Thursday, January 15, 2009

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has a troublesome website. I know this because I recently tried to navigate it looking for a particular piece of information.

You see, the recent election of an avowed anti-gunner as President of the United States has put the fear in many thousands of Americans and they've been buying guns by the many thousands above the usual rate of sales. Firearms purchases require completion of a form 4473 (as well as some other things, including the NICS check based on information provided on the form and accompanying identification). Thus, many forms more than expected were used and the BATFE can't supply the demand.

The BATFE's response to this shortage is practical and reasonable. Photocopy the forms now for use in this short-term shortage. This doesn't impede commerce, doesn't deny anyone their rights and puts reproduction costs on the dealer. Unfortunately, the open letter permitting this act is buried in the BATFE web site.
ATF Seal U.S. Department of Justice
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives

Assistant Director
Washington, DC 20226



January 6, 2009


Notice to All Federal Firearms Licensees
Regarding ATF Form 4473 Shortage

As a result of an unprecedented increase in demand for ATF Forms 4473 (5300.9) Part I Revised August 2008, inventory of the form at the ATF Distribution Center is running low.

As a temporary measure, ATF is allowing FFLs to photocopy the form 4473 in it’s entirety until they receive their orders from the ATF Distribution Center.

A notice will be posted at the expiration of this temporary authorized change.
Thanks to poster Rimfire McNutjob at the leverguns forum for the link.

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