The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the Biden Administration, recently unveiled a series of proposed regulations on gun sales.

These changes have been inspired by Senator John Cornyn’s “compromise” legislation, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which saw passage last summer.

Understanding the Differences

The ATF’s new provisions could potentially redefine what it means to be “Engaged in the Business” of selling firearms.

Notably, individuals selling even one firearm for profit, even if it’s to a family member, could find themselves falling under this category. The implications are far-reaching: those labeled as such would be mandated to:

• Obtain an official federal license.
• Conduct background verifications on potential buyers.
• Complete federal paperwork associated with gun registration.

WhiteHouse.gov Gives Examples

To give potential sellers a clearer picture, WhiteHouse.gov outlined scenarios that would warrant the need for a license and background checks:

• Advertisers of any firearm quantity, who also assure potential buyers of their ability to deal in additional firearms.
• Sellers who frequently put guns on sale within 30 days of their acquisition.
• Sellers who routinely deal in brand-new guns in their pristine packaging.
• Those selling multiple guns of identical make and model.
• Previously federally-licensed gun dealers who sell firearms that remained in their business inventory and were not added to a personal collection at least a year prior to the sale – a move aimed at closing the “fire sale loophole.”

Concerns from Pro-2A Groups and Experts like Dr. John Lott

Gun Owners of America (GOA) voiced concerns over the potential expansion of the ATF’s current gun registry owing to these proposed regulations.

GOA further highlighted the complications this could pose for private firearm sellers.

They may now face a dilemma: either transition into registered gun dealers or bear the burden of setting up meetings with potential customers at gun outlets, an option both costly and time-consuming due to FFL transfer fees.

SEE ALSO: Urgent Action Needed! Comment Period Open on Biden’s Illegal Background Check Rulemaking

Dr. John Lott also expressed his dismay. In a recent op-ed co-authored with Rep. Thomas Massie, published in Newsweek, he made his case:

The Biden administration considers you a gun dealer if you sell a friend a gun once and then discuss the sale of a second gun to them. Or if you sell one gun and keep any record of what you bought and sold it for. Or if you rent a space at a gun show, even if you aren’t selling guns (and anyone who has been to a gun show knows most tables at shows don’t sell guns). The list goes on, and the new regulations will cover virtually all gun sales and force all purchasers to go through a background check and let the administration complete its national gun registry.

Lott also appeared on OAN to discuss the matter. Check out his interview embedded above.

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