ATF at a Ft. Wayne gun show today

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  • 55fairlane

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    This is a scary but true PSA , the ATF requested a table in the entrance area of a gun show today in Ft. Wayne, 5 agents in full ATF regalia met patrons as they entered our show.
    I did not interact with said ATF nor do I recall seeing there presence in the show, I was a vendor, back in a corner selling gunsmithing tools, but none the less the ATF was there, in force.
    One guy I know well did interact with these agents, asking the agents to explain a certain law to him, the ATF declined because, they, the ATF could not understand the language nor the death/ limit of the laws scope......isn't that scary!!
    To the best of my knowledge the ATF did not ask for ID no inspect any guns, but I am certain they were there as part of there "we hate you , you don't deserve the protection of the constitution " thug squad.
    Next gun show I go to, I'm wearing my covid mask, May help keep my picture from being used on some list.

    Stay safe and legal my friends
     

    Hkindiana

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    The ATF used to set up at the 1500. One show, a guy came walking in trying to sell an unregistered machinegun with lead in the barrel. He said the sheriff told him it was “OK” because of the lead blocking the bore. I suggested that he put it back in his car and go to the ATF booth and ask them if he could legally possess it. He came back about two hours later and said that “they could not decide if it was legal to own or not”
     

    xwing

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    It was probably just "showing the flag". By making their presence known, it would discourage non-legal transactions. But too bad they weren't interested in being helpful to those asking legitimate legal questions. Of course, you can't specifically trust the knowledge of random agents on gun laws any more than you can a typical policeman. What they "know" isn't always the actual correct interpretation of the law... The law has gotten so complex on many things that it takes a group of attorneys significant effort to come to an answer, and even then it's not guaranteed.
     

    Cameramonkey

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    This is a scary but true PSA , the ATF requested a table in the entrance area of a gun show today in Ft. Wayne, 5 agents in full ATF regalia met patrons as they entered our show.
    I did not interact with said ATF nor do I recall seeing there presence in the show, I was a vendor, back in a corner selling gunsmithing tools, but none the less the ATF was there, in force.
    One guy I know well did interact with these agents, asking the agents to explain a certain law to him, the ATF declined because, they, the ATF could not understand the language nor the death/ limit of the laws scope......isn't that scary!!
    To the best of my knowledge the ATF did not ask for ID no inspect any guns, but I am certain they were there as part of there "we hate you , you don't deserve the protection of the constitution " thug squad.
    Next gun show I go to, I'm wearing my covid mask, May help keep my picture from being used on some list.

    Stay safe and legal my friends
    It does make you wonder why they are there. When any other agency shows up to an event like this, they happily help answer your questions. Especially the DNR.

    And dont waste your time on the mask. Pretty sure the newest facial recognition tech can work with those now.
     

    Angrysauce

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    The ATF was at the last 1500 and many other shows I've been to. Most of them have been from the local field offices and effectively aren't anymore than book checkers. They have no idea of the law because 1.) They are regulatory compliance officers for FFLs & 2.) ATFHQ couldn't tell ass from elbow and like any other Federal agency poorly manages their personnel.
     

    topash

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    Pretty sure ATF agents are taught not to give legal advice to citizens, only to observe and enforce the laws. By being at the shows, they are available to citizens wishing to offer information of illegal activity at those shows or elsewhere.
     

    Angrysauce

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    Pretty sure ATF agents are taught not to give legal advice to citizens, only to observe and enforce the laws. By being at the shows, they are available to citizens wishing to offer information of illegal activity at those shows or elsewhere.
    General rule of thumb applies.
    Don't talk to Feds, they're not your friends. You can absolutely incriminate yourself unintentionally. Any and all communications should be through an attorney.
     

    Brian's Surplus

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    Pretty sure ATF agents are taught not to give legal advice to citizens, only to observe and enforce the laws. By being at the shows, they are available to citizens wishing to offer information of illegal activity at those shows or elsewhere.
    ATF has set up at lots of shows in the past. They do it for the specific purpose of giving information. They were at the last Crown Point show with a booth. It's not uncommon at all.
    The thing to remember is: if it's not in writing, it doesn't mean anything. I have had different agents give me completely different answers to the same question.

    They are at all of the shows, you just don't always see them.:shady:
     

    BigRed

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    This is a scary but true PSA , the ATF requested a table in the entrance area of a gun show today in Ft. Wayne, 5 agents in full ATF regalia met patrons as they entered our show.
    I did not interact with said ATF nor do I recall seeing there presence in the show, I was a vendor, back in a corner selling gunsmithing tools, but none the less the ATF was there, in force.
    One guy I know well did interact with these agents, asking the agents to explain a certain law to him, the ATF declined because, they, the ATF could not understand the language nor the death/ limit of the laws scope......isn't that scary!!
    To the best of my knowledge the ATF did not ask for ID no inspect any guns, but I am certain they were there as part of there "we hate you , you don't deserve the protection of the constitution " thug squad.
    Next gun show I go to, I'm wearing my covid mask, May help keep my picture from being used on some list.

    Stay safe and legal my friends
    I'm sure these toadies were simply honoring their oath to protect and defend the constitution of the States.

    Did you get a chance to ask them, "What is the best round for shooting a woman through the door while she's holding her baby?", or "What round do you recommend for dispatching a child?", or "What's a good cartridge for a dog?".
     

    BluePig

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    May 10, 2012
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    I remember one show in Grand Rapids where the ATF set up a booth right next to the Tannerite guys. I asked the Tannerite guys how they were doing and they said it was the worse show they ever had. Nobody wanted to come up and even talk to them because of the agents being right there hearing every conversation and watching everything. Even though their product is totally legal.
     

    Timjoebillybob

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    Feb 27, 2009
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    ATFE used to set up at the Indy1500 but quit in tears when I used to stroll about yelling out for Sammy Weaver, asking them if they had seen Samuel Weaver, and I would sing the theme song to F Troop. They won't be back.


    I think I would pay to watch their faces when you did that.
     
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