Can the ATF really come in your house at will?

[Cadesdad]

So I have heard a thousand different things regarding Class 3 stamps and what things one can expect if he gets one.

Some say nothing will happen, some say it won't happen but it could, and some say the ATF is going to check your colon.

Is there anybody who has a real working knowledge of this? I don't mean someone who "has heard" or "thinks", I mean does anybody know the facts?

I tried to look at the ATF website, but since I am rather uneducated about Class 3 stamps it was more than difficult to navigate. (I am sure that is purely "accidental" on their part)

I appreciate your help!

 

[MAJ MALFUNCTION]

It's all rumor.

The ATF is supposed to inspect Class 3 dealers (like myself) annually and they don't even have the manpower to achieve that goal.

As long as you're not out there doing something that you're not supposed to be doing with your NFA item(s), you'll never have a "visit" from the ATF.

 

[CAR-AR-M16]

It's all rumor.

The ATF is supposed to inspect Class 3 dealers (like myself) annually and they don't even have the manpower to achieve that goal.

As long as you're not out there doing something that you're not supposed to be doing with your NFA item(s), you'll never have a "visit" from the ATF.

What he said.


This is a common myth. Owning NFA items does not allow ATF to enter your house unless you are suspected of wrongdoing and they have a serach warrant. Like MAJ M mentioned, only dealers/manufacturers are supposed to have compliance inspections and they rarely do. I have owned NFA items since 1991 and have never had a "visit".

 

[ratski]

I agree with what the Major and CAR-AR-M16 have said. Unless you are doing something wrong, there is no golden pass that you are giving anyone by owning Class III firearms.

That being said, it is my understanding that they can knock on your door and say "this firearm is registered to you at this address, can we see it?". This is more of a compliance check than a free pass to come into your home at any time.

Many, many moons ago, a shooting buddy of mine and I were discussing this. He did get an "inspection" from ATF. Jimmy Carter was making a campaign stop in Lawton. Apparently, as part of the prelims, they checked out folks that had C3s. Don't know if it was everyone or just a few. But that was A LONG time ago.

Dave

 

[mr ed]

Back in the 80's they came around Tulsa checking on c3 items that were registered in the 68 amnesty.
They said they were updating their computer system.
If you were in the phone book they just called.
If not they tracked you down one way or another.
One nice thing about it was my dad registered a couple back then and never received any paperwork.
He was always concerned about taking them out and shooting them with no papers.
After their phone call he didn't have to worry cause it confirmed they were registered.
As a C3 dealer I had 20-30 that were amnesty guns and they came in for an inspection around the same time and were only interested in seeing the amnesty guns.

This was the only time period that I ever heard of them contacting individuals about their guns that was not part on a criminal investigation.

 

[gmtmaster]

So I have heard a thousand different things regarding Class 3 stamps and what things one can expect if he gets one.

Some say nothing will happen, some say it won't happen but it could, and some say the ATF is going to check your colon.

Is there anybody who has a real working knowledge of this? I don't mean someone who "has heard" or "thinks", I mean does anybody know the facts?

I tried to look at the ATF website, but since I am rather uneducated about Class 3 stamps it was more than difficult to navigate. (I am sure that is purely "accidental" on their part)

I appreciate your help!

I own 7 title2 items. I have never once spoken to ATF other than when I called my examiner about a transfer.

They do not come to your house...