quick,
Before there is a misunderstanding, I want to point out that I'm not looking for an argument regarding your understanding that all Huntsman rifles are firearms. I just want to bring out a point.
I did a little research regarding the "older" (1976 production) Huntsman BP rifles. It is still my contention that the older Huntsman rifles are exempt from the form 4473 requirement. I was wondering if you could post the letter of inquiry to the ATF regarding their answer, or should I wait until Matt gets the last 8 months of posts back up.
If I remember correctly, your letter stated the "Huntsman" is a firearm, and requires filling out the form 4473. The question I have is which "Huntsman"? Was a manufactuer mentioned? Ex: Wesson & Harrington (1871), Harrington & Richardson Company (1875), The Harrington & Richardson Arms Company (1888), In 1986 the original H&R (maker of the older "Huntsman")went out of business.
H&R 1871, Inc. (was formed in 1991), this is the company that made the newer "Huntsman" rifles which require a form 4473. The assets of this company was sold to H&R 1871, LLC (November 2000), which was owned by Marlin, and later taken over by Remington (December 2007). If the letter states: "Huntsman rifles manufactured by H&R 1871" are firearms, that means that the "older" Huntsman made by the old H&R company (1976 production models) are not considered firearms.
My point being that just because something shares a name with another product, the product is not necessarily the same exact product, and thus not bound by the same restrictions.
I hope this clears up the issue, or at least cast doubt on the contention that all Huntsman are firearms. If any GBO members are members of the bar, please feel free to either agree or disagree with my point of law, and possibly your reasoning.
I am not looking to encourage people to disobey the law, but my reason for bringing up this point is that I don't feel that we should surrender any of our 2nd Amdt rights because of a misunderstanding by an uninformed government official. Thank you.