Again, what registry?
Yesterday, I said I thought there was no registry since the law says there shouldn’t be one. Jed asks if the ATF is keeping purchasing records and quotes the FBI:
The privacy and security of the information in the NICS is of great importance. In October of 1998, the Attorney General published regulations on the privacy and security of NICS information, including the proper and official use of this information. These regulations are available on the NICS web site (www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/nics/index.htm). Data stored in the NICS are documented federal data, and access to that information is restricted to agencies authorized by the FBI. Extensive measures are taken to ensure the security and integrity of the system information and agency use. The NICS is not to be used to establish a federal firearm registry; information about an inquiry resulting in an allowed transfer is destroyed in accordance with NICS regulations.
Jed also asks:
So, is this just another example of the ATF making up its own rules as it goes along. If this eTrace program does in fact do what the article says, then there is a registry in place. If that’s true, then where is ATF getting its info, if not from NICS checks?
November 3rd, 2005 at 9:44 am
It’s my understanding that NICS does not record information, but rather checks your information against a database of known felons and bad guys. Kinda like when a cop pulls you over and runs your license to see if you have a warrant. If it comes back clean, you go on your way.
November 3rd, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Yeah, I still think that the article was just plain wrong. (What? The media being wrong about guns and gun laws?) This portal is just a way to do the same old telephone trace requests, only on the internet. “You manufactured this gun, who did you sell it to?” “You got this gun from the manufacturer, Mr. FFL, who did you sell it to?” That sort of thing.
November 3rd, 2005 at 2:19 pm
So, we have a registry that requires legwork? 😉
November 3rd, 2005 at 6:27 pm
If only you could build your own to avoid this paper work hassel. Plus it would be fun.