Author: Merting

Robert was raised in the pine forests of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. He is a graduate of Wofford College and received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Washington and Lee University. An avid hunter, shooting sports enthusiast and outdoorsman, Robert has built his law practice with a focus on firearms law and the legal structures required for the purchase and protection of firearms. Previously, he worked as in-house counsel to a large defense contractor, from which he brings a depth of business knowledge to his clients. Robert lives in the Upstate and practices law from his office in Greenville, South Carolina.

Delayed Again; ATF 41P on the back burner

Posted onDecember 21, 2014January 23, 2015AuthorMerting

Last month the American Suppressor Association reported discussing the future of ATF 41P with the ATF. From their conversation they determined that action is not expected until at least May of 2015 and maybe as late as December of 2015. If you have been watching this and timing your entry into the NFA market, you Read More …

Form 1 Machine Gun Lawsuit

Posted onNovember 24, 2014January 23, 2015AuthorMerting

A couple of months ago the ATF’s fiasco in trusts filing Form 1s to manufacture machine guns was hitting the net. See my earlier blog post here. Well, now we have a bit more than talk. A gentleman in Texas, who was a recipient of an approved Form 1, has decided to take his case Read More …

Midterms and Gun Control

Posted onNovember 8, 2014AuthorMerting

There is more commentary on what the midterm elections meant for gun control and gun rights than anyone can shake a stick at. I do not intend to dive into the main discussion here and believe it sufficient to say that gun control measures will have a significantly harder time passing through the new Congress after Read More …

Open Carry in South Carolina

Posted onOctober 20, 2014AuthorMerting

Contrary to popular belief, South Carolina state law does not forbid the open carry of firearms. Now, read on, because all is not as it seems. (And do not go strapping a pistol to your side for a stroll through Wal-Mart.) What the law forbids is possession of a handgun unless you meet a long Read More …

Can a Trust Form 1 a Machine Gun?

Posted onSeptember 13, 2014November 24, 2014AuthorMerting

In May the Prince Law firm identified an inconsistency in definitions between the National Firearms Act and the Gun Control Act. The ATF took the position that for the purposes of the Gun Control Act the definition of Person did not include trusts. (This stance allowed them to require FFLs to perform a NICS check Read More …