Jent,
I would heartily suggest that you address any questions regarding BATF regulations to the Washington Field Division at 202-927-8810. They will answer any question that you might pose and will likely be very courteous and happy to do so.
You don't even have to identify yourself if you don't want to do so (but they already know who you are, according to Alex Jones anyway).
Contrary to the opinions of some, the ATF is not "out to get you".
When I have a question or need clarification regarding regulations I call the ATF directly. You're far more likely to get the correct answers from them than from an internet forum.
Regarding the characterization of the BATF as a "rogue agency", I have to wonder how many of the people here have had their doors kicked in at 2AM by the ATF? Zero is the number that I'm guessing. How many FFL holders in full-time business regard the ATF as a danger to them? Or as the gun owners greatest enemy?
I'm pretty sure that the ATF wouldn't crack the top 5 "dangers to gun owners".
It seems to me that American gun owners are their own worst enemy. Here are a few examples, in no particular order:
1)Gun rags - It was Guns & Ammo that coined the phrases "assault rifle" and "assault pistol", thanks guys.
2)Youtube - Rednecks with guns and explosives, 'nuff said.
3)"Patriot preppers" - Make sure that you have guns buried, the end is near.
4)Open-carry zealots - This is a civilized, first-world country. If you want to carry your black rifle or AK everywhere you go, move to Angola.
5)"Militia" types - Paranoid much?
I'm willing to bet that I've had much more contact with the ATF than most of the people here and I've never experienced anything but courtesy and a helpful attitude from their personnel.
Obviously, being a large government agency that hires from across a large demographic, there are bound to be some bad apples, no different than anywhere else.
So much anger, so little factual information.
In my opinion the gun owners worst enemy are the Quisling gun owners who cooperate with he gun banners because those Yahoos don't like the same sort of proper guns that we oh so proper gentlemen treasure.
How did that work out for the Brit and Aussies ?
The BATfe has never benefited any honest gun owner that I have ever encountered in 45 years of being a fire arms enthusiast.
Personally I was a victim along with approximately 200 other victims of a Gunsmith who had our property and deposits for up to 4 years, we reported our guns as stolen to the BATFe and and local Sheriffs department. The BATFe paid the Artist Gunsmith a visit and when they would deign to answer a phone call or email would simply say it wasn't their problem. But abbreviate a city name or street on a 4473 and they will be on you like white on rice.
After all they are the geniuses that classified a shoe string as a machine gun, and told FFLs to sell guns to Mexican Drug Cartels.
More people have been murdered with a 22lr or common shotgun, or even baseball bats than any 'black guns'.
