Regulations Defining Engaged in the Business as a Dealer in Firearms

The commenter, identifying as a person of faith, opposes the proposed rule because they believe it creates loopholes for criminal actors and straw purchasers by allowing unlicensed sellers to avoid background checks and record-keeping.

The commenter supports the removal of the DOJ-added definitions but suggests adding a "safe harbor" provision for private sales. They argue that private sales conducted by a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) with a background check should exempt the seller from being classified as "engaged in the business."

The commenter supports the proposed action to rescind Biden-era expansions to the "engaged in the business" definition for firearms dealers. They argue that the previous regulations improperly imposed federal requirements on private sales and that this revision protects Second Amendment rights by returning to the original statutory text.

Phillip Hagel, a private citizen and gun owner, supports the proposed rule to clarify the definition of "engaged in the business" as a firearms dealer. He argues that the rule is necessary to close loopholes for unlicensed high-volume sales and to enhance public safety by ensuring background checks are conducted.