BATFE is asking for comments

According to Ken Melson, the Acting Director of ATF, here are the “reasons” that law abiding gun owners should not be afraid or concerned about more onerous registration of firearms owners. This is all about the “Southwest” violence, this “limited reporting” of multiple sales of certain long guns they claim will only apply to FFLs doing business in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, which are major source states for crime guns seized in Mexico and traced to federal firearms licensees. The reporting requirement applies “only” to those rifles having all of the following characteristics:

•: A semi-automatic action;

•: A caliber greater than .22; (gee, nobody buys these do they?)

•: The ability to accept a detachable magazine.

This will encumber the FFLs with burdensome paperwork. The ATF claims that “These reports will give ATF real-time leads for the investigation of gun trafficking.” So what the ATF is saying is that those fortunate enough to have enough money to buy two guns at once are suspects as these are “are strong indicators of firearms trafficking to Mexico.”

http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2010/12/122010-hdqrts-melson-webcast.html

<strong>ATF claims it’s an EMERGENCY and they need to start collecting information about semi auto purchases…</strong> Please read the attached notice from BATFE and send them your comments. It is important to note that they chose to use the word "EMERGENCY" here. This word has special meaning when used by a government entity in a public document.

<blockquote>
Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

—Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
—Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
—Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
—Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.
</blockquote>
Please read the entire PDF which is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-31761.pdf or you can <a href="/sites/default/files/2010-31761.pdf">download a copy of it here.</a>