My two cents. I have a great relationship with the ATF personnel I deal with. They're reasonable, actionable, and accountable. They're fast to respond. Saying that, there is quite a bit of misinterpretation of federal firearms laws. Locally, none of the auctioneers put firearms in their bound books and use NICS. The sales are considered person to person and in Missouri that only requires a valid state of Missouri ID. I drive 100 miles up the road toward St Louis and the auction houses are using bound books and NICS. They say the ATF told them they had to. I spoke to the ATF I deal with and was told they are trying to get the auction houses to use bound books and NICS, but they aren't required. I don't know if the auction houses are using the ATF as an excuse or if they've actually been told they have to use their bound books by their local ATF. Attending auctions, I tend to lean toward using NICS and bound books. I see three kinds of buyers at firearms auctions. The guy who had a particular firearm when he was a kid and there's one the same at the auction and he's going to leave with it no matter the price. There's the guy looking for a bargain. Then there's the criminal. When the bids on a beat up Glock 19 Gen 2 reach $500 something is fishy. That's what the ATF is trying to stop. I completely agree with them trying to stop the criminals. I tend to abide by the law whether I agree with it or not. If I don't like it, I have a Senator and a Congressman who are reasonable and paid well. I tend to err on the side of the law. I like people, in general, but I'm not loosing my FFL, house, day job, or freedom, because someone else who isn't going to be accountable, doesn't agree with a policy. I guess the easiest answer would be to get an 01. I got mine due to a similar situation as the original post.
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