RSS feedATF Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns
“ATF concludes that USPSA and ISPC events are not considered “sporting purpose” at this time. - AmmoLand”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- ATF announces the publication of the Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns. To obtain comments from the affected industry, ATF will be accepting comments January 31, 2011, through May 1, 2011, at shotgunstudy@atf.gov
Brief Summary:
Firearm Features
In reviewing the shotguns used for those activities classified as sporting purposes, the working group examined State hunting laws, rules, and guidelines for shooting competitions and shooting organizations; industry advertisements and literature; scholarly and historical publications; and statistics on participation in the respective shooting sports.
Following this review, the working group determined that certain shotgun features are not particularly suitable or readily adaptable for sporting purposes.
These features include:
- Folding, telescoping, or collapsible stocks;
- bayonet lugs;
- flash suppressors;
- magazines over 5 rounds, or a drum magazine;
- grenade-launcher mounts;
- integrated rail systems (other than on top of the receiver or barrel);
- light enhancing devices;
- excessive weight (greater than 10 pounds for 12 gauge or smaller);
- excessive bulk (greater than 3 inches in width and/or greater than 4 inches in depth);
- forward pistol grips or other protruding parts designed or used for gripping the shotgun with the shooterfs extended hand.
Although the features listed above do not represent an exhaustive list of possible shotgun features, designs or characteristics, the working group determined that shotguns with any one of these features are most appropriate for military or law enforcement use. Therefore, shotguns containing any of these features are not particularly suitable for nor readily adaptable to generally recognized sporting purposes such as hunting, trap, sporting clay, and skeet shooting. Each of these features and an analysis of each of the determinations are included within the main body of the report.
The purpose of this study is to establish criteria that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will use to determine the importability of certain shotguns under the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).
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Evan Nappen is an active criminal defense attorney who has focused on firearms and weapons law for over 23 years.
Alan Korwin is the owner of Scottsdale, Arizona based Bloomfield Press. Founded in 1988, is the largest publisher and distributor of gun-law books in the country. His website, www.gunlaws.com, features a free national directory to gun laws and relevant contacts in all states and federally, along with a unique line of related books and DVDs.
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Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything.
Philip Van Cleave is president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, (VCDL). The Virginia Citizens Defense League is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians.
Dudley Brown, Executive Director of the National Association of Gun rights and Colorado's Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, says he is never surprised to hear that President Obama is trying to unilaterally enact gun control regulations.
Kenn Blanchard is a contributer to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News and Producer of the Urban Shooter pod cast.
Anthony P. Mauro, Sr, (also known as “Ant” to friends and associates) is Chairman and co-founder of the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Conservation Foundation, and New Jersey Outdoor Alliance Environmental Projects. 
Shari Spivack is a mother and firearms instructor who has a passion for shooting, teaching and continuing to educate myself with all types of firearms in a safe and responsible manner.
Mr. Markel has a diverse background both teaching and doing. Paul served in the U.S. Marine Corps and saw combat as member of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
Alan Gottlieb is chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arm and founder of the Second Amendment Foundation. 
Since 1985 Gary Marbut has been heavily involved in the formulation of public policy concerning civilian ownership and use of firearms in Montana.
AmmoLand contributor, Paul Driessen, is a senior fellow with the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow and Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, nonprofit public policy institutes that focus on energy, the environment, economic development and international affairs.
Best known these days as a commentator on issues ranging from environmentalism to energy, immigration to Islam, Alan Caruba is the author of two recent books, "Right Answers: Separating Fact from Fantasy" and "Warning Signs", both collections of his commentaries since 2000 and both published by Merril Press of Bellevue, Washington.
Frank Brownell, CEO of Brownells, the Montezuma-based company is nation's largest gunsmithing and firearms accessory businesses.
Action hero and Second Amendment activist, Chuck Norris is one of the most enduringly popular actors in the world.
Chris W. Cox is the Executive Director of The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action and serves as the organization’s chief lobbyist.
David Gonzales grew up with firearms and has many fond memories of hunting with his grandfather.
Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values.
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
Can they do this? I’m allowed to own non-sporting guns for self defense. This is just an excuse to ban imported guns. As such, this is just going to create an unfair trade situation. I don’t see how this agency can administratively change the law without any oversight. Perhaps the department of commerce should weigh in on this.
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