ATF proposes to reclassify M855/SS109 green tip as armor-piercing ammo

[Bartholomew Roberts]

From the ATF Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/HQATF):

Notice to those Commenting on the Armor Piercing Ammunition Exemption Framework

Thank you for your interest in ATF's proposed framework for determining whether certain projectiles are "primarily intended for sporting purposes" within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C). The informal comment period will close on Monday, March 16, 2015. ATF has already received more than 80,000 comments, which will be made publicly available as soon as practicable. Although ATF endeavored to create a proposal that reflected a good faith interpretation of the law and balanced the interests of law enforcement, industry, and sportsmen, the vast majority of the comments received to date are critical of the framework, and include issues that deserve further study. Accordingly, ATF will not at this time seek to issue a final framework. After the close of the comment period, ATF will process the comments received, further evaluate the issues raised therein, and provide additional open and transparent process (for example, through additional proposals and opportunities for comment) before proceeding with any framework.

So, assuming that this is a legitimate Facebook page and not something that someone just did as a practical joke; it looks like ATF is giving us a "I'll get you my pretty! You and your little dog too!" before flying off on its broom. We will probably be revisiting this issue again if Congress doesn't step in to smash it now; but the good news is:

A) No framework will be issued at this time
B) There will be additional proposal and opportunity for comment before ATF seeks to go forward

 

[F-111 John]

The ATF facebook page link above doesn't work for me, but searching for HQATF in Facebook I found the same entry at https://www.facebook.com/HQATF?fref=nf

 

[hatt]

Interesting.

 

[REB]

ATF Temporarily Pulls Proposal to Ban AR-15 "Green Tip" Ammunition


http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiep...lls-ban-on-ar15-green-tip-ammunition-n1968508

 

[hatt]

I'll give the eternal optimists here some credit. It does appear the ATF has backtracked a bit. Sure been nice if everyone had gotten mad years ago.

 

[NickEllis]

Some really great news there. Not entirely out of the woods, but that's about as good as we could have possibly hoped for from the ATF. I'm thankful for everyone who submitted emails, comments, etc. Well done.

 

[Frank Ettin]

It appears that the issue is resolved at least temporarily. Another discussion may be started if things heat up.