The ATF has been doing a great job staying in the spotlight lately. The Biden-Harris administration has vowed to crack down on so-called “rogue dealers”, thus continuing the weaponization of the bureau. Cam recently covered the additional billion dollars “the big guy” is seeking to fund the agency, and Tom brought up how the administration is working to bury their actions in political theater.

The challenge that the law-abiding FFLs have to navigate is that the ATF is charged to catch them up on every act of mopery they commit. By scaring the public into thinking that law-abiding gun dealers are handing out firearms to criminals like they’re after-dinner mints, perhaps they think they’ll garner support, however, if Mr. and Mrs. America learned that Sleepy Joe and his jackbooted enforcement arm are shutting down honest dealers basically over clerical errors, they’d probably be disgusted. Really cleaning up the streets there Joe, these FFLs have created a real jungle, eh?

In response to dealers having to suffer through this zero-tolerance towards even the slightest of errors and omissions, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has recently put out a webinar for their members on how to stay out of hot water.

NSSF hosted a “Zero Tolerance” Policy Update compliance session in March and that webinar is available for viewing. The ATF has been directed by the Biden administration and Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership to implement a “Zero Tolerance” policy targeting what they are calling “rogue gun dealers.” Unfortunately, with this new policy, the expectations of Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) have been set even higher where compliance is concerned, to the point where even a single violation could create a scenario for license revocation. A recording of the webinar is now available in SHOT University™ Online and free to NSSF Members and their staff. Access the webinar and opt in for notifications of future webinars here.

On one hand, it’s really a sad state of affairs that we’re dealing with that we have to worry about being completely shut down by the government over dotted i’s, crossed t’s, and a conversation over county versus country. On the other hand, we’re lucky to have an organization out there like the NSSF to step up to the plate and swing for those in the firearm industry by providing this service for their members.

An article on the 2022 Firearm Industry Compliance Education program has more information listed about the offerings as well as a way to access the presentation.

The ATF has been directed by the Biden Administration and the leadership in the Department of Justice to implement a “Zero Tolerance” policy targeting what they are calling “Rogue Gun Dealers.” Unfortunately, with this new policy, the expectations of Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) have been set even higher where compliance is concerned, to the point where even a single violation could create a scenario for license revocation.

After reading about the NSSF offering up and releasing their recent seminar as a webinar for their members, I reached out to Mark Oliva, the Director of Public Affairs at the NSSF. I expressed to him that I was impressed with the program and wanted to hear more about it. Oliva had the following to say about it:

Reports are coming in from federal firearms licensees that they are increasingly seeing “zero tolerance” inspections. That means simple clerical errors, that would have previously been listed as a finding in inspection reports, are now being cited as reasons for license revocations. We have even fielded reports of previously closed reports being reopened and licenses being revoked for inspections that were reported completed and closed.

Unfortunately, none of this is a surprise to NSSF. This is what President Biden campaigned on – that he would politicize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as a means to execute a gun control policy unlike any that had been seen.

NSSF provided this seminar to ensure member business are aware of the importance of being absolutely prepared for an inspection. This new era of “zero tolerance” means FFLs must be thoroughly prepared and records must be absolutely accurate. That is why NSSF offers member businesses access to our teams of consultants as a membership benefit. We want to ensure our member companies are able to conduct business and do so within the laws and regulations governing the firearm industry. These consultants are top-notch professionals, including some who have served in the ATF and know how to make sure FFLs are inspection-ready.

It should be understood the constitutionality of this type of tactic is beyond suspect. To begin with, the constitutionality of most actions of the ATF, how they operate, what they do, and all the rest are shaky. But these types of tactics are to be expected from an administration that’s so devoid of support, this is their only option.

The NSSF is a much-needed ally for all firearm industry members. The work that they do in support of FFLs, the preservation of our rights through advocating for the business that supplies the citizens with arms, dedication to educating both the public and FFLs, and much much more makes them a valuable organization. Be sure to check out the NSSF resources and those of you that are industry members, do join, support, and take full advantage of what they have to offer. We’re in the middle of a war being waged on civil rights, and the NSSF is a pivotal cog acting in defense of everyone.