Big news on the ATF front today, the type of news that makes anti-2A activists gnash their teeth.
That means that it’s good news, of course.
The news? Proposed rule changes to rein in the out-of-control overreach that the ATF had when going after legal gun owners and gun dealers under previous administrations.
Now, I’m all for abolishing the ATF completely. After all, “shall not be infringed” pretty clearly means no infringements at all. None.
But until we’re at the point where we can get rid of all unconstitutional activities by the federal government, I’ll happily take changes that help to reduce their attacks on the Second Amendment.
So, what are the details? Savannah Hulsey Pointer writes,
The [34] changes will usher in a shift in firearm policy, supported by Second Amendment advocates, with more rule changes than the ATF has issued in the last 15 years combined.
Included in the proposal is the rescinding of the brace stabilization rule, which reclassified many pistols equipped with brace attachments as short-barreled rifles under the National Firearms Act. This required registration and additional regulations.
Another proposed change will be to roll back the “engaged in the business” rule. Prior to this announcement, the rule was expanded to apply business standards to anyone who sells guns with the intent of making a profit, rather than those who sell firearms with the intent of making that business their livelihood.
This is great news.
While the ATF shouldn’t even be in place to be able to go after gun owners or gun dealers, the fact that their ability to do that is being pulled back and restricted is a definite move in the right direction.
Now, if we can get Congress to pass nationwide constitutional carry, that will be the ultimate move in the right direction. And we’ll all be safer for it, too.
