Both the training round and dual-use barrel import rule changes take effect immediately. Because these are new interpretations of existing ATF rules (rather than entirely new rules) they don’t have to go through the usual 90-day public comment period.
ATF’s actions are so overt, Adamiak wonders whether prosecutors are even aware that the toys and legal gun parts that the trial prosecutors used to secure his 20-year prison sentence are not illegal and never were.
The move, part of the Trump administration’s effort to defang and downsize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, comes as the department considers merging the A.T.F. and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
For those fluent in federal firearm law, the judge’s comment, “did not possess all parts of destructive devices” is simply unbelievable. It damns the prosecution, their ATF “expert” and the judge herself.
On the Court’s logic, ATF could at any time declare AR–15s to be machineguns prohibited by federal law. Until we resolve whether the 2A forecloses that, law-abiding AR–15 owners must rely on the goodwill of a federal agency to retain their means of self-defense.
The ATF hasn’t learned from its mistakes. Neither Ruby Ridge, Waco or any of these bad searches and arrests taught them anything. So ATF will continue making bad arrests and using excessive force, and more Americans will be injured and killed.
In fact, it wasn’t just the ATF that the Biden administration weaponized against the firearm industry. It was nearly every facet of government that was turned against the firearm and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, exporters and importers.
ATF has credited President Trump’s Feb. 7, 2025, executive order Protecting Second Amendment Rights as the basis for terminating zero tolerance, implementing a fairer enforcement policy, and reexamining the prior adverse licensing actions.
“This is not the same ATF of the last four years. We are fundamentally changing course with a renewed focus on rebuilding trust with federal firearms licensees (FFLs), gun owners, and the public by prioritizing public safety and collaboration.”
How was Tate Adamiak sentenced to serve 20 years in prison? Simple. Prosecutors and the court relied upon federal sentencing guidelines to determine how long he would spend behind bars, even though nothing found in his home was actually illegal.
