Regulations Defining Engaged in the Business as a Dealer in Firearms

The General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church opposes the proposed rule, arguing that it creates loopholes for criminal actors and straw purchasers. They contend that the rule would make it easier for bad actors to traffic weapons and put communities at risk of gun violence.

The National Firearms Act Trade and Collectors Association (NFATCA) supports the proposed rule to clarify the definition of "engaged in the business" as a dealer in firearms. They argue that the rule aligns with existing statutes and protects individuals from being criminalized for enhancing personal collections.

Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation oppose the proposed rule, arguing that it fails to sufficiently walk back the unlawful legal theories of the previous "Biden rule." They contend that the NPRM still allows for the criminalization of private gun owners by maintaining atextual interpretations regarding "engaged in the business" and "former licensee inventory."

The commenter opposes the proposed rule, arguing that it preserves legal theories rejected by the courts and creates unnecessary requirements for private individuals selling firearms from personal collections. They urge the ATF to rescind the "Engaged in the Business" framework entirely.

The commenter opposes the proposed rule, arguing that it creates loopholes for criminal actors and straw purchasers by allowing unlicensed sellers to bypass background checks and record-keeping requirements. They contend that the rule is unsafe and would make it easier for bad actors to traffic weapons.