This week we have one of my favorite guests back on the show: Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.
There are few people who follow gun politics as closely as Cam. And even fewer are capable of the intelligent analysis he commonly offers. So, I’m glad he’s back to talk about the complicated ins and outs of the ATF’s recent rule proposals and public statements.
The ATF clarified several points regarding its upcoming pistol brace ban this week. It said foreign-made braced guns can be either dismantled or registered as short-barrel rifles to comply with the new ban instead of being destroyed or turned in. They also announced plans to officially publish the rule on January 31st, giving Americans until May to comply before it becomes a crime not to do so.
Cam said much of the 293-page rule is still confusing, even for somebody who follows gun news for a living. Are there any braced guns that the ATF won’t consider SBRs? Do braces have to be destroyed after being removed to comply with the dismantling requirements? Can the ATF’s current determinations even be trusted, given how often they reverse themselves?
Speaking of the ATF reversing itself, Cam also gives an update on a recent Q&A posted on the agency’s website claimed NFA items, such as suppressors or machineguns, could no longer be possessed by anyone other than the owner. That supposedly included times when the owner was there in person and allowing somebody else to try out or rent their gun. Cam said the ATF admitted this isn’t true and, apparently, some kind of mistake.
He said all these inconsistencies hurt the agency’s credibility and make it very difficult for gun owners to navigate thorny legal questions that could produce serious consequences.
Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new Secret Service report detailing strategies to prevent mass killings.
The show is available on your favorite podcasting app or by clicking here. Video of the episode is also available on our YouTube channel. As always, Reload Members get early access on Sunday. Everyone else can listen or watch on Monday.
