A video posted to Twitter this week by Mr.GunsNGear shows government agents making the rounds to confiscate forced reset triggers.
One of the individuals who was targeted recorded his interaction with the agents. It wasn’t immediately clear when the video was taken.
“So, the reason why we’re here is, as I’m sure you’re aware, the ATF recently classified FRTs — the forced reset triggers — as machineguns,” says the female agent.
“We are aware that you may have purchased some of these FRTs,” she continues. “So now basically the whole agency is reaching out to these purchasers and we have to pick ’em up. You know they’re evil.”
The citizen responds by saying he won’t be answering any questions regarding their inquiry nor will he be turning anything over.
“Are you refusing to give us the triggers,” asks the male agent.
“I’m not refusing anything and I won’t be answering any questions,” the citizen says.
“Again, we are aware that you did purchase FRTs,” says the female agent. “You wouldn’t be in trouble if you gave those up to us. Or, if you sold them, you can tell me you sold them.”
The citizen holds firm in his stance. He tells them that if he’s not being detained or if he’s not being placed under arrest he is going to leave.
“Just to be clear, so that now you know, that if you were to be in possession of these FRTs then you would be basically breaking the law,” she says.
In the United States, the possession of an unregistered machine gun is a federal offense under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. Penalties for violating these laws are no joke.
For possession of an unregistered machine gun, the potential penalties include:
- Imprisonment: Convicted individuals can face up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Fines: Fines for possessing an unregistered machine gun can be substantial, with amounts up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for organizations.
- Forfeiture: Any machine guns and other firearms involved in the offense, as well as any property used to commit the crime or traceable to the crime, may be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
- Loss of gun rights: Convicted individuals may lose their right to own or possess firearms in the future.
Remember, not only are FRTs considered “machineguns,” but bump stocks fall under that classification as well.
It appears that Biden’s ATF is playing hardball. Sending agents door-to-door to confiscate forced reset triggers from law-abiding citizens is tantamount to declaring war on 2A advocates, not to mention a terrible use of limited government resources.
Seriously, there are hardened criminals terrorizing communities all across the country. Yet, the president believes the best use of ATF’s personnel is to send them out to seize aftermarket triggers from responsible gun owners and enthusiasts.
It’s insanity. Or, maybe, Mr.GunsNGear is right. It’s tyranny.
Update 5/10/22 — ATF Responds
GunsAmerica reached out to ATF to ask the following questions:
Is the ATF still actively doing this? How did it obtain the list of purchasers of FRTs? Also, does it plan to take a similar approach with respect to bump stocks, pistol braces, and/or unserialized frames and receivers?
Erik Longnecker, ATF’s Deputy Chief of the Public Affairs Division responded in the following manner:
We would direct you to this Open Letter in reference to certain unregistered machineguns: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/open-letter/all-ffls-mar-2022-open-letter-forced-reset-triggers-frts/download.
Additional information about bump stocks, short barreled rifles and firearm frames and receivers can be found on our website at: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/rulings.