Obama Signs New Gun Control Executive Order. Puts Gunsmiths Out of Business

[23JAZ]

Here we go again, more horse shit.

"President Obama has just signed a new executive order that will essentially put a majority of small gunsmiths and niche gun parts makers out of business. Essentially, the new regulations mean that small gunsmiths who fabricate or modify parts of any kind could be labeled as manufacturers under current ITAR regulations."


"By way of background, the AECA and ITAR concern rules by which military materiel is exported from, and imported to, the United States. The so-called “defense articles” governed by the AECA/ITAR are compiled in what is known as the U.S. Munitions List and include some, but not all, firearms and ammunition, as well as their parts and components. Thus, for purposes of the regime, a spring or floorplate from the magazine of a controlled firearm is subject to the same regulatory framework as the firearm itself.
The AECA/ITAR require anybody who engages in the business of “manufacturing” a defense article to register with DDTC and pay a registration fee that for new applicants is currently $2,250 per year. These requirements apply, even if the business does not, and does not intend to, export any defense article. Moreover, under ITAR, “only one occasion of manufacturing … a defense article” is necessary for a commercial entity to be considered “engaged in the business” and therefore subject to the regime’s requirements."

Article

[TGS]

Here we go again.

President Obama has just signed a new executive order that will essentially put a majority of small gunsmiths and niche gun parts makers out of business. Essentially, the new regulations mean that small gunsmiths who fabricate or modify parts of any kind could be labeled as manufacturers under current ITAR regulations.

What does ITAR have to do with putting people out of business? ITAR pertains to the international trade of arms. Has nothing to do with a guy who makes gadgets and sells them domestically. I don't get it.

[Peally]

To be fair, every single thing ever uttered by that spineless incompetent moron sounds like "horse shit"

[OlongJohnson]

This is going to be interesting when people realize that things like software encryption technology are covered under ITAR.

[Lex Luthier]

If it moves, tax it. If it requires expertise, mandate a license to use that expertise.

[RJ]

What does ITAR have to do with putting people out of business? ITAR pertains to the international trade of arms. Has nothing to do with a guy who makes gadgets and sells them domestically. I don't get it.

...and pay a registration fee that for new applicants is currently $2,250 per year. These requirements apply, even if the business does not, and does not intend to, export any defense article.

My guess is the above is why. A $2,250 "tax" is a fairly large disincentive for a small scale tinkerer.

[TiroFijo]

...they don't want any small fish tinkering with guns, the less "makers" the easier to control them.

[BehindBlueI's]

Had this conversation on another forum, and it does not appear to apply to smithing done at a customers request, regardless of what's done. What it covers is smith buys gun, modifies gun, sells gun. Not sure what kind of gun it applies to.

[Chance]

Here's the list of things that do not require registration:

a) Occasional assembly of firearm parts and kits that do not require cutting, drilling, or machining;

b) Firearm repairs involving one-for-one drop-in replacement parts that do not require any cutting, drilling, or machining for installation;

c) Repairs involving replacement parts that do not improve the accuracy, caliber, or other aspects of firearm operation;

d) Hydrographic paint or Cerakote application or bluing treatments for a firearm;

e) Attachment of accessories to a completed firearm without drilling, cutting, or machining—such as attaching a scope, sling, or light to existing mounts or hooks, or attaching a flash suppressor, sound suppressor, muzzle brake, or similar item to a prethreaded muzzle;

f) Cosmetic additions and alterations (including engraving) that do not improve the accuracy, caliber, or other aspects of firearm operation beyond its original capabilities;

g) Machining new dovetails or drilling and tapping new holes for the installation of sights which do not improve the accuracy or operation of the firearm beyond its original capabilities; and

h) Manual loading or reloading of ammunition of .50 caliber or smaller.

And the list of things that do require registration:

a) Use of any special tooling or equipment upgrading in order to improve the capability of assembled or repaired firearms;

b) Modifications to a firearm that change round capacity;

c) The production of firearm parts (including, but not limited to, barrels, stocks, cylinders, breech mechanisms, triggers, silencers, or suppressors);

d) The systemized production of ammunition, including the automated loading or reloading of ammunition;

e) The machining or cutting of firearms, e.g., threading of muzzles or muzzle brake installation requiring machining, that results in an enhanced capability;

f) Rechambering firearms through machining, cutting, or drilling;

g) Chambering, cutting, or threading barrel blanks; and

h) Blueprinting firearms by machining the barrel.

[LOKNLOD]

Does this impact our favorite Gadget?