Have you wondered why some people are so concerned about the ATF? (their real acronym is BATF). Well, it's time to recall some history. BATF has been really bad for a long time. Their abuse of American gun-owners is not just a recent trend. In fact, Congress held hearings in '79 and '80 on BATF abuses and later curtailed some of their powers as a result. Here's an old front cover of Reason Magazine from 1980. They use harsh words, but accurate: