http://www.atf.gov/publications/firearms/012611-study-on-importality-of-certain-shotguns.pdfSporting Purpose
Determination of whether a firearm is generally accepted for use in sporting purposes is the responsibility of the Attorney General (formerly the Secretary of the Treasury). As in the previous studies, the working group considered the historical context of “sporting purpose” and that Congress originally intended a narrow interpretation of sporting purpose under § 925(d)(3).
While the 1989 and 1998 studies considered all rifles in making their recommendations, these studies first identified firearm features and subsequently identified those activities believed to constitute a legitimate “sporting purpose.” However, in reviewing the previous studies, the working group believes that it is appropriate to first consider the current meaning of “sporting purpose” as this may impact the “sporting” classification of any shotgun or shotgun features. For example, military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for traditional shooting sports, may be considered “particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes” if military shooting competitions are considered a generally recognized sporting purpose. Therefore, in determining the contemporary meaning of sporting purposes, the working group examined not only the traditional sports of hunting and organized competitive target shooting, but also made an effort to consider other shooting activities.
In particular, the working group examined participation in and popularity of practical shooting events as governed by formal rules, such as those of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) and International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), to determine whether it was appropriate to consider these events a “sporting purpose” under § 925(d)(3). While the number of members reported for USPSA is similar to the membership for other shotgun shooting organizations,6 the working group ultimately determined that it was not appropriate to use this shotgun study to determine whether practical shooting is “sporting” under § 925(d)(3). A change in ATF’s position on practical shooting has potential implications for rifle and handgun classifications as well. Therefore, the working group believes that a more thorough and complete assessment is necessary before ATF can consider practical shooting as a generally recognized sporting purpose.
