Sun Sep 29 22:41:39 UTC 2024: ## ATF’s ‘Ghost Gun’ Rule Debunked by Former ATF Chief: Supreme Court Case Highlights Reality of Home Gunmaking

**Washington D.C., September 30, 2024** – The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in a case challenging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule that redefined “firearms” to include unfinished gun parts, commonly known as “ghost guns.” A former ATF official, Rick Vasquez, has filed an amicus brief that directly contradicts the government’s claims about the ease of constructing firearms from these kits, providing expert testimony that contradicts the government’s claims of simplicity.

The ATF’s 2022 rule expanded the definition of “firearm” to include any object “designed to or may readily be completed, assembled, restored, or otherwise converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.” This effectively targets unfinished gun parts kits, which are widely available online.

The government’s argument hinges on the claim that anyone with basic tools and skills can build a fully functional firearm in as little as 20 minutes. However, Vasquez, former Acting Chief of ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch, refutes this assertion, arguing that building a firearm from a parts kit requires significant skill, specialized tools, and considerable time, often exceeding the cost of buying a new firearm.

Vasquez provides detailed descriptions of the complex processes involved in building both Glock-style pistols and AR-15-style rifles from kits, outlining the specialized tools, expertise, and multiple hours required for a successful build. He cites examples of journalists attempting the process, highlighting the challenges and reliance on expert gunsmiths to complete the task.

“The central premise of the government’s argument—that ‘anyone’ can build a fully functioning Glock-style handgun from a parts kit ‘in a matter of minutes’—is simply wrong,” Vasquez concludes in his brief.

This case has implications for both gun control and the right to build firearms at home. The Supreme Court’s decision will determine the future of the ATF’s rule and the legal boundaries of home firearm manufacturing.

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