What's Going on with the NFA?
*Some of the external links found on this website are affiliate links. Those links use cookies to generate revenue and fund continuation of this website. By clicking an external link you are consenting to a temporary cookie, by purchasing from that link you are supporting this website. To opt out of cookies do not click external links.
By now I'm sure you've seen plenty of "talking head" internet personalities make shocking video titles and thumbnails discussing the recent letter from the ATF regarding the making, posession, and transfer of silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barelled shotguns. As few of them are attorneys, and many of them are reliant on sensationalism to get them clicks, I tend to avoid most of those so that my own judgement isn't influenced by someone who may or may not have any place describing law.
What really happened is the Office of the Director published an open letter to the public and FFL holders. These letters are meant to aid in the understanding of ATF actions and historically have been worth about the cost of the paper they're printed on and as monumental as one letter seems, the next day, week, month, or administration another letter contradictory to the first can be published at any time. Before reading any comentary of my own or any other non attorney, please read the actual letter below. Beneath it I'll include my opinion and hopes. You may also read the letter from the source at Open Letter - NFA Guidance
Please note, that as stated in the letter, all that this means is that the creation or possession of silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns no longer requires approval from the the ATF for those who may lawfully possess a firearm. Additionally, as stated in the letter many states have their own laws which were written based on registration with the ATF. In other words, just because the federal government doesn't require you to fill out an ATF Form 1 doesn't mean your state no longer does. Until your state law changes, you may need to behave as things previously were when the Federal government taxed and gatekept your civil right. The only difference being now it is your state that is in violation of the US Constitution and not your state and the federal government.
I am not an attorney, nor am I attempting to present myself as one. I made this post to serve as record of the Open Letter and to summarize to the best of my ability for those who struggle to digest the letter.
Comments