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I did a search for info related to this subject and came up with nothing. Mods: Please move to another section if another is more appropriate. Feel free to direct me to another thread if this has been addressed.

I've been considering getting a short-barreled AR for a while now and finally decided to get serious. I thought I'd start the process with an e-mail inquiry to my local police chief as to his inclination to sign either a Form 1 or 4, depending on how I decided to approach the project (build or buy). His response was that he does not sign any ATF Form 1 or 4. Period...

I used e-mail so that he could answer at his leisure and not feel rushed to provide an answer, etc. I addressed him as Chief and was polite but to the point of my request so as not to waste his time reading through a bunch of fluff. I explained that I would prefer to pursue an SBR as an individual as opposed to going the trust route and that I'd need his signature to do so.

Here's my question...Do I let it lay there and proceed with the trust process, or do I approach the sherriff? I have no idea if the Collin County Sherriff is inclined to sign off on the form, but I figure that would be my next step. However, I learned a long time ago not to run and ask Mom for permission if Dad said no.

I'd appreciate any insight from those living in Collin County.

Thanks!!

I don't know Collin County but in some places the county Sheriff and the city PD chief don't exactly see eye to eye, so you may get a different response.

Are you buying from a local dealer? Maybe they can tell you which Cleos have signed for other customers.

I would talk to your local class 3 dealer and see who has signed in the past or present. Let them know you are aware of the trust route but want to pursue a signature first.

Same advice here. The local dealer I dealt with for my SMG was only a few blocks from my house and he helped to set up the appointment with the GV Chief. I actually went in and had a face to face with the Chief and he signed off on the Form 4.

Thanks for the help...I'll get moving on this.

Remember that Sheriffs are elected, and are far less likely to do something that will loose them a vote (Like say no to a voter). Additionally, would a constable qualify as a Chief Law Enforcement Officer, if so you may have another avenue there.

All good advice.

Something to consider -- if all he knows about you comes from the email you sent, he would have more "reasons" to deny than to approve. Having someone he knows vouch for your character would go a long way.

Similar situation: both my brothers live in Minnesota, which requires a sign-off from a CLEO before you can purchase a handgun, or receive one as a gift (which was the case). They both know the sheriffs in their respective counties and that's who approved their applications (also their applications for Minnesota's concealed handgun permit). One of my brothers said that he was glad he lived outside the city limits, because it "would have been a cold day in heck" before the city police chief signed any such document. I'm thinking that county LEOs are more likely than city LEOs to have favorable opinions of citizens carrying.