ATF Study on Importability of Certain Shotguns

[dillon]

This is the study ATF announced st the SHOT show. There is a public comment period until May 1.

http://atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdf

[JakeMartens]

ATF Study on Importability of Certain Shotguns

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http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdf

Don't think that if you do not shoot shot guns this doesn't affect you:

In particular, the working group examined participation in and popularity of practical shooting

events as governed by formal rules, such as those of the United States Practical Shooting

Association (USPSA) and International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), to determine

whether it was appropriate to consider these events a “sporting purpose” under § 925(d)(3).

While the number of members reported for USPSA is similar to the membership for other

shotgun shooting organizations,

6 the working group ultimately determined that it was not

appropriate to use this shotgun study to determine whether practical shooting is “sporting” under

§ 925(d)(3). A change in ATF’s position on practical shooting has potential implications for rifle

and handgun classifications as well. Therefore, the working group believes that a more thorough

and complete assessment is necessary before ATF can consider practical shooting as a generally

recognized sporting purpose.

The working group agreed with the previous studies in that the activity known as “plinking” is

“primarily a pastime” and could not be considered a recognized sport for the purposes of

importation.7 Because almost any firearm can be used in that activity, such a broad reading of

“sporting purpose” would be contrary to the congressional intent in enacting section 925(d)(3).

For these reasons, the working group recommends that plinking not be considered a sporting

purpose. However, consistent with past court decisions and Congressional intent, the working

group recognized hunting and other more generally recognized or formalized competitive events

similar to the traditional shooting sports of trap, skeet, and clays

[3quartertime]

Merged a couple and approved.

[Genghis]

When administrative agencies change their rules, they usually have to allow public comment. BATFE is reconsidering whether the Saiga-12 and similar shotguns are "particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes." Under current law, this determines whether each particular model can legally be imported.

This topic should be of particular interest to 3-Gun competitors. If BATFE finds that the Saiga and similar guns don't meet the sporting purposes test, then they can be banned for importation. That means either they won't be available, or they'll cost a lot more because they won't be bringing new ones in.

In the past, BATFE has only considered this question about once every decade. If you care about this, please submit official comments to the agency. You can submit them by fax or email. I believe a professional, well-drafted fax would be the most persuasive, but every positive comment helps.

Attached is a letter I sent regarding this issue. Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions.

Sean P. Healy

Attorney at Law

Sean Healy Letter to ATF re Sporting Purposes and shotguns.pdf