The official mission statement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), often referred to as ATF, claims it is for our protection.

“ATF is a law enforcement agency in the United States’ Department of Justice that protects our communities from violent criminals, criminal organizations, the illegal use and trafficking of firearms, the illegal use and storage of explosives, acts of arson and bombings, acts of terrorism, and the illegal diversion of alcohol and tobacco products. We partner with communities, industries, law enforcement and public safety agencies to safeguard the public we serve through information sharing, training, research and use of technology.”

That all sounds good, but now ATF is actually partnering hard with gun control groups to increase the pressure on owners of firearms at every level.

Regulating ARs

Recent government drones in ATF have urged President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team to outlaw — “regulate,” they say — pistol stabilizing braces. A pistol stabilizing brace usually attaches to the receiver extension (buffer tube) of an AR pistol. It’s intended to improve accuracy by using the forearm to support and stabilize the pistol when fired one-handed. More than 4 million have been sold to people with disabilities. The ATF calls pistols with braces “short rifles.”

The Washington elite also want to regulate materials used by individuals to make their own firearms. Those behind the regulation are ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo and Associate Deputy Director Marvin Richardson.

Gun Control Still Doesn’t Work

The problem here is an erosion of our rights. Murder by a thousand cuts, if you will. It will happen slowly in many unnoticed increments. The core of the issue is that we are faced with an increasingly belligerent bureaucracy coddled by the Democratic party.

But the Obama administration already took a look at regulating pistol braces and gun parts. They passed because nothing would be accomplished to reduce gun violence. The only effect will be to increase the already bloated Federal bureaucracy.

Let’s hope the Biden administration realizes the same.