[dirtboy]

Gosh, why don't they just ask Wal-Mart?

Where is the legal mechanism to compel Wal-Mart to release that data?

Actually, finding out that you bought a gun from Wal-Mart is a matter of paying Wal-Mart for access to their database. Wal-Mart knows what you bought.

Now, what if I paid cash and did not provide my name at checkout?

[Poohbah]

Where is the legal mechanism to compel Wal-Mart to release that data?

None needed. The gummint just pays Wal-Mart's going rate for extranet connectivity.

Now, what if I paid cash and did not provide my name at checkout?

Except that, in the case of firearms purchases...that isn't an option.