Johnny Guest
Moderator in Memoriam
I began writing this for another topic on this forum, but thought it would better be a separate thread. Moderator, combine it with the other if you wish - - No hard feelings.
Most folks interested in ownership of full auto or other Class 3/Title II weaponry know that Forms 4 must be approved by the "Chief Law Enforcement Official" in the applicant's area. This can be very problematic, depending on that official's personal inclinations and view of the political climate.
I'm glad to relate that my sheriff is very firearms-friendly. He has appointed me to handle the Forms 4 and so on. All it takes is proof that the applicant lives in our county and has no criminal record. There is no charge for this activity. The only fee we charge is if the applicant needs the fingerprint cards done (two for $10.00,) but there's no requirement that they be done with our S.O. If applicant needs the passport-type photographs, I usually give a couple of locations, commercial and at the District Clerk's Office (also two for $10.00.)
I get to meet the applicants and talk guns for a little while. If it's a stranger, I make a short pitch for NRA and Texas State Rifle Assn membership. The whole process, presuming I am not busy with other matters, usually takes around 30 minutes. It can take a lot less if I've handled F-4s for the individual in the past, but I frequently end up visiting longer with those. They know to phone ahead of time to make sure I'm free to do the stuff. We do not consider this a waste of time and effort. It is being responsive to legitimate and legal wishes of law-abiding residents. Besides, it's kinda fun.
I know at least two collectors/shooters who have relocated to our county because our treatment of residents here. I understand the process is a lot more complicated with some agencies, even here in Texas. The "Chief Law Enforcement Officials" in some areas don't like Class 3/Title II stuff and refuse to cooperate. I feel their attitude is very short sighted, and I worry that those officials may have lost sight of the concept of "Public Servant." [/soapbox]
Some states have laws which prohibit private ownership of this type weaponry, and I'm sorry. Hope those laws can be changed for the better. That, however, is outside the scope of THIS thread. Assuming there is no prohibition in state law, how are things in YOUR area?
Best,
Johnny Guest
Most folks interested in ownership of full auto or other Class 3/Title II weaponry know that Forms 4 must be approved by the "Chief Law Enforcement Official" in the applicant's area. This can be very problematic, depending on that official's personal inclinations and view of the political climate.
I'm glad to relate that my sheriff is very firearms-friendly. He has appointed me to handle the Forms 4 and so on. All it takes is proof that the applicant lives in our county and has no criminal record. There is no charge for this activity. The only fee we charge is if the applicant needs the fingerprint cards done (two for $10.00,) but there's no requirement that they be done with our S.O. If applicant needs the passport-type photographs, I usually give a couple of locations, commercial and at the District Clerk's Office (also two for $10.00.)
I get to meet the applicants and talk guns for a little while. If it's a stranger, I make a short pitch for NRA and Texas State Rifle Assn membership. The whole process, presuming I am not busy with other matters, usually takes around 30 minutes. It can take a lot less if I've handled F-4s for the individual in the past, but I frequently end up visiting longer with those. They know to phone ahead of time to make sure I'm free to do the stuff. We do not consider this a waste of time and effort. It is being responsive to legitimate and legal wishes of law-abiding residents. Besides, it's kinda fun.
I know at least two collectors/shooters who have relocated to our county because our treatment of residents here. I understand the process is a lot more complicated with some agencies, even here in Texas. The "Chief Law Enforcement Officials" in some areas don't like Class 3/Title II stuff and refuse to cooperate. I feel their attitude is very short sighted, and I worry that those officials may have lost sight of the concept of "Public Servant." [/soapbox]
Some states have laws which prohibit private ownership of this type weaponry, and I'm sorry. Hope those laws can be changed for the better. That, however, is outside the scope of THIS thread. Assuming there is no prohibition in state law, how are things in YOUR area?
Best,
Johnny Guest