[Gaffer]

They can get the ones done on a Form 4473 ---they don't know about the ones not bought under one. Additionally, the 'forms' aren't sent to ATF, they have the right to inspect as part of a criminal investigation, but currently don't have a wholesale right to the data.

Of course, this could all change at the drop of a liberal puke congress hat (small c now - it isn't worth capitalizing).

I've often wondered, if in the case of true attempted confiscation of all guns, whether dealers would toe the line and not 'lose' their books.

[caseinpoint]

I’m not a gun savvy person but I think if one wants to get guns badly enough, one can find a reason for it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see an attempt to require everyone to disclose possession of guns and then use that requirement to justify a search if they suspect guns were not reported. I know that seems far-fetched but too many people seem to believe whatever the nice government tells them to believe. The Second Amendment has been trashed for decades now and a lot of people now believe it protects only state militias rather than individual rights.

I would hope the dealers would “lose” the records. Perhaps a little selective fire or flood damage?