Posted on 03/24/2006 12:38:44 AM PST by neverdem
'Kitchen table' dealers -- those operating out of their homes -- are getting squeezed between federal laws and local zoning codes. The impact on illegal gun-trafficking is debatable.
WASHINGTON -- In a little-noticed victory for gun control advocates in Minnesota and across the nation, the number of gun dealers in the United States has plummeted 78 percent in the past 10 years as tens of thousands of home-based dealers surrendered their federal licenses. The drop shows how the gun debate has moved from a national stage -- where gun control advocates lost congressional battles to ban assault weapons and to sue gun manufacturers -- to local zoning boards that are creating a growing web of fees and regulations that indirectly restrict firearms sales.
"The gun control agenda has evolved from the halls of Congress and the courts," said Andrew Arulanandam, director of public affairs for the National Rifle Association (NRA). "Now we're seeing it evolve to the micro level in local municipalities."
But what looks like welcome news to gun opponents might just have driven gun sales off the books, as fewer personal gun sales are logged, vetted and tracked by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Whether that has led to more illegal gun trafficking is open to debate.
"Most of these guys [who are no longer licensed] were just home-based dealers who did gun shows on the weekends as a part-time job," said Mark Koscielski, who is fighting a zoning battle to hold on as the last remaining gun store in Minneapolis. "Now they revert to private collectors, so they're free to sell without federal background checks. They're private sales."
Once more numerous than gas stations, people who held the government's most basic gun-dealer license totaled nearly a quarter-million in 1994. Last year, the...
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
You can get a Chinese AK-47 via Mexico if you want one. I have a different idea. If everybody that wanted a weapon now has that weapon, the market is saturated. I own a nice rifle and don't have the time to enjoy it in the desert, for example. It just sits in a bag because I'm too busy to take time off of my ~ 2 MONTHS VACATION time to blow off some rounds downrange. That may be the reason; people don't take time off for pleasure since there is a lot of work waiting to be done and creative BSing to be had.
All because he didn't like someone's religion.
It's not just gun sales.
I have an insurance business. When I started 20 years ago a full application, including health questions was a total of 4 pages. Now that same type policy requires 100 (THAT'S ONE HUNDRED!) pages.
Also, my role in the investment side has changed. I now am put in the position that I need to protect my clients accounts from insurance companies law and compliance departments.
I thought "kitchen table" dealers have been against the rules for years.
One of the requirements of an FFL is that you have to have a storefront.
I always thought that sucked because internet sales seems like it would be a nice way to go.
I also dislike the fact that you have to allow the feds into your home for inspection purposes if you have a C&R licence
They are in some states, but not in others, as I understand it.
The most important change that would work in favor of gun rights is in the composition of the US Supreme Court. I am encouraged by Roberts' and Alito's ability to read and understand the words of the Constitution.
Now if only Ginsburg and several others would find their way to the door, we might find ourselves with a court that would restore our right to keep and bear arms. Most of the mischief that has been committed relies on the silence of prior Supreme Courts.
The Second Amendment...
America's Only Homeland Security!
Be Ever Vigilant!
Granted, Alito and Roberts are a big improvement.
But I'm defintely unhappy with Gonzales. His predecessor was much to be preferred.
You have a point there.
Some truth to this.
At some local matches it's like a gun show as guns get traded, bought and sold. All between individuals. At least 5 guys I know there used to be dealers and would have done the paperwork before giving up their FFL.
Of course some in Congress, like McCain, would end this by closing 'the gun show loophole'.
That is not correct. The requirement is that the licensed premises comply with state and local zoning laws.
I also dislike the fact that you have to allow the feds into your home for inspection purposes if you have a C&R licence
A C&R licensee can elect to have their compliance inspection at the nearest ATF field office. A hassle, sure, but it keeps them out of your house.
Why? Ashcroft was just as happy with restrictive gun laws as Gonzales. Oh, he said this and that, but he did squat.
The Bush administration has done nothing on RKBA except blow smoke up our collective @ss. Supreme Court Justices? Bush's nominees love to talk about letting precedent stand... and 2nd Amendment 'precedent' is the 'militia' interpretation. Let's wait to see what they do before we start celebrating.
Thanks for straightening that out.
The laws tend to be complex, to be sure
Gonzales reinterpreted what was it section 922? of the BATF guidelines and banned importation of barrels from foriegn battlefield rifles.
They just keep chipping away
Just another part of the Corrupt Clinton Legacy.
From what I've been told, Wal-Mart is the largest retailer of firearms in the country, and they order in quantities which would be unimaginable for any other entity save government agencies.
And they get discounted prices accordingly.
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