Neither of the calls seems particularly realistic, but this is hardly the first time that there has been such a call to abolish the ATF and moreover to repeal the NFA. The first effort to overturn the 1934 law came in March 1939 in a case that was heard in the Supreme Court. In the United States v. Miller, 307 U.S. 174, the Court found that owning a sawed-off double-barrel shotgun was not protected under the Second Amendment.
That did not put the issue to bed. In fact, even today, the case is cited in the ongoing American guns debate as both sides support its position.
While subsequent efforts have been made to repeal the NFA, …none have gained much momentum. Even if the Republicans can successfully take back the United States Senate and House of Representatives, it is unlikely such legislation would even get out of committee to a floor vote, just as any additional gun control measures are unlikely to see any momentum.
In this case, it seems that Rep. Massie was using social media as a platform to show his commitment to the Second Amendment, but also to control the narrative. Lawmakers on both sides of aisle can use social media to make a very public show of support for their cause – knowing not much is likely to come of it.
— Peter Suciu in Calls To Abolish The ATF And Repeal The NFA Trend On Social Media
