Senior ATF Official Calls for Modification or Elimination of Many Gun Regulations

[High Exposure 5,664]

Interesting and unexpected opinion from a senior ATF boss. And I believe his recommended changes are doable with a friendly DOJ.

 

http://soldiersystems.net/2017/02/06/atf-associate-deputy-director-suggests-lifting-many-firearms-regulations/#comments

 

ATF Associate Deputy Director Suggests Lifting Many Firearms Regulations

Earlier 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.

Link to actual 11 page white paper:

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

 

I have some other thoughts on this as well, specifically the why this was leaked, but I want to see what others have to say before I bring them up and influence anything.

[Mrs. Peel 7,157]

I for one can't figure out why #8 is even controversial. We know the damage that guns do to hearing. I've read (in more than 1 credible source) that in Europe (where guns are far more restricted) that those who do use guns regularly use them with silencers... that it's almost considered rude to NOT use a silencer... as you're potentially damaging not just your own hearing but the hearing of anyone nearby. So, that one should be a "no brainer".

 

Not mired enough in the politics to weigh in on anything else. Other than to say... my, how the times are a'changin'. 

[siderman 1,138]

not quite what I was hoping to see, selfeshly thought there would be more direct relevence to our issues here in NJ.

[maintenanceguy 510]

I wonder if they see the writing on the wall that there is talk of repealing the NFA for the first time ever and that for the first time ever, we have a president who isn't afraid to do big things.

 

Maybe this is an attempt to soften the NFA to save it.

[Old School 611]

White Paper was dated 01/20/2017...Guess he was sucking up to the boss....

 

As far as suppressors, ​I shoot with one two or three times a week for practice.  With out it's use I might not do this as frequently because of

noise pollution.

 

​Glasses and no hearing protection.  Very convenient and makes perfect sense.

 

​But even if the "Hearing Protection Act" passes in Jersey you're still probably screwed. 

[Zeke 5,504]

" look, I'm a good guy! Don't drain me bro!"

 

Times are changing for the better!

[Malice4you 627]

"14. Allowing greater use of NICS by FFLs"

 

While I'm hoping that means something like longer NICS hours (I dunno, are they already 24h?), that sounds to me like it could be more like allowing NY safe act for buying ammo.  How much more NICS use do FFLs need?

[jackandjill 683]

Couple of interesting items on the list and some that may increase business for FFLs. But largely, the list seem to be a preemptive strike with few vague items that no doubt will do anything but help Joe The Citizen. 

[remixer 1,645]

"14. Allowing greater use of NICS by FFLs"

 

While I'm hoping that means something like longer NICS hours (I dunno, are they already 24h?), that sounds to me like it could be more like allowing NY safe act for buying ammo.  How much more NICS use do FFLs need?

 

I don't understand this.   Greater use of Nics?

[Vlad G 345]

I don't understand this.   Greater use of Nics?

 

This is probably to allow FFLs to do NICS checks for third parties, ie: you want to sell me a gun but you don't know me from Adam and you want make sure I'm not a murder enthusiast.

[remixer 1,645]

That can be done now without an issue.

 

Just bring the gun to an FFL and they will transfer it using nics..

[Vlad G 345]

That can be done now without an issue.

 

Just bring the gun to an FFL and they will transfer it using nics..

 

Sure but now it is on the logs with numbers and all

 

If they can run a nics, all the records show is a nics check was run, not what I bought from whom with what serial numbers, etc.

[remixer 1,645]

To run nics there would need to be paperwork so I don't think that's the issue

[Oakridgefirearms 224]

I don't understand this.   Greater use of Nics?

Was wonder as well, maybe allowing NICS for ammo sales like NY and CA want to do?

[remixer 1,645]

For all we know its possible the ATF does not even know all FFL's run Nics.

 

Maybe he bought into Obama's Nics Lies.

[T Bill 649]

When a government hack creates and sends out a white paper before legislation is introduced in the House, that is a sign of two things.  One, trying to keep your agency on the map and telling congressmen what they are already thinking.  This is notice to Congress of what they are willing to negotiate to stay in control. Sort of a way to stop any crazy ideas a Congressman may have about 'radicalizing' the current ways the agency does business.  Second, it placates the public into believing effective change is on the way. It does none of that.  This is to steer Congress into putting the Agency in a better position to effect change to increase it's ability to 'govern' and at the same time throw Joe Citizen a few 'bones' of hope.  Watch what becomes of this exercise.  The BATFE is looking to cement their existence and grab more power as the same time.  This has been done many times within the government in the past.  Watch what happens at the EPA, also.

[raz-0 1,259]

When a government hack creates and sends out a white paper before legislation is introduced in the House, that is a sign of two things.  One, trying to keep your agency on the map and telling congressmen what they are already thinking.  This is notice to Congress of what they are willing to negotiate to stay in control. Sort of a way to stop any crazy ideas a Congressman may have about 'radicalizing' the current ways the agency does business.  Second, it placates the public into believing effective change is on the way. It does none of that.  This is to steer Congress into putting the Agency in a better position to effect change to increase it's ability to 'govern' and at the same time throw Joe Citizen a few 'bones' of hope.  Watch what becomes of this exercise.  The BATFE is looking to cement their existence and grab more power as the same time.  This has been done many times within the government in the past.  Watch what happens at the EPA, also.

 

 

It's also possible this falls into the category of the shotgun ban white paper under Obama. The president asked for an assessment of some policy position, and this it the assessment. 

[Rob0115 1,105]

Repeal 41f it's ridiculous and remove suppressor from the NFA list. As a matter fact just repeal the entire act.