Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09161

Zero is the telling number. No federally approved owners of legally registered, transferable fully automatic firearms (pre-1986 machine guns registered in the ATF’s National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, or NFRTR) were arrested in 2025 for any crimes specifically related to the possession or use of those lawfully owned weapons. I strongly support the proposed change to eliminate the ATF Form 5320 requirement for all situations except permanent relocation of National Firearms Act (NFA) items. This is a common-sense, long-overdue modernization of outdated NFA regulations that would significantly reduce unnecessary burdens on law-abiding gun owners while maintaining, albeit unconstitutional, oversight for permanent transfers. The current Form 5320 process creates pointless paperwork, delays, and administrative hurdles for temporary movements of legally owned NFA firearms. Responsible owners who wish to transport their property across state lines for lawful purposes—such as attending shooting competitions, training courses, exhibitions, or family vacations—should not be forced to navigate federal bureaucracy for short-term travel. Removing this requirement (while keeping it in place for permanent relocations) strikes a correction in the right direction: it respects the rights of citizens without compromising core registration and tracking principles of the NFA. This reform would also deliver clear economic and practical benefits including eliminating impedance of Interstate commerce. States that host major shooting events, national matches, tactical competitions, and firearms exhibitions would see increased tourism and participation. Competitors, collectors, and enthusiasts would be far more likely to travel freely with their NFA items, boosting local hotels, restaurants, ranges, and related businesses. In an era where many states actively promote themselves as firearm-friendly destinations, removing artificial barriers to interstate travel makes strong economic sense and supports the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Additionally, this update would allow the ATF to redirect limited resources away from processing routine temporary transport applications toward higher-priority enforcement against illegal activity. In today’s digital age, maintaining 20th-century paperwork requirements for temporary movement is inefficient and outdated. Law-abiding Americans deserve streamlined regulations that reflect the realities of modern gun ownership and travel. Short of abiding by the Second Amendment and not infringing on citizens legally possessing and transporting their arms, I urge the agency to implement this change as quickly as possible. It represents a meaningful step toward reducing regulatory overreach without adversely affecting public safety. Thank you for considering this important update.