Kansas gun show organizers talk ATF rule change

TOPEKA ( KSNT ) – Gun show organizers are concerned there may be fewer vendors and participants this year after the ATF rule change regarding those “engaged in business”.

The ATF rule change that took effect on May 20 requires individuals to have background checks and federal firearms licenses before selling firearms for a profit.

27 News spoke to several gun show organizers in the Sunflower State to see how they’re handling the new rules. G&S Promotions spokeswoman Stephanie Ellis said a lot of gun show participants are worried and not coming to the shows.

Eillis said G&S Promotions has lost some vendors but gun shows are still selling out. She said the rule change didn’t impact Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders but private individuals and hobbyists who want to add to or get rid of their gun collection are unsure how to proceed.

“It impacts everyone, we are paying close attention to how this will play out in the courts,” Ellis said. “We hope it will be overturned like bump stocks, pistol braces. It impacts not only private sellers but everyone in the Second Amendment community.”

Ellis said G&S Promotions is now having vendors sign a contract saying who the firearms they’re selling belong to and that they’re “just getting rid of their collection”. Additionally, FFL holders are now being required by G&S to provide their FFL numbers.

Another gun show organizer, BK Promotions Director Alex Salsman said some private sellers are paying close attention to see what happens with the rule. She said gun shows might be a little bit smaller this year. BK Promotions will be hosting a gun show this September in Kansas City.

The ATF said that due to pending litigation they couldn’t provide comment on how the “engaged in business” rule change will impact gun shows. They referred 27 News to the 126-page final rule found here and a summary published by the Department of Justice .

“Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: if you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This regulation is a historic step in the Justice Department’s fight against gun violence. It will save lives.”

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