Visit from the ATF

[the_great_white]

I am also clear to tell you that the inquiry originated in an audit of 4473's and that the ODT was specifically mentioned.

can you expound on that any further?

 

[the_great_white]

I know that I'll catch almighty hell for this but...the guy had nothing to hide, he complied with their requests, and it went smoothly.

Seems to me that "Hey Mr. Revenue Collector ATF man, go piss on a rock. Come back with a warrant!" might not have produced the same outcome.

probably would have had the same outcome, just a lot more expensive process with a lot more headaches....

 

[Cobalt 60]

can you expound on that any further?

Only to the extent that they are very familiar with ODT. It was not specifically stated, but was strongly implied that they do monitor the ODT. Of course, we already know that!

 

[rOmiLaYu]

probably would have had the same outcome, just a lot more expensive process with a lot more headaches....

Fair enough.

 

[derek81]

Here is what I can update you with:

It appears that the matter is over. Their visit appears to have been a fishing expedition/inquiry. They appear to be satisfied there is no nefarious dealing, and were polite in their last communication. No questions were asked or answered in the last communication.

I am also clear to tell you that the inquiry originated in an audit of 4473's and that the ODT was specifically mentioned.

Keep it legal guys. Buying, selling, and trading is all perfectly legal as long as you are not doing it as a business. There is no limit on the number of purchases and sales you can make - intent to be in the business of selling guns is a crime, however. And rest assured, a large number of transactions will raise a question in the mind of those who investigate these matters, should it come to their attention. That DOES NOT mean you have done anything illegal. I would guess that most of us have bought and sold more guns than the majority of people will touch in their lifetimes! That is not a crime. Buying them with the intent of selling them for livelihood and profit without a license to do so is a crime.

If you receive a visit from the ATF, my advice is to be polite, and to think before you speak and be crystal clear in what you say, if anything. Again, only you can decide if you want to speak with them or not. The agent in this instance conveyed to my client that the information he did provide, which was minimal, helped him decide that this was not a matter that needed to be pursued. Take that for what it is worth, but I am sure that his demeanor and attitude played an even bigger role than the actual words. I won't advise anyone to talk to anyone working on any type of criminal investigation, but the preceding information needed to be passed along as well, IMHO.

And MtDawg is correct that our knowledge of this matter is independent. I have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet, but hope to in the near future.

This is what I thought it would be, suspicion of flipping guns for profit. There are a few here I'm surprised haven't had this happen yet. I'm actually wondering about one in particular if it's him.

 

[ARCman47]

can you expound on that any further?

IF I had to "guess" Probably got asked about multiple firearm purchases and if they no longer had them in their possession, where did they go ..

 

[ARCman47]

This is what I thought it would be, suspicion of flipping guns for profit. There are a few here I'm surprised haven't had this happen yet. I'm actually wondering about one in particular if it's him.

x1000.

 

[CSA]

Only to the extent that they are very familiar with ODT. It was not specifically stated, but was strongly implied that they do monitor the ODT. Of course, we already know that!

Did anyone else get a sinking feeling with this info?

 

[Hayata]

I wonder how many of our guests (non-members) will put off joining or decide not to join at all after reading this thread?

And how does ODT get mentioned on a 4473 or where is that link?

Did they get the serial numbers from the 4473's and then notice them on the ODT?

So you buy a bunch of guns legally and your information is on the 4473...but then how do they link YOU to the ODT?

John Smith buys 10 Glocks with his discount (not picking out Glock - make it Hi-Points if you want) and his information is at the dealer on 4473's. How does John get linked to the ODT? Wouldn't they need warrants to get member information?

Maybe I'm just slow...

 

[chucklenut]

hope the atf guy doesnt come back in the middle of the night