B5 Systems

BATFE Is Reportedly Working On Reducing NFA Item Wait Times

According to a brief article on American Rifleman, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is planning to spend about $13 million and add 25 new positions during Fiscal Year 2019, for “…additional equipment, software updates, contract support and NFA system modernizations.” Reportedly, this will result in a processing time within 90 days for NFA applications, much more agreeable than the current average wait time of 160+ days, depending on the filing method. For those who aren’t familiar with the Fiscal Year, it starts on October 1st and runs through September 30th of the following year, so the earliest any of this could start taking place would likely be late 2018.

13 Responses to “BATFE Is Reportedly Working On Reducing NFA Item Wait Times”

  1. 404953C says:

    Fingers crossed. I have 4 items in ATF jail at the moment ; o ;

  2. SShink says:

    I hope you get them out before October…jeez,

  3. Mike Nomad says:

    Or, they could reduce the wait time _and_ save money by taking short barrels & suppressors off the list…

    • Go for Freedom says:

      We can save even more money (after nominating an actual Constitutionalist Supreme Court Justice to replace Kennedy) by declaring that the NFA, GCA, et al. are all unconstitutional.

      Just think if you had to get a tax stamp to buy a book or be a member of a church congregation.

      *those* items/activities are Constitutionally protected and any tax on them is just as absurd.

      I know it’s not likely to happen, but a man can dream.

    • Alpha2 says:

      ^ THIS.

    • pablo says:

      You’re right – they COULD – but why would they? At $200 a pop that adds up.

      • Jack says:

        I’d be surprised if the NFA actually makes any money for the GOV. You gotta pay people to to enforce this stuff. Overhead on buildings, computers, storage, etc. $200 each adds up but the GOV isn’t great at efficiency or making money.

        • Jeff S says:

          Yep. $200 barely covers four hours of GS-13 pay (DC/VA/MD/WV locality), which is what I’m assuming the inspector is making.

          Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy that the $200 tax hasn’t gone up since 1934…

  4. Kevin says:

    I would even put up with the tax stamp part if it was cash and carry at the point of purchase. You have a CCW? Run thru NICS, pay for the tax stamp and transfer on the spot.

  5. Samhill says:

    Lets reduce it more by repealing the unconstitutional NFA!

  6. tremis says:

    Average wait time of 160+……..

    They could have said average wait of 1+ and still been correct. I’m at 13 months on my last individual E file can (and counting). It seems the emphasis is on the + not on the 160 which is just a fantasy number. My paper filings from years ago were much faster. (8-10 months)

  7. rcbusmc24 says:

    Filed my last two stamps Jan 30 2018, received them back Jun 26, 2018, So a little under 5 months, not as bad as I was expecting this go around honestly…. Have a few more to send off though so hopefully the reduced times will happen.