ATF attempting to reclassify small arms ammunition without public input

Gun Rights Examiner ^ | November 26, 2010 | David Codrea

[Neil E. Wright]

“Recently, the NFATCA took the lead on an issue that could have far-reaching consequences in the NFA and Sporting communities,” the National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association reports.

What issue?

It was learned that ATF was seeking to create a definition of small arms ammunition under the aegis of the Safe Explosives Act. The definition was being created as an opinion letter and had no input from the firearms community.

Why is a revised definition needed? What is the impetus behind this effort to increase the Bureau’s regulatory control reach? And why exclude the people who it would compel compliance from under force of law?

What’s the immediate danger?

[I]t could have arrived as a declaration that all ammunition above .50 caliber would now be classified as an explosive.

That means that there would be a whole new slew of regulations and licensing requirements—including potentially for currently-owned property. Why?

NFATCA tells us they learned of this and “arranged for a meeting” with ATF brass and its representatives, along with representatives of “NRA, SAAMI, Safari Club International and the NSSF.”

A “working group” has been established. A pledge of sorts to “make certain that ‘we get this right’” has been made, and we’re told to expect progress updates.

So: crisis averted, our leaders are on the job and we can go back to sleep now, right?

Not so fast. Let’s take a closer look.

[Buffalo Head]

"Small arms ammo is a propellent...not an explosive".

Small arms ammuniton is neither a propellant or explosive. The propellant powder contained within a cartridge can be either, depending upon the degree of restrainment of its combustion gases upon ignition of the powder.

Similarly, an automobile is not a propellant or explosive by nature of the gasoline in its fuel tank.

[sheik yerbouty]

Watch! Cars will be declared to be explosive devices!