I really don't see it as a problem. I know I'm legal, I know I didn't do anything wrong, so choice #3?
Yeah, and the ATF is known for taking the person's legality into consideration and not picking nits where there's nothing to fret over, aren't they?
How could anyone here think this was a "funny" joke - unless they're a sadistic bastard, that is?
What's the reasonable response to such a statement from someone like that? Well, if you know you're innocent of any wrong doing, you're likely to get pissed off and angry, or at least scared. You're likely going to have a hefty load of legal fees, and have your property confiscated now, you're thinking. And every little thing you've done relating to the government will now likely be scrutinized to nail you to the wall, because the ATF doesn't typically just let people go when they find out you've done nothing wrong in respect to firearms: did you file your taxes
properly, not making a stupid mistake? Every year? How about other legal dealings with the government? Will your employer enjoy you being arrested by federal agents?
In short, the guy behind the counter is joking from a position of authority that your life is now over. NOT FUNNY.
If a local shop were to do either of the first two described situations to me, I'd
never return and they'd lose that sale, just like that. Maybe I'm paranoid, but filling out that 4473 each time makes me nervous enough as it is.
Let's see, how about this: if you were to go to the PD to get a license renewal and the person at the counter was taking forever, and you asked why. S/he says, "Oh, I'm sorry, sir. It's just that something came up when I looked at your name in the database, and we're waiting for federal law enforcement officers to respond before we can continue." Yeah, that's real funny.