The BATF Paid Me A Visit Yesterday

Status
Not open for further replies.
SilentScream said:
I would be leery of the ATF's tech lab, as they've been know to drastically modify weapons to get semi-auto firearms to fire in full auto, to get convictions in court.
Click to expand...

The problem with attempting to do that under these circumstances, however, is that they don't have anything against the buyer.

If they tried that, the buy can simply provide his documentation of what it was he was purchasing and from whom.

The seller, if he's on the up-and-up, will have his own documentation on this.

There is very likely a fairly extensive trail on such a weapon which would be hard to refute.
 
Belt-fed semis are something of a rarity. In any case, I'd never use that FFL again.

Legal advice isn't a bad idea, and documentation should be demanded by you. If the agents who interact with you refuse to provide it, go over their head- it's to CYA.

John
 
Were that a concern (in this case, if I were the FFL and not necessarily the OP), I'd take some pics and video of the gun in the condition it arrived in, making sure to note the SN and get good shots of the trigger group/sear.
 
Until recently I was confident in the fairness of law enforcement. No more, anything for a conviction. Anything you say will be distorted and cause false charges that cost thousands and months to clear your name. If you clear your name.
 
ball3006, you are incorrect. Both FA and semi fire from closed bolt always. The difference is that when the following rounds are chambered, the FA will continue to fire if the trigger is kept down, whereas the semi will not fire again. There's a spring in the trigger/sear that keeps the trigger from engaging the sear again until the trigger is released and then pulled again.

I know John McGuire, and I can assure you his builds are among, if not, the top builds out there. No way he would have cut corners or done a sloppy job and allowed a gun to malfunction and fire fully automatic.

Also I agree completely, get legal representation before talking with any BATF agents. Been there, done that several times as a Class III dealer a few years ago.
 
Ryanxia said:
If I were denied the Right to receive my legal semi-auto firearm I would certainly make sure to get write down their names/info from the identification and clearly ask if they are denying you the Right to receive your own property.

That being said, you mentioned tax stamp so maybe you live in an area where not everyone can own a semi-auto?

Either way, I wouldn't roll over on that, and I wouldn't care of the FFL owner after that.
Click to expand...
When I read the OP's post, I interpreted the tax-stamp section as, 'if it was an auto I would be filing for a tax stamp...'. Unless the OP edited his post after some of you folks read it and before I did then I guess I just have a different interpretation.
But I do wonder under what grounds they can delay the transfer and hold the rifle under the guise of needing an inspection? I am not trying to be smug or uncooperative but, can a BAATF agent walk in to any firearms dealer and, while watching an authorized FFL engage in a sale or transfer, halt the process and sequester the item in question just because?
B
 
The Agent had her boss inspect it (did the common sense >10 second check according to my friend that works at the shop). When I got there they apologized for the process and where on their way. She also gave me instructions on how to get an official letter from the ATF from their tech dept if i wanted (Id have to mail in my 1919A4, have them inspect it again).

Anyways, here she is (MG3 tripod, adapter, links, ammo on the way):

IMG_1520_zpsa306fbdf.gif

What she will look like after I get everything (but in 7.62x54R):

2010_05090011_zps177cd766.gif
2010_05090010_zpsc38cc738.gif
 
Run.........

To your lawyer.

STOP

Posting on the internet.

GET

A new FFL.

PURSUE

Any possible legal remedies against the current one. There has to be something here...has to be, right ? :D
 
medalguy ... The terms "open bolt" and "closed bolt" referred to the position of the bolt when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire. Of course, in order to go BANG, the bolt would have to be "closed". My position on this is drawn from years of experience with both semi, select fire and full auto firearms. One of my personal favorites, the FG42, operates as "closed bolt" for semi-auto fire and swtich to "open bolt" for full auto. And, yes, the M-1919s (if full auto) fire from an "open bolt"
 
The terms "open bolt" and "closed bolt" referred to the position of the bolt when the weapon is cocked and ready to fire. Of course, in order to go BANG, the bolt would have to be "closed".
Click to expand...
Certainly. However, the M1919 does indeed begin the firing cycle with the bolt fully closed.
 
Glad it all worked out for you.

I would NEVER use that FFL again, and I'd make it very clear why. If he's too stupid to know the difference between a title I and title II firearm, he's too stupid to be running a gun shop. Inconveniencing a legitimate customer this way is absolutely unacceptable, especially without a courtesy call to YOU voicing his concerns prior to an ATF phone call.
 
Certainly. However, the M1919 does indeed begin the firing cycle with the bolt fully closed.
Click to expand...
I believe there's a South African 7.62x51mm version which fires from the open bolt to prevent cook-offs. Admittedly not a common variation, nor would a semi-auto version be likely to be approved.
 
What right do they have to delay the transfer "until they prove" it's not a machine gun? You cleared the NICS background check, then the transfer must happen.

There is no option to "further study" or demand more info, and ask you about other guns, etc.

It was a fishing expedition.
 
I am sorry guys, I don't see where the FFL did anything wrong! It should have been marked as semi auto only!

He thought he had a machine-gun in his shop, possibly being transferred illegally. What was he suppose to do just carry on with the transfer.

In the political climate after the school shooting, I would be extra careful, rather than risking his livelihood or worse!

Glad it all worked out.


Jeff
 
I am sorry guys, I don't see where the FFL did anything wrong! It should have been marked as semi auto only!
Click to expand...
Really? Should all AR-15s and M-1As be marked the same way?

All Kalashnikovs?

And by the way, if I illegally shipped a full-auto MG-3 to that shop, if I marked it "semi-auto only", does that mean that they then SHOULDN'T check it?
 
^ This. Plus, couldn't the FFL have just contacted the company sending the item, to find out what it exactly was that arrived?

But, FWIW, even before things got to that stage, shouldn't a buyer give an FFL the heads up at the very start on what would be arriving, especially if its something this interesting... ("hey, I want to order a really cool, semi-auto version of M1919 ... can you transfer it for me?")
 
woj, the OP indicated he had spoken to the FFL numerous times about it.
 
Fools using hearsay based on rumor, the govt is full of them. They get paid for this also
 
I recommend getting one of those sheet-metal feedway protectors if you're going to be running this gun with metal links, or else use cloth belts. Otherwise, the links will really scratch up the trunnion. This wasn't a concern in the military, but a civilian owner would probably want to protect his multi-thousand dollar investment.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Need advice on FFL transfer gone bad
Replies
17
Views
2K
CyBerlin
C
Twiki357
  • Locked
Question for FFLs
Replies
14
Views
2K
blarby
B
B
  • Locked
  • Poll
BATFE and Retaining Records
2
Replies
29
Views
2K
El Tejon
E
D
  • Locked
Few questions about transferring firearm to another person via FFL
Replies
8
Views
803
jakk280rem
J
C5rider
  • Locked
BATF, Equal Opportunity Offender?
Replies
17
Views
1K
dogtown tom
dogtown tom
Back
Top