Snark

Robb Allen has it.  He also makes a good point.

The ATF is expected to restrict the importation and sale of such guns as the Saiga shotgun today, due to a perceived notion of whether or not it has a "sporting purpose".  While there is an argument that if such firearms are manufactured domestically the ATF won't be able to do this, I still have problems with a government agency capriciously deciding that something becomes illegal because a subjective determination is made without congressional action.  And who's to say that even if someone gets the patent and starts making them domestically, the ATF won't come up with another administrative roadblock to stop them?

The net effect of this action, if it unfolds as expected, will be to make sure that there are no Saiga-like shotguns on the market by the time the ATF steps up to the mike, and all of those who own one will immediately see their value go up.

Personally, I hope that this is a head fake on the part of the ATF, and their announcement is not what is expected.  But then, I'm a starry eyed optimist sometimes.

For the record, I don't own a Saiga.  I like my Mossberg, and will probably continue to buy from that manufacturer.  But those who want to have these firearms, which are legal as I type this and may very well not be by the time I come home from work tonight, have the right to do so without government interference.    If this goes down as expected, then letters to my senators and congressman will be in order, and I suggest you do the same.  Robb uses hyperbole, but I agree with him in that if the government is allowed to infringe on one right by fiat, then they will try to infringe on all of them.