Latest from the ATF: No more opinion letters Unless . . .

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

With this timing, I wonder if there has any correlation...

SCOTUS Agrees To Hear Case That May Ultimately Undermine ATF Power

Can we get the ATF to state that the AR15 and semi-auto, box fed rifles and handguns are in common use and are not inherently dangerous? Then we can close the door.

[SteyrAUG]

Can we get the ATF to state that the AR15 and semi-auto, box fed rifles and handguns are in common use and are not inherently dangerous? Then we can close the door.

For a time. Then just like the provisions within FOPA they will be eroded and ignored over time. The problem is that the atf can rule by decree rather than due process with nothing more than a determination opinion which then becomes the enforceable law of the land.

The tool that permits this is the "sporter clause" found in the 1968 Gun Control Act which allows the ATF to determine which firearms, firearms accessories and ammo are "particularly suited to sporting purposes." Everything else is MEANINGLESS.

Hell the ATF doesn't even abide by their own definitions anymore because they don't have to when it suits them. Even the President lacks this ability to legislate by decree based upon an opinion of a firearms suitability to a given activity. Congress never sees a bill, you never get to vote but suddenly something you own is now illegal.

Open bolt semi auto firearms sold as Title I firearms suddenly become machine guns despite the fact that ATF had already approved their Title I status.

Semi auto shotguns sold as Title I firearms suddenly become destructive devices despite the fact that ATF had already approved their Title I status.

SBRs were declared EXEMPT from 922r considerations because they were NOT "sporting firearms" and therefore didn't have to meet the qualifications of a Title I firearm UNTIL ATF changed their mind abd decided they are still Title II firearms but now subject to 922r considerations which are supposed to ONLY apply to Title I firearms.

Don't even get me started on trigger groups becoming the serial numbered "firearm" rather than the receiver as ATF has done since the beginning. Just opened the door for ALL trigger groups to become regulated like firearms, don't like it? Too bad, SIG invented a modular handgun and wanted the trigger group to be the "regulated firearm."

In 10 years I've watched the qualification to be required to pull a manufacturers license go from guys who complete 80% receivers and do parts kit builds to anyone who restocks a rifle and adds a scope or otherwise enhances it's performance.

[Gödel]

It strikes me that the ATF might have gone to this policy simply because it cuts down on the number of times they initially get something wrong because they didn't have a correctly installed accessory to test, or it might be to reduce their operating budget by having to pay people to dig guns out of storage and assemble the doo-dad for testing.

You know, smaller government and all that. The ATF works for the President.