Navigating ATF Arm Brace Paperwork: The Risks of Registering Your Firearm
The ATF's recent release of a 293-page rule on arm braces has sparked controversy among firearm owners. The rule states that arm braces attached to pistols are considered to be short-barreled rifles and are subject to the regulations of the Gun Control Act, which includes registering the firearm with the government. This has created a significant workload for the ATF, with an estimated 40 million arm braces currently in circulation. I have no doubt that this rule is going to be overruled. To be sure, it is a clear violation of at least 3 very recent court rulings with two handed down by the Supreme Court. Yet, our federal government is hell bent on ignoring the constitution and case law (this should scare the hell out of you).
https://youtu.be/7gV6WgEFDnM
69 Years of Paperwork for 40,000,000 Arm Braces!
The sheer volume of paperwork that will be generated is staggering. It is estimated from insiders that there are only 8 employees approving Form 1's. If there are 8 employees approving 40,000,000 Form 1's, each employee would need to approve 5,000,000 forms. If each employee spent 1 minute on each form and worked 40 hours a week, it would take each employee approximately 69.4 years to approve all the forms. This is assuming that these employees take no time off and no time is spent on other tasks. The average wait time for a Form 1, which is required for the registration of a short-barreled rifle, is currently one month. And for a Form 4, the wait time can be as long as 9 months.
The Dangers of Registering Your Arm Brace Gun
But the paperwork and wait times are not the only concerns for firearm owners. The act of registering a firearm with the government carries with it certain risks. As a law enforcement officer, I can tell you that registering your firearm does not always end well for the owner. It can make you a target for theft because you're now on a list that can be leaked (just ask California CCW holders) and can also be used against you in court later on.
Furthermore, the ATF's current handling of arm brace paperwork raises questions about their ability to properly process all of that paperwork in a timely matter. Then there are the many gun owners who will never know that the pistol they bought lawfully is now making them a felon.
In light of these concerns, it's important for firearm owners to carefully consider the potential risks before registering their arm braced firearms with the government. To be clear, when California required registration of modern sporting rifles, more than a few people had search warrants served on their home, guns were confiscated and people were taken to jail. You are admitting to the government that you own a controlled weapon and there are risks that come with that.
I have worked with many federal agencies during my 30 year career. What they have been doing in the last few years is unlawful, unconstitutional and outside of the norm of criminal investigation ethics. This should cause you to pause and be concerned.
Wrapping Up the ATF Arm Brace Ban Fiasco
In conclusion, the recent release of the 293-page ATF arm brace rule has created a significant workload for the agency, with long wait times for paperwork processing and potential risks for firearm owners. With the vast number of arm braces in circulation and the limited number of employees able to process the paperwork, it's important for individuals to be aware of the potential pitfalls before registering their arm braced firearms with the government. It is important to conduct further research and seek professional advice before making any decision regarding registration.