How the Government Shutdown Could Affect Gun Owners

Politics can be quite irritating, especially with two parties that are so far apart fundamentally. It seems as if most of this country’s leaders are more interested in scoring points than doing what’s best for the people. Case in point are the government shutdowns that have occurred over the past few decades, including the one that started at 12:01 on October 1. 

The worst part is that the ones who cause the problem never seem to suffer its affects. One of those affects is shutting down non-essential government services. This includes certain duties of the ATF, which could affect gun stores, sellers and purchasers. 

Impacts of Government Shutdown 

While it is not known exactly what the government shutdown will affect, each one has been different, there are certain services that we know will be reduced or cease. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) will remain open; it has not closed under other shutdowns. Those purchasing rifles, shotguns and handguns using Form 4473 shouldn’t have any problems. 

Other essential activities, such as criminal investigations and compliance inspections will continue; agents just might not get paid. Any services tied to military and law enforcement will also continue. Unfortunately, some ATF departments will not be fully staffed, with employees being furloughed. These include the Licensing and NFA divisions. 

Furloughs at the Licensing Division means that FFL applications will be delayed. This includes renewals. NFA transfers will also be delayed. Forms and applications can be submitted, but they won’t be processed until the shutdown ends. Even worse, if the shutdown lasts for a significant time, processing time could be increased after the government comes back online. 

What it Really Means

Basically, what all this means is that FFL applications, including renewals, submitted right before and during the shutdown won’t get done. This includes FFLs that end during the shutdown, let’s say October 4. The NSSF recommends that FFL holders whose license goes out during the shutdown contact the local ATF office to confirm that the license remains valid during the government shutdown. 

While firearm purchases won’t be affected, those purchasing suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and machine guns will have to wait until Congress makes a deal to reopen the government. And if the forms pile up, there could be a backlog that makes the wait even longer after the government offices reopen. 

Other activities that could be affected are imports and exports. This includes firearms, firearm parts and ammunition. Manufacturers and retails that depend on imports could have reduced inventory, which could lead to shortages in parts to build firearms, as well as the firearms. 

There is no way to know for sure how the government shutdown will affect Americans. Quite a few services are, in fact, considered essential. Others are not, and the Office of Management and Budget, along with the executive branch will make some of these decisions. 

The NSSF is requesting further guidance from ATF, BIS and DDTC on how the shutdown will affect services.