ATF wants to streamline SBR/SBS application

7/23/13 | by David Higginbotham

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is hoping to streamline Form 5320.1.  This is the application to make or register a firearm, most commonly used to register a short barreled rifle or short barreled shotgun.  They've opened a public comment period on their proposed changes.  Comments will be accepted until Sept. 20.

What are the proposed changes?  They’re simple, really.  They want to accept electronic payments to pay the transfer tax by credit or debit card.  They also want to reduce redundancy by combing information currently captured on another form.  And they want to change the size of the form itself to 8.5 x 14.

How will these changes affect applicants?
The proposed revisions to the application process seem logical enough.  Any reduction in redundancy will help streamline the process of data entry (on the applicant’s end) and data entry (at the BATFE).  Even though it is a minimal change, this should help speed up the application process.  That seems great.

Having electronic payment options are good for those of us who don’t like using checks.  It will also allow for electronic monitoring of the payment process on the applicant’s end, which may keep applicants more informed about the status of their application.  Maybe.

Standardizing the form size may seem trivial, but there is a benefit to a standard size, shape and look for common forms.  Anything that can make the application process less confusing is a must.

What other changes should the BATFE make?
Let’s stay within the realm of reality.  They’re not going to overturn the NFA or do away with applications.

They could work out a system that would allow for a streamlined application process for those interested in multiple NFA items.  Once an applicant is cleared for one SBR, he or she should be cleared for two.  Or a short barreled shotgun, or a silencer.  The biggest burden now for applicants is the hassle involved in jumping through all of the hoops for subsequent applications.

At the BATFE, I’m sure there is a desire for an electronic submission of applications.  Data entry from paper forms is ridiculously time consuming.  This is where things are backing up.  If applicants could apply electronically, the process would speed up dramatically.

How do you comment?
The BATFE asks that your comments address one or more of the following four points:

—Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

—Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

—Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

—Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

So now’s your chance.  Let the BAFTE hear your opinions.  They’re asking for them.  Contact Gary Schaible, National Firearms Act Branch at [email protected] and put in your two cents.

taken from  thefirearmblog.com

How about a frickin' ounce of common sense when it comes to form approval!

If you've been approved before, and nothing has changed on your record, instant approval.

These are my ideas, which posted in a thread yesterday. If this would speed up the process by, immediate payment, trust won't need to be included because forms will be filed with previous ones. Since previous forms were accepted then that will be taken into consideration and insure an even faster approval time, like a month not eight. Forms and payment done online with a database previous users can log into and check on their old forms, pending forms and trust which can be amended online to add items as they are acquired. At anytime you can log in and see where your form is, if its been approved or needs to be corrected and a tracking number for a more precise delivery.

Hell yes!

how about doing away with it completely..what the hell difference does it make when the bullet hits the target if it's from a 12" 12ga shotgun or three rounds from a browning Hi Power?

Or come up with a system like the NICS that allows us to pay the tax and be on our way within a short amount of time. Minutes or hours.
CHL/CCW permit holders should be approved instant.

The whole NFA system has been and is being used as a tool to bash at every turn, those who try their best to comply with it.

There is no reason why any NFA form should take more than a few minutes to be approved or rejected. This is the age of instant information.

For any form to sit and languish in a pile awaiting approval or rejection is beyond ludicrous and is proof that the ATF is just busting people's balls because they can with impunity.

What really should happen is massive disobedience and tell congess and the ATF to go to fucking hell with their registration and taxes on a constitutional right.

They are taking advantage of people who are paying $200 dollars to process ONE piece of fucking paper.  FU ATF and FU congress you miserable bastards!!!