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.

Machineguns in the Attic

Posted onAugust 31, 2014AuthorMerting

All too commonly I am approached by a client who has “found” or “discovered” a possession of a late relative. These discoveries can range from an original short barreled rifle that a beloved relative had prior to 1934 to a machinegun brought home as a war trophy. Normally no paperwork is with the firearm. So Read More …

ATF-41P Delayed

Posted onJune 8, 2014June 8, 2014AuthorMerting

For those of you who were following the proposed ATF rule on how trusts buy firearms, you’ll remember that June was the month we expected an update. That update actually came late last month. What was it? Merely a postponement of any action until January of 2015. (See here.) All is normal for the remainder Read More …

Manufacturers, ITAR, and ECR

Posted onMay 1, 2014AuthorMerting

If the title of this post is just alphabet soup to you then you are in the majority. But if you are a manufacturer of firearms or firearm parts then you best know these acronyms! The International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) is the Federal law that governs all manufacturers of defense articles. What is Read More …

E-Forms, Down for the Count?

Posted onApril 10, 2014AuthorMerting

Many of you already know that last Friday, April the 4th, the ATF E-Forms system was suspended indefinitely for maintenance. Nearly a week has passed and no official word has been given about the site coming back on line. The official page can be seen here: https://www.atfonline.gov/EForms/ While speculation abounds on whether this removal is a Read More …

E-forms, Still Waiting

Posted onMarch 30, 2014AuthorMerting

Last month I wrote regarding the costs and benefits of using E-Forms. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved. For those unaware, ATF E-Forms is a new system that allows for the electronic filing of Form 4s and Form 1s. This system is only available to entities like NFA Trusts, and generally results in a faster Read More …