Comment on FR Doc # 2026-09157

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any regulatory revisions that would expand non-over-the-counter firearms transactions or permit direct shipment of firearms to a purchaser’s residence without the involvement of a licensed firearms dealer for in-person processing. I am the owner of Guns N Gear Sports LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) that has operated a large brick-and-mortar retail store in Idaho Falls, Idaho, for more than a decade, while also conducting substantial online sales. Over the years, my company has facilitated the lawful FFL-to-FFL transfer of tens of thousands of firearms originating from both in-store and website purchases. Despite our rigorous compliance efforts, I have unfortunately discovered that hundreds of these firearms were involved in fraudulent or illegal activity. These cases have included purchases made with stolen credit cards and straw purchases in which the firearm was acquired by one individual only to be quickly diverted to prohibited persons or criminal networks. My direct experience has shown that remote and online-initiated firearms transactions are particularly vulnerable to abuse. I am deeply concerned that further revisions allowing individuals to purchase firearms through non-over-the-counter channels with direct shipment to their homes would significantly worsen these problems. Such a model would eliminate the critical safeguard provided by trained, experienced counter staff at licensed dealerships across the country. These professionals serve as our first line of defense. They conduct thorough in-person identity verification, observe customer behavior for warning signs, and apply professional judgment to determine whether an individual should be permitted to take immediate possession of a firearm. Removing or weakening this human element in favor of a direct-to-consumer shipping model would, in my professional judgment, lead to a substantial increase in illegal firearms on our streets. It would also create new opportunities for extortion, coercion, and fraudulent schemes targeting individuals in connection with firearms purchases. While I strongly value the Second Amendment and the liberties it protects, I believe that responsible regulation must preserve proven, effective safeguards. The current framework—which routes most transactions through licensed dealers with meaningful in-person components—better protects public safety while still allowing lawful commerce. I therefore urge the Department to reject any revisions that would expand non-over-the-counter direct-to-home firearms sales or diminish the essential role of FFL dealers and their trained staff in the transfer process. Thank you for considering these comments from an experienced, high-volume licensed dealer who sees the real-world consequences of these policies every day. I am available to provide additional information or data if it would assist the agency.