Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09157

Sports, Inc. is a national buying group serving independent firearms dealers in all 50 states. We oppose the ATF proposal (RIN 1140-AB05) to amend 27 CFR 478.96 to eliminate restrictions against NOTC transfers to unlicensed persons. While the ATF's new era of reform aimed at reducing burdens on FFL dealers and law abiding citizens is generally a positive development, this proposed rule change would create more risk than reward. Local FFL dealers are the most important cog in the system that ensures the United States has a well-run and responsible firearms industry. Removing the local FFL dealer from the transaction will jeopardize the integrity and accountability of the system as well as the livelihood of many local businesses. Local FFL dealers stop straw purchases every day. Local FFL dealers ensure accountability within the system. And local FFL dealers employ tens of thousands of people in the firearms industry in communities across America. This proposed rule change would damage the integrity of the system, and it would do harm to local businesses and their employees. It would also put additional stress on local law enforcement agencies, which are already shorthanded nationwide. Eliminating small businesses and the jobs they support, increasing the risk of illegal purchases, and burdening the agencies tasked with protecting our citizens is a formula that does not work. We oppose this rule change, and as a member of the firearms industry, we ask you to eliminate the proposed rule that would allow direct shipments of firearms to unlicensed persons.