-quieting-the-silencer-industry-126010.html