ATF NFA branch contact info?

[bkjeffrey]

Has enyone ever used the (304) area code phone number for the NFA branch of the BATFE to check the status of an NFA item?

I submitted a F4 a few months back. Today I got a phone number from my dealer to call and check the status. I decided to call it and within the second ring I was pleasantly greeted by a PERSON! That was a suprise. She simply answered my call with a polite "ATF, may I help you?" She was very friendly and informed me that my application was pending as of April.

I was very impressed with the fact that I actually got to speak to a member of the federal government without ever having to "push 1 for this n' that ".

So, has anyone ever used this hotline? And, if she says my application is "pending" what exactly does that mean? Im close to getting my stamp?

 

[jmorris]

304-616-4500 is the NFA branch #, I keep it in my phone. Along with the state police # of places that I travel.

 

[jmorris]

All Pending means is that it was put in a stack and they cashed your check. Depending on what desk it made it to, it could be pending for 3-6 months.

 

[Aaron Baker]

My impression has been that the folks there are actually pretty nice human beings. We may not like the bureaucracy that they work for, and the rules that they have to follow, but they're just folks with jobs. In fact, my examiner on my latest form 1 is very friendly and we talked about the weather in West Virginia.

Of course, my parents live there, and we both went to high school about 10 minutes apart. But the point is, it doesn't hurt to be nice to them. Because they're just customer service people, and they respond the same way any other human would to human kindness.

I had a problem with my trust on my Form 1 and ended up having to write a letter to their legal counsel that reviews trusts. Since I made friends with my examiner, she takes my calls, tells me that my letter has arrived, that it's been forwarded on, and that she'll let me know as soon as they hear back from their legal counsel.

The West Virginians that work for ATF are nice people. I'm fairly sure part of the reason that applications take so long (besides background checks, etc) is because that ATF office is understaffed (either purposely or because of a lack of funding) because NFA isn't a huge priority for our government. But the people doing it are generally happy to help you.

Aaron

 

[springwalk]

I wouldnt say all of them are the friendliest. Many folks have mention one of the three phone answerers can be a jerk. The gruff voiced man(smoker or ex coal mine worker) that typically works the phone acts like he hates you for bothering him from reading his magazines or playing solitaire on the computer as you ask him on the status of your form 4. The two women are very friendly, but he just comes off as "how dare you ask me about your $200 stamp status". I wish the gubbermint would monitor and record all calls for quality control like most reputable businesses do.

 

[Aaron Baker]

Just to clarify my previous post, my understanding is that there are two separate groups of people there to take into consideration. They have "customer service reps" that actually answer the phones and can do a quick check on a status (pending, approved, etc) and tell you that info. Then they also have the actual examiners (and their supervisor) who can give you more detail and who you will have to talk to if there's a hold-up or problem of any sort with your application.

The CSRs are not going to be as knowledgeable, and there's not a lot of info they can give you anyway. However, the examiners (or at least the one I talked to) seem very pleasant, and can tell you more good info. Their supervisor was also polite when I talked to him.

Just try to remember that they are only people. I would expect about the same level of service as you would get if you were calling to check on your electric bill or get service on your computer. It's a call center out front and a working office in the back. They follow the rules they're given and do the job they're assigned. Having worked in a somewhat similar situation (health insurance CSR), I can tell you that they don't always agree with what they're doing, but that they have to do their jobs the way they were told to.

At least it's not an automated system.

Aaron

 

[springwalk]

Like I always say, if you dont like your job or no longer agree with it then its time to move on to another job and let someone else do it who will appreciate a fresh start. When you are in the customer service business of answering phones and pulling up data from a computer theres not a whole lot expected from you other than be friendly. I'm certain this guy(MrWood, I recall) that answers the phone for the nfa and simply looks up ones name and serial number for the weapon gets paid really well with great benefits being hes in the gubbermint. No business, small or large, would tolerate his attitude. Yes, I do appreciate that its not automated like the VA.

 

[Tallbald]

The 2 times I have talked to the folks from my local ATF office they have been very friendly and courteous. I asked supressor questions and the pleasant lady grinned and told me I sounded like her husband with all my interests. I learned he works in a gunshop himself. Seemed to be like anyone else of course. Don

 

[ourduck]

he gruff voiced man(smoker or ex coal mine worker) that typically works the phone acts like he hates you for bothering him

I've been on the phone with the gruff guy...and made it a priority to get on his good side. Turns out he's retired Air Force and tells a pretty good story. Thankfully their phone calls appear not to be recorded! ;-)

 

[Highpower1]

He is a jerk plain and simple. I was the nicest of the nice to him and he acted like he hated my guts from taking him away from his bridge game. The other two ladies that I spoke with were very helpful and went above and beyond on phone call with another question that I had.

But alas, you get people like that in every walk of life. I just laughed at him when he was rude, he wasn't going to ruin my day!

 

[Ironman]

^
Same


I had a short conversation and he said I called in to early and should have waited 45days. Well I always call in 30day increments to catch any F'ups early as they will just let it sit there. He said "its gonna be a long time so dont call every week" I said "I wont, I call every 30days when I have something pending, besides I have other toys to play with until this one clears." He said "good for you" and hung up.

 

[Tallbald]

The people in my local ATF office were very friendly when I had to visit them with a question about shoulder stocking a modern muzzle loading revolver. I actually have a long time friend who has been an ATF Special Agent for many years. He is a true stand up guy. He's seen my little collection (nothing class 3 unfortunately) and is a firearms enthusiast also. The hardest part for me was finding the local office which doesn't have a sign telling you they are in the building. The nice lady comes out to help you. I have only met friendly folks there so far. I have also received fairly prompt and very courteous responses to questions sent to the Firearms Technical Branch in Martinsburg, WV, signed by the Chief. My second letter was a follow-up seeking a specific clarification, and to expedite things I made sure to use the first letter's reference number.
I grew up in a civil service family.My grandmother was an IRS auditor (who, and this always gave me a laugh, got told in a 1960's performance review by her supervisor that she had " the mind of a man"). Mom was a VA nurse, and Daddy was in the Social Security department. Heck. Knowing what I know now as a middle-aged man I wish I had gone to work for the federal government when I got out of college in the early 80's. I'd feel more secure about my employment future than now. Mom tried to tell me...
Don

 

[Blackhawk30]

Shouldn't ATF contact info be a sticky?