One common trait I’ve noticed in ATF and IRS agents is the unwillingness to say anything definitive. They tell you to read the statute (which is purposefully vague) and refuse to give answers to direct finite questions.
One of the greatest examples of silly rules is the Rossi Ranch Hand. They’ve met all the requirements to have it classified as a pistol, but it looks a lot like a sawed-off, lever action rifle to me.
Actually the ATF is better than some agencies. I have a customer who requested guidance from Health and Human Services on HIPAA regulations.
HHS came back and declined to give clarification on the regulation because doing so would constitute legal advice.