"Due to the government shutdown, we are unable to answer inquiries at this time"

[JoshuaW]

"Due to the government shutdown, we are unable to answer inquiries at this time"


This is the response I get when calling to check on the status of a transfer. The person that answered identified herself as "Marry", sounded very similar to someone who has answered when I called in previously, and doesnt seem to be an examiner. Never mind the fact that she answered on the first ring, so she clearly isnt busy.


Im frustrated that this is the default answer for things that could otherwise be done. There is no reason for websites to be down, for them to be answering calls, but not performing queries, etc.

 

[avboiler11]

They can answer the phone, but not hit a few keystrokes into a computer?

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Kinda like putting barricades up along PUBLIC ROADS so people can't pull off and enjoy PUBLIC lands or open-air monuments.

 

[cosermann]

They also can't have people at the gates of federal monuments/parks/etc. to let you in, BUT they can have people patrolling/keeping you out.

Perfectly logical, eh? Logic, and capacity have nothing to do with it. It's all about being vindictive.

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

Just part of the game. They're assuming if they hit enough buttons, folks will contact their congress critter and demand they do what it takes to end this "shut down".

 

[NathanJefferson]

Just part of the game. They're assuming if they hit enough buttons, folks will contact their congress critter and demand they do what it takes to end this "shut down".

They hit my buttons enough, I'm writing again to tell them to shut down even more!

 

[JoshuaW]

Im writing some letters to the tune of:


Hold firm with your possition, dont back down. Start asking questions about why "essential" employees are doing "non essiantial" tasks like answering phones and blocking streets.


This is absurd. Im thrilled the NFA is still working, at least in a limited capacity, but dont waste people answering phones unless they are actually going to do their job. Put an automated message on there saying "We are sorry, due to the shutdown we can not answer requests regarding application status".


Ultimately it doesnt matter, we are going to end up paying backpay for the people not working. If someone is working, actually let them do their job!

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

They hit my buttons enough, I'm writing again to tell them to shut down even more!

If we can live with 15-17% shut down, would anybody notice 20-25%?

 

[Sling10mm]

Yeah, read a story today that said during this shut down 500,000 federal employees are furloughed... 15% of the total gov't workforce, but to hear some describe it, it is total economic Armageddon.

To the OP, sorry you couldn't get your info; the wait is bad enough, and like someone else said, they should just have a recording stating that they cannot handle inquiries, or go ahead and let the lady answer the question. I have heard stories that it is a relatively low-tech operation.

The stupidity and inefficiency of our government, let alone concerns over personal liberty, are why it should be limited. What a monstrosity.

 

[SaintsNSinners]

No wait a minute.... If .gov is shut down and affecting lawful gun ownership and transfers.... In theory since our constitution states the right to keep and bear shall not be infringed wouldnt that mean no NFA?


So in theory now is the time to buy NFA items tax free?

 

[GodFearinGunTotin]

No wait a minute.... If .gov is shut down and affecting lawful gun ownership and transfers.... In theory since our constitution states the right to keep and bear shall not be infringed wouldnt that mean no NFA?


So in theory now is the time to buy NFA items tax free?

Yes! Yes it is. If I were you, I'd be buying everything I could get my hands on under cover of this theory.

 

[Bluedragon]

My understanding the NFA branch is still processing paperwork that was already submitted before the shut down. I just received my paperwork back today 10/09/13. My forms show it was approved on Sept 25. I had purchased my suppressor on 01/14/29, so my wait was just 5 days shy of 9 months and 2 days from being 7 months from when my forms went on the first pending date.

 

[JoshuaW]

My understanding the NFA branch is still processing paperwork that was already submitted before the shut down. I just received my paperwork back today 10/09/13. My forms show it was approved on Sept 25. I had purchased my suppressor on 01/14/29, so my wait was just 5 days shy of 9 months and 2 days from being 7 months from when my forms went on the first pending date.

I called in a couple days ago, and asked whether the examiners were working. She (different lady than the other day, go figure) said that they are not currently processing applications and that no new paperwork would be approved.

Your form was approved pre-shutdown, so it may be that they are still mailing out already approved paperwork, or it was mailed before the shutdown and your dealer didnt receive it/didnt notify you until yesterday.

 

[MontereyC6]

My sbr was stamped October 1, I consider myself VERY lucky.

 

[mrjarrell]

Looks like the crab fishing fleets in Alaska are going to be furloughed, too. They feds aren't issuing the necessary licenses for the season so the crab fleet is sitting still and not fishing.

 

[patience0830]

I think none of us would be surprised at just how much " government" we'd never miss.

 

[MontereyC6]

I think none of us would be surprised at just how much " government" we'd never miss.

#shutitdown

 

[wsenefeld]

Better to wait until after the shutdown to mail in a Form 4 or can I mail it in now so it's there if/when they get back up and running?

 

[JoshuaW]

It certainly won't hurt to mail it now, and at least you have a chance at a better position in the stack.

 

[10ring]

I just called the ATF about my Form 4 that was mailed last December - and went "second pending" September 3rd - and was told "our current time frames are under review by the branch chief" whatever that means, and she could not tell me when I might get my stamp. Last time I called I was told 90 days AFTER the "second pending" date, now they can't even tell me that.

This is ridiculous.

 

[JoshuaW]

Second pending in September after mailing in December? That is rough! I mailed mine February 14, with second pending August 1. When I called on Friday, she gave me the regular "90 Day" line. 90 Days would be 10/30/13, but with the shutdown, Im skeptical.