First post in this forum so please correct me if this is in the wrong spot. I'm concerned about grandfathering my Fostech Echo under this new ban.
After reading through the bill here I figured I'd send the ATF an email at fipb@atf.gov to see if they could give me some kind of "authorization" so I don't become a felon in 2019.
The text of my email was as follows:
Hello,
I recently came into possession of a Fostech brand Echo trigger for an AR-15 rifle. Given the capabilities of such a trigger, I feel the need to ask the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives if I am authorized to be in possession of and to use such a device. I am not barred from owning firearms and I have filled out two form 4473's over the past month, receiving approval from NICS to purchase both a handgun and a rifle. I was unable to find any application forms on www.ATF.gov relevant to this specific device, so directly inquiring via email seemed the best option. I am aware that the laws regarding these devices are in a constant state of change, and I would like to do everything I can to be in compliance.
Thank you very much, [my real name]
And the response I received shortly afterwards:
The item listed in your question is not regulated by ATF. Your question appears to be related to the recently signed statute that restricts possession in Maryland of “rapid fire trigger activators,” defined as any device, including a bump stock, that increases a firearm’s rate of fire, or the rate at which the trigger is activated. The statute specifically prohibits any person from transporting a rapid-fire trigger activator into Maryland, or manufacturing, possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or receiving a rapid-fire trigger activator in the State. The statute also contains a provision that purports to allow Maryland residents already in possession of a device covered by the law to continue to possess that device in Maryland if they file an application for “authorization” to possess the device with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before October 1, 2018.
Maryland residents who intend to file applications with ATF for “authorization” to possess devices covered by the referenced Maryland statute should be aware that ATF is without legal authority to accept and process such an application. Consequently, ATF respectfully requests that Maryland residents not file applications or other requests for “authorization” from ATF to possess rapid fire trigger activators as defined in the State statute. Any such applications or requests will be returned to the applicant without action. ATF regrets any confusion and inconvenience caused by the provisions of the Maryland statute that mistakenly indicate ATF has the authority to approve possession of devices covered by the statute.
Regards,
Kyle Lallensack
Chief, FIPB
So, given this information, how should I/we proceed? Has anyone heard of any lawsuits coming against this bill?
Maybe I should just move out of state or get a storage unit elsewhere.
EDIT: Screenshot of email with my name scratched out:
EDIT2: Added ATF email address: fipb@atf.gov
After reading through the bill here I figured I'd send the ATF an email at fipb@atf.gov to see if they could give me some kind of "authorization" so I don't become a felon in 2019.
The text of my email was as follows:
Hello,
I recently came into possession of a Fostech brand Echo trigger for an AR-15 rifle. Given the capabilities of such a trigger, I feel the need to ask the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives if I am authorized to be in possession of and to use such a device. I am not barred from owning firearms and I have filled out two form 4473's over the past month, receiving approval from NICS to purchase both a handgun and a rifle. I was unable to find any application forms on www.ATF.gov relevant to this specific device, so directly inquiring via email seemed the best option. I am aware that the laws regarding these devices are in a constant state of change, and I would like to do everything I can to be in compliance.
Thank you very much, [my real name]
And the response I received shortly afterwards:
The item listed in your question is not regulated by ATF. Your question appears to be related to the recently signed statute that restricts possession in Maryland of “rapid fire trigger activators,” defined as any device, including a bump stock, that increases a firearm’s rate of fire, or the rate at which the trigger is activated. The statute specifically prohibits any person from transporting a rapid-fire trigger activator into Maryland, or manufacturing, possessing, selling, offering to sell, transferring, purchasing, or receiving a rapid-fire trigger activator in the State. The statute also contains a provision that purports to allow Maryland residents already in possession of a device covered by the law to continue to possess that device in Maryland if they file an application for “authorization” to possess the device with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before October 1, 2018.
Maryland residents who intend to file applications with ATF for “authorization” to possess devices covered by the referenced Maryland statute should be aware that ATF is without legal authority to accept and process such an application. Consequently, ATF respectfully requests that Maryland residents not file applications or other requests for “authorization” from ATF to possess rapid fire trigger activators as defined in the State statute. Any such applications or requests will be returned to the applicant without action. ATF regrets any confusion and inconvenience caused by the provisions of the Maryland statute that mistakenly indicate ATF has the authority to approve possession of devices covered by the statute.
Regards,
Kyle Lallensack
Chief, FIPB
So, given this information, how should I/we proceed? Has anyone heard of any lawsuits coming against this bill?
Maybe I should just move out of state or get a storage unit elsewhere.
EDIT: Screenshot of email with my name scratched out:
EDIT2: Added ATF email address: fipb@atf.gov
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