The ATF actually went into several AZ shops and told them they wanted copies of the 4473s Some stupid employees actually complied, but the owners that knew the law told them to go eff off.
The point is that until this government goes completely tyrant, they cannot willy-nilly demand what they don’t have a right to. After that point, then it is all bets off and the ATF had better be well armed when they try it.
Sure they can. They can demand anything they want. Your anecdote shows that.
It was good that the case you mentioned the ATF's demand was rebuked, but the agents involved were still guilty of disregarding the law. Did the shop owner press charges against anyone? Were any ATF agents reprimanded or fired?
What would have been the outcome if the shop owner had not been there to stop his employees from turning over the forms? In that case, the ATF would have successfully disregarded the law - and it is doubtful that any charges would have been filed or any agent(s) reprimanded or fired.
And, for the record, the federal government does not have Rights, it has Powers.