ATF at local gun show

[Twiki357]

It looks like the ATF (At least here in Arizona) is trying to do some PR repair after their Fast and Furious debacle.

They had a table set up right inside the entrance to the local gun show today with a couple of smiling agents chatting up anyone who stopped by. They had a number of hand-outs, like a paperback book of ATF reg's (Revision of 2005), a CD-ROM of state reg's (Revision of 2008) and a couple of ATF window stickers/decals. Not sure if the CD include any tracking software though (Haven't tried it yet.)

Just though Ya'll might find this interesting. I don't know if this is something new with them, but I've never seen the ATF at any other GS that I've ever been to.

 

[DMF]

They've been going to gun shows periodically for years. Although, you probably didn't see "agents" manning the booth. Special Agents do criminal enforcement and the Industry Operations Investigators (formerly Inspectors) handle regulatory issues. I've only seen Inspectors at gun shows.

 

[natman]

I've seen similar booths at guns shows now and then for years.

 

[Sam1911]

ATF window stickers for your car?

Is that kind of like the FOP or Thin Blue Line "get out of ticket free" stickers?

Not sure I've ever met anyone who'd want one of those...but maybe it's a kind of ironic comment.

 

[Pfletch83]

They were probably shopping for their friends south of the border again.

*you guys thought about saying it too*

 

[Geckgo]

I don't see any reason why they "shouldn't" be at a gun show, but I've haven't yet seen an ATF booth.. They seem to always be creeping around a friend of mine's bar investigating for sale to minors tickets to write.

 

[hso]

You see this at the trade shows, but I have never seen it at a local show.

Anybody know if they've done this at Tulsa or Louisville?

 

[Sav .250]

They have a booth at the Orlando Gun Show this week-end.

 

[Rembrandt]

PR is always a good thing, helps people understand the departments inner workings.....unfortunately their image is getting badly damaged every evening on the news. Lower level agents are probably doing a good job. What they need is an "Pinata" that represents some of the management so gun owners can take out their anger over what the boobs tried to do law abiding owners.

 

[Wolfebyte]

They have been present at the Texas Gun and Knife shows in Abilene, Tx in the past.

However, the last 3 shows that I attended, they didn't have a booth.

 

[Alex23]

I'm all for them doing good PR for themselves. They've had a few hiccups in the past - Ruby Ridge and Waco come to mind but I have absolute faith that they are really looking after our best interests these days by selling rifles to Mexican drug cartels. :banghead:

Incidentally 3 of the senior managers involved in Operation Fast and Furious apologized for their idiocy and have been promoted within ATF. The only problem ATF had with F&F was they got caught and were embarrassed - clearly it was a success in their minds.

 

[wally]

Border Patrol recruiters are sometimes at the larger gun shows here with a booth.

Can't recall ever seeing any official ATF presence at shows here, most generally have 6-12 Class III dealers with tables.

 

[Old Fuff]

They usually have a table at some of the Tucson shows, located by the only entrance where they can watch those coming and going.

I'm sure they're others walking around, hoping to find that evil gun show loophole. :banghead:

 

[Murphy4570]

If I saw 'em I'd bust their chops, big time.

"So, buying some stuff for friends down in Mexico, are ya? Seen it on the news!"

 

[orionengnr]

I've been going to DFW area gun shows for a bit over seven years now (6-12 shows per year on average). Never seen one yet.

 

[Contrarian]

If PR is an attempt at education, does it not work both ways? Are they willing/able to learn from US?

 

[bushmaster1313]

They should set up a concession stand:

Alcohol, Tobaco and Firearms.

My kind of store

 

[YankeeRebel]

They ususally have a "booth" at the Tulsa show.

 

[Heretic]

Boy, I'd give them a piece of my mind. PR huh?

 

[LongTimeGone]

They have a booth at the Orlando Gun Show this week-end.

I went yesterday.
I didn't notice ATF but I did notice more LEO than usual.

 

[dogtown tom]

DMF They've been going to gun shows periodically for years. Although, you probably didn't see "agents" manning the booth. Special Agents do criminal enforcement and the Industry Operations Investigators (formerly Inspectors) handle regulatory issues. I've only seen Inspectors at gun shows.

This.
Most folks don't have a clue as to the difference between an enforcement agent ( badge & gun) vs an industry operations investigator (beancounter).

The IOI's (beancounters) sit at a table and hand out "Don't Lie For The Other Guy" kits, CD's of the regs, etc. They are almost always nice folks.

Geckgo I don't see any reason why they "shouldn't" be at a gun show, but I've haven't yet seen an ATF booth.. They seem to always be creeping around a friend of mine's bar investigating for sale to minors tickets to write.

Highly doubtful that Federal ATF lurks around your friends bar to write "tickets" to teenagers. Your state alcohol cops do.

Murphy4570 If I saw 'em I'd bust their chops, big time.

IOI's have nothing to do with Gunrunner/Fast & Furious. You might as well stand in front of a mirror and rant at yourself for paying their salaries with your tax $$$$.

orionengnr I've been going to DFW area gun shows for a bit over seven years now (6-12 shows per year on average). Never seen one yet.

They've been a regular feature at Market Hall & Ft Worth shows for several years. I always pick up extra forms, mouse pads, counter mats and other FFL goodies when I see their table.

Contrarian If PR is an attempt at education, does it not work both ways? Are they willing/able to learn from US?

Learn what from us? ATF gets to enjoy enforcing unpopular federal laws that OUR elected representatives passed. Don't like ATF?.....stop electing idiots. Educating ATF is futile....but educating voters and politicians is not.

 

[mortablunt]

I've seen the ATF a few times at gun shows. Mostly, they're there to stop the legally disqualified from obtaining firearms. They sometimes will check your ID and papers. I get a good deal of odd looks for being legally an adult while looking like I should still be in middle school.

 

[theotherwaldo]

They had a booth at the last SAXET show over in Pharr, TX. 'Course, Pharr has a bridge to Reynosa, Mexico, and weapons have been walking across that bridge since before it was completed.

 

[pbearperry]

About 25 years ago,a fellow policeman and friend left my job and took one with ATF.At first he thought he made the right decision,but after a few years,he was so fed up with their tactics that he transferred to Immigration.

 

[medalguy]

They are at the Houston shows from time to time, usually walking around. They did have a table at the Saxet show last year, manned by actual agents.