I suggest you do some reading up on what the BATF has been able to do just be internal rulings - gun parts banned from importation, guns banned by reclassification - etc - all without legislative input. These things have happened under the bush administration. Under one run by rudy, it would be much worse.
I can't argue that with you, since I've not read any of the data you say exists (BATF), and I have no doubt you're right. Should Rudy continue on to February as the leading candidate, which doesn't necessarily comport with the history of early leaders like him, I will take the time to look at all of the issues of importance to me.
This will include the extent of his desires to control handguns and other such weapons, though it is not high on my list. I want to know how he will continue to improve on the security of the Nation, his control and turnaround of the federal budget, his commitment to the war on terror, his policy on taxes and tax reform, his plans for immigration reform, energy independence, social security reform, and reduction or elimination of government programs that do not produce results and/or clearly do not belong at the federal level.
I want to know how he will work with Congress and the other side of the aisle to implement and carry out these initiatives. Finally, if he passes muster on these issues, for me, I want to know how electable he is, as I want a Republican president, given the alternatives that many here fail to see or to care about.
How many people are aware that GHWB imposed by executive fiat an "assault weapons" ban that applied to imported firearms rules even more strict than those of the 1994 AWB?