We all know the 2nd Amendment is under constant attack, it is just part of life in the US(S)A. Some days more than others, today appears to one of those days.
Here is some basic information for anyone that doesn’t know. The lower receiver of an AR-15 is the part that is serialized and what the government considers a “firearm.” All the other parts, upper receiver, barrel, trigger etc… don’t require background checks and can be purchased fairly easily. An 80% lower receiver is just what it sounds like, it is 80% complete. People buy these and do the remaining 20% of the work. The advantage to doing this is that an 80% lower isn’t considered a firearm. One can buy it, finish it on a mill and build a fully functional AR-15 without a serial # (it is still recommended that it be serialized in some way so that it can be identified as in fact yours), background check or registration of the firearm as long as it is only for your own personal use. (Note: You can’t buy these in bulk, finish the 20% and build rifles for resale because then you would be a manufacturer). Because it opens up the possibility of firearms that they don’t know about, the government and anti-2nd Amendment cretins are not very fond of this arrangement while. At the same time it greatly appeals to people who value firearm ownership anonymity adn realize the possibility of registration lists leading to confiscations (keep an eye on CT). I learned about 80% lowers a few years ago and was amazed at the price spike they demanded after the tragedy in Sandy Hook. While researching 80% lowers in the past I stumbled across Ares Armor. They made what looked like quality upper assemblies, complete lowers as well as 80% lowers so I signed up for alerts from them. I have never purchased any products from them but get regular newletters/alerts on deals and new offerings that I may or may not be interested in. Ares Armor also offers an 80% polymer lower that is easier for the hobbyist to complete. The lower is color-coded, the owner finishes the last 20% by machining away the white plastic, drilling a few pin holes and they are left with a functional lower (see pic below).
I just recently received an email from Ares Armor that explains the actions being brought against them by the ATF.
My hope is that my two-bit blog gets some play regarding this issue to make sure the word gets out as much as possible.
Don’t think for one second that the fascist government that currently in charge will let up one bit until all of us mundanes are transformed into unarmed slaves. Please don’t hesitate to pass this letter from Ares Armor on in any form to get the word out.
Temporary Restraining Order Against BATFE
Published: 03/12/2014 03:54:44 PM
Lycurgan, Inc. Ares Armor
208 N Freeman St
Oceanside, CA 92054
TO: Whom It May Concern
FROM: Dimitrios Karras, CEO Ares Armor
SUBJ: Temporary Restraining Order Against BATFE
DATE: March 12, 2014
Sir or Ma’am,
Last week the BATFE Raided EP Armory based on a determination letter that had deemed the 80% Polymer product to be a firearm. The determination letter that the BATFE used to obtain warrants against EP Armory is based on incorrect information about the manufacturing process. The BATFE has been notified of their error and the incorrectness of their determination based on this error.
This week on Monday, March 10th the BATFE threatened to raid us even though they are fully aware that their determination letter is factually incorrect. They requested that we turn over a list of every customer that had purchased a polymer lower from us and turn over the remaining inventory that we have.
Our customer’s privacy is of the utmost importance to us. I cannot in good moral conscience turn over a list of names to the BATFE just because they unduly threaten us with an unjust raid based on information they KNOW TO BE FALSE!
For the time we are SAFE! We were granted a Temporary Restraining Order against the BATFE on March 11th. The following is the declaration that I made during the process of obtaining this TRO:
Declaration of Dimitrios Karras, CEO Ares Armor
In regards to the events surrounding Ares Armor’s interaction with EP Armory’s products and the threats made towards Ares Armor by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE.) The following declarations are true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
I, Dimitrios Karras, state:
1. During a meeting with the BATFE around the end of 2012 that was unrelated to EP Armory’s product, the Agent that was present very strongly requested that I turn over Ares Armor’s customer list. He intimidated me with the possibility of criminal charges if he was not satisfied. This was the first attempt the BATFE made to intimidate Ares Armor into turning over private customer information.
2. An 80% lower is an industry term for an unfinished receiver that is not considered to be a firearm.
3. EP Armory manufactures an 80% lower receiver made from polymer.
4. Ares Armor purchases and then resells many products one of which is the 80% Polymer Lowers that are made by EP Armory.
5. In the regular course of business I have seen many different 80% AR-15 receivers.
6. EP Armory’s product is no different than standard 80% receivers that are sold openly and that the BATFE has consistently determined to not be a firearm. EP Armory’s product is in compliance with previous BATFE Determinations and is not a firearm.
7. The BATFE has Raided EP Armory based on incorrect information about EP Armory’s manufacturing process. The determination letter written by the BATFE incorrectly classified the EP Armory product as a firearm based on faulty information. The BATFE was under the impression that EP Armory was making a firearm and then reverting back to the 80% stage by filling in the fire-control cavity. At no point during the manufacturing process by EP Armory is a weapon made and then reverted. The solid fire-control cavity is built first and the rest of the 80% casting is made around this “core” specifically so that their product at no time could be considered to be a firearm.
a. As can be seen in Exhibit 1-3. The BATFE has consistently determined that the machining operations that cannot be performed in order to not be considered a firearm are as follows:
1. Milling out of fire-control cavity.
2. Selector-lever hole drilled.
3. Cutting of trigger slot.
4. Drilling of trigger pin hole.
5. Drilling of hammer pin hole.
b. EP Armory’s product is consistent with the BATFE’s many previous determinations.c. At no time during EP Armory’s manufacturing process are any of the aforementioned 5 operations in a state that could cause a reasonable person to believe that EP Armory’s product would be considered a firearm.
8. The BATFE has been appropriately informed of their mistake. However, even though they have no determination that is based on fact, they are knowingly using their fiction based determination to intimidate Ares Armor with threats in order to inappropriately gain access to information that is private and should be protected.
9. I received communication on or about 3/10/2014 from our legal counsel (Jason Davis) that the BATFE was in the process of obtaining a warrant against Ares Armor based on their incorrect determination of EP Armory’s Product. I was advised that the BATFE had offered to forego obtaining a warrant if Ares Armor was willing to:
a. Hand over all of EP Armory’s 80% Lowers.b. Turn over Ares Armor customer’s private information to the BATFE.
In exchange for turning over our customer’s private information the BATFE said that they would not “raid” Ares Armor’s facilities and would not pursue “criminal” charges. This made me feel as if I was being extorted. I agreed to their terms in order to delay an impending and unjust raid against Ares Armor long enough to obtain legal protection under the law.
10. I have been unjustly threatened with raids and criminal charges in an attempt by the BATFE to obtain information that is private and protected. The BATFE has expressed interest in obtaining Ares Armor’s customer list in the past and is now attempting to strong-arm us with undue threats based on information they know to be incorrect.
11. I am now in constant fear for the safety of my employees, my customers and myself.
Executed March 10, 2014 Oceanside, CA
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dimitrios Karras
Sincerely,
Dimitrios Karras, CEO Ares Armor
Original HERE.
It always astonishes me that these “men” in BAFTE uniforms can sleep at night knowing they are waging war on our freedom. Are they just merely stupid? Brainwashed? Do they actually think that what they are doing is “right”? Are they just simpleton thugs that want to smash things? I just don’t get it. I hope each one of these imbeciles promptly has an awakening moment, or eats a bullet.
They sleep well because we sleep, too.
We need to fight evil, on all fronts, at all times. No compromise on this – or it corrodes our soul and country, until you have United Soviet Multicultural States of Amerika, one country, indivisible, under the United Nation.
(No typos in there.)
+++
The Joker: You see, I’m a guy of simple taste. I enjoy dynamite, and gunpowder, and gasoline!
[he pours gasoline on the mountain of cash]
The Chechen: [panicked] What the…?
The Joker: Ah-ta-ta-ta-ta. And you know the thing they have in common? They’re cheap.
+++ And I’ll add: +++
And everywhere.
Inconsistencies – They are paid well with the money they steal from the rest of us. They can operate above the law, most of the time. Everyone is afraid of them because of their gang membership. If they do screw up egregiously, their supervisors will cover for them…with the money they’ve stolen from us. They hurt people and break things with impunity. What more could a psychotic bully want?
When I was having problems with my neighbor from hell, the sheriff sent a couple of gun-thugs from the local drug task force to my house to “investigate.” Of course I had no way of knowing at the time that my thieving psycho neighbor was “their boy” (a confidential informant), but I digress. The big cop, a steroid bloated tatted up former Marine that you obviously didn’t want to mess with, sat at my kitchen table and told me “I like kicking in doors.”
He apparently wasn’t getting enough door kicking and head busting action, so he went to work for the DEA. I presume this adrenaline junky is now getting his sadistic fix along with a fat paycheck out of our tax money. Recently a young acquaintence of mine who is in the police academy right now told me he couldn’t wait “to punch some crackhead in the face.” There’s a good reason to go into law enforcement. These human vermin can sleep peacefully at night because they enjoy their job much the same way that a fat middle aged TSA thug enjoys squeezing a five year old boy’s testicles. They’re sick and they’re evil, that’s why many of them take the job to begin with.
Dear IC,
I think Booth summed it up pretty nicely.
They are sociopaths. They don’t care about right and wrong. They wound up in their “jobs” because they love doing what they do.
It’s the perfect setup. The Mafia has its hierarchy, its “associates, soldiers, capos, consiglieres, underbosses, bosses/dons.”
http://albertpeia.com/mafiafamilytreeflowchartFBIarrests_files/image010.jpg
“The Government,” being a “crime family with a flag,” has the same needs. Military personnel and LEOs of all stripes are their “soldiers.”
They get paid to engage in assault, kidnapping, murder, and it’s all “legal!” Such a deal!
This is why the only root cure, is total discrediting of the Myth of Authority.
In other words, the cops ignored the court order and took the list anyway.
“on March 13, 2014, he was granted his day in court. The Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is currently in full effect,
[…] On the morning of Saturday March 15, 2014, the BATFE […] seized property, inventory and Ares Armor’s customer list” ..
I can see why the word Gestapo was used in the title to this article.
Helot – The BATFE (Bureau of Arson, Treason, Falsehood and Extermination?) are not cops. They are part of Treasury; technically they are tax collectors. It’s not just that EP Armory / Ares Armor is thwarting their efforts to track private individuals who are arming themselves with little or no paper trail. Obviously the regime wants to know who has guns so they can eventually come and take them. But on top of that, these fine folks have found a free market solution for the home-brew DIY crowd to cut the revenuers off from their precious excise tax! How sweet is that?
It doesn’t matter that what the manufacturer is doing is perfectly legal, because the biggov.org nosy-busybodies couldn’t care less about the law. Just like the IRS will step in and confiscate your money if you transfer sums that are below the legal cash transaction reporting threshold. They say if you move 9 grand, even though the legal cut off is 10 grand, then you are “structuring” to avoid the reporting requirement. Of course the banks are complicit in this since they are creatures of the state. The feds obviously don’t care about court orders either; they’ll take it up the judicial chain until they either bankrupt the target or find a judge they have (or can create) dirt on. “The law” is for people like us, not the gov-thugs. Just ask the Branch Davidians…well ask the few that survived the fire anyway. The feds have more men and guns, so they do what they damned well please…obviously.
The answer is state nullification and the more we see this type of abuse, the more there will be an impetus for the individual states to intervene. That’s not to say there won’t be bloodshed. There usually is, because government seldom changes in any meaningful way without it.
Ya. The BARF-TE are not technically cops, they are tax collectors, a.k.a. revenuers. The cops in eric’s articles are also clearly shown to be nothing more than tax collectors as well. Both groups kick in doors. Both groups are tax collectors. Is there really a difference between the groups? If not, it’s legal to swap in the word ‘cops’ for the BARF-TE at any point. Jmho.
The whole country is covered in BARF-TE.
Is it inevitable we’ll all get some on us? One way or another?
You can probably get cooties from them too.
Why in the world would ARES keep a “customer list?” At the very least it should have been on a hard drive off site, encrypted. At the first hint of confiscation, it should have been destroyed utterly.
I do hope they fully realize now that a “restraining order” on government goons is no more protection than the RO given to a battered woman. The bastard that beat her can still kill her easily if she is not armed and ready to defend herself.
Great questions Mama.
In small and medium businesses here in Sin Valley, there’s always going to be a “customer list” because the names are all in the accounting software.
To transact legal business, you have to keep records going back many years of anyone you’ve received a payment from. Either you have a customer list, or you’re a criminal.
In the case of large businesses, let’s say Visa for example. The payments and receipt records (customer name list) is kept in Central America. It’s cheaper to transact offshore. It’s safer to transact offshore.
In a free market state, as you stated, businesses and women who mistakenly enter relationships with psychopaths, would have many additional free market protection services available for hire.
_ _ _ _
IMHO the concept of “battered woman” is an invention of the Ministry of Truth.
Also what is so bad about being a “bastard”? Do you really consent to the notion that sovereign people must faithfully report their lineage to the state?
Must families mindlessly adhere to the Socialist Norms of their predatory medieval society?
We should of course speak plainly and naturally. But it doesn’t hurt to contemplate existential dimensions of the english language that send mixed message by conscious mal-design.
“Battered women” are most certainly a reality. As are battered men and children, for that matter. The fact that this is USED by the controllers, and that some people make bad choices, is beside the point. Every person: men, women, responsible children should have appropriate tools and attitude with which to defend themselves.
I was, of course, not using the word “bastard” to indicate an “illegitimate” birth, but an evil nature. The former connotation is practically unknown these days – which is a good thing.
And no, the “customer list” is useful for advertising purposes, but is not necessary. Transaction records are a different thing. Anyone not wishing to leave an identifying “transaction record” merely pays cash. The cash register identifies the product sold and the amount for the IRS theft purpose, but not the purchaser.
At least for now…
It’s something to investigate, is there software that encrypts yet complies?
Battered women is invented and promoted by the Socialist PTB IMHO. Maybe you don’t care, and that’s fine. But just for fun consider the following that might be true. (I’m a student not a teacher, disregard the tones of voice, they’re a result of my lack of clear non-dissonant messaging)
Shouldn’t you hold woman accountable for their actions? Your use of the term implies that women are somehow random victims of unseen circumstances. As if getting physically accosted is the same as being struck by lightning.
I would argue that women who end up being battered, deserve to be held 100% accountable for their mistakes or failure to not be victimized. They chose a risky person, or in some other fashion put themselves in harms way.
Though it’s maddening, I implore you to coin your own terms and class theorizing. Don’t just accept “battered woman” off the rack because its the path of least resistance, and considered morally acceptable by your fellow “Dividuals.”
– – – –
Just trying to be thorough, by calling your choice of bastard into question. Move to strike my objection.
– – – –
I only know my experience of course, but every business I’ve worked for here uses Quickbooks or something similar. A business owner probably wouldn’t last very long if he didn’t require strict record keeping, and names of payors and payees.
When I’ve worked for myself, I’ve been 100% cash basis, no record keeping that I do. I don’t stop others in a position of trust from complying and don’t really know exactly what they do, but I personally do everything face to face with no records.
I’ve left instructions not to comply with any regulations with my “homeland staff” but it appears they sometimes choose to ignore me, seeing as at least some of my documents and taxes are in good standing.
For arguments sake, lets say Eric keeps no records, he’s deferred everything to Dom, he might not want to be involved in exactly how things are done.
– Though you try to be an exception, and that’s admirable, the evidence points to Americans hating freedom and free markets. And to you being an American. (I say as a questioner, not as a final answerer )
Everyone IS responsible for their own actions, choices and the consequences. It doesn’t matter what you call it. Men, women, children and animals can all be “battered.” That simply means injured… has nothing to do with government definitions. If we start to argue about that and don’t use any of the terms they’ve hijacked and polluted, we would not have ANY words to use very soon.
I was very clear to indicate that people make bad choices, but that is no excuse for battery, injury, attack, beating. No woman “deserves” to be raped or murdered, no matter how dumb she might have been in her choices. No man “deserves” to be raped or murdered either, regardless of his choices. They bear the unfortunate consequences of their choices, but they do not thereby “deserve” to be the victims of aggression by others. Children are “battered” endlessly, all over the world. They don’t ever “deserve” it either.
I hope the distinction is clear.
And there is no reason to keep lists of customer’s names when they make cash purchases. If I discovered a business doing that, they would never have any more of my money. The local people all know me, so they might well remember that I purchased this or that, but as far as I know, no records of it are associated with my name unless I use a credit card. I have not written checks in many years.
Exclusive Interview: Ares Armor Raided By U.S. Gov’t Because Owner Went To The Media
On March 13, 2014, the owner & CEO of Ares Armor Dimitri Karras came on The Pete Santilli Show to celebrate his success in stopping the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE) from threatening to raid his business to obtain his customer list. As Mr. Karras described in his interview, the BATFE had contacted him regarding their concern about certain “polymer” lower receivers which are used as a guide in properly manufacturing the part. The polymer receivers are 100% legal, but despite their legality the BATFE insisted that Ares Armor release the list of their customers who have received plastic receivers.
Although it’s important not to make certain assumptions, it’s pretty safe to say that the BATFE was not going to send Christmas cards to the customers listed on Ares Armor’s list. Needless to say, Dimtri Karras refused to surrender his customer list voluntarily. He has maintained the constitutional and privacy protection of his customers, and on March 13, 2014, he was granted his day in court. The Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is currently in full effect, and the preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for March 20th.
Shortly after the TRO was ordered, the BATFE sought and received a search warrant in opposition to the TRO’s mandate. The U.S. Government essentially moved towards ignoring the TRO, and trumping the order for the purposes of seizing property and information which was voluntarily offered to them.
On the morning of Saturday March 15, 2014, the BATFE conducted a heavily armed raid on all three locations of Ares Armor. Customers were treated disrespectfully, and one retail location had the front entrance destroyed. Video was taken of the BATFE’s forced entry [Click Here]
Today, Sunday March 16, 2014 Pete Santilli interviewed Dimitri Karras to get his side of the story, and you definitely want to hear this exclusive interview from start to finish. Dimitri reveals the details of the entire ordeal dating back to the original contact with the BATFE leading all the way to the present day legal battle which he vows to fight on behalf of all of his customers, employees and especially his fellow Americans.
Please take note, despite the BATFE insisting that they be allowed to break down the door of Ares Armor (obviously these goons believe they are “fighting for our freedom”), the BATFE destroyed property at the expense of Ares Armor, shoved their tyranny in the face of Ares Armor customers, and violated almost every one of the first group of Constitutional Amendments at the expense of every American —- Ares Armor is allowed to continue operating their business. We repeat, THEY NEVER SHUT DOWN ARES ARMOR. This was all about force, intimidation, and obtaining the customer list in violation of everything but their guide to tyranny, the “Patriot Act”. The BATFE seized property, inventory and Ares Armor’s customer list, and the rest of us are supposed to accept this
Damn, the second dummest thing I’ve heard all day!
that absolutely is why they raided him, he stood up and refused to comply and showed the world what he did. guvthugs feel the need to beat down people like that.
the more i see things like this and cops shooting 70 year olds with canes the less and less i think we are going to be able to avoid a “hot” war.
the best adise for anyone is from the article i found about the ATF Raid:
“If you have purchased an 80% lower receiver from a storefront location or over the Internet from any vendor, I think it is safe to assume that the federal government either has your customer data, or is in the process of trying to obtain your customer data. If you want a truly anonymous 80% lower, pay cash via a private sale, the same as you would with a serialized firearm.”
Man is a HERO…. Glad he is standing up and making noise!!!
I will be looking at buy parts from him.
What is .gov going to ban next milling machines, hunks of metal and dimensions?
Dont’ forget 3D printers.
Why didn’t he just print the name of the arsehole, I mean agent?
As in, “During a meeting with the BATFE around the end of 2012 that was unrelated to EP Armory’s product,
theAgent Agent_Arsehole’s_Namethat was presentvery strongly requested that I turn over Ares Armor’s customer list. […]”Could’ve done it a couple of ways, that’s just one specific way.
Then let human nature take care of the problems…
“a. Hand over all of EP Armory’s 80% Lowers.
b. Turn over Ares Armor customer’s private information to the BATFE.
In exchange for turning over our customer’s private information the BATFE said that they would not “raid” Ares Armor’s facilities and would not pursue “criminal” charges. This made me feel as if I was being extorted. I agreed to their terms in order to delay an impending and unjust raid against Ares Armor long enough to obtain legal protection under the law.”
From my reading, and I am not a lawyer, it sounds like your “hero” “agreed to their terms,” which as I read it was to turn over inventory and lists. Of course you have to read to the very end to see that, but if that is true, it is the opposite of hero, kind of like the cops Eric writes about. So, his customers lost already and the fight is now over criminal charges for him personally.
Correct me if I’m wrong.
you read it wrong (at least how I interpreted it and read in other publications)
he was told on a monday that he was going to be raided that wednesday if he didnt’ turn over his customer list before hand. He lied, said he would turn it over by wednesday and called his lawyer instead of handing over the lsit. He agreed to the “terms”, he did not actually provide them with the list. He will be able to claim that he agreed but only under duress.
they were threatening him so that he would “willingly” turn over the list because the ATF pigfuks knew getting a warrant wasn’t a slam dunk. And they dont’ really care about the lowers because they knew tehy were’t illegal. it was nothing more than leverage to scare him into complying and providing a list of people who may or may not be able to make their own AR15.
Thanks, that’s better.
but it doesn’t look like it mattered, i am guessing from teh uptick of comments you are all aware that they were raided anyway.
http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2014/03/17/despite-restraining-order-atf-raids-ares-armory-over-plastic-parts-n1810321