National Firearms Act Loses a Fang

For the first time since 1934, suppressors (usually called 'silencers' in the same way that rifles are increasingly called 'assault weapons') have been transferred without government approval. Gun Owners of America effected the transfers last night

This follows a victory by plaintiffs (including Hall favorites the Firearms Policy Coalition) in Federal Court. 
Because Congress eliminated the NFA’s making and transfer taxes for most regulated firearms in 2025, the Act’s remaining registration and recordkeeping mandates lack any valid constitutional foundation.

FPC Statement: “This is a massive win and an important step forward in our strategic plan to end the NFA. We cannot wait to fully and finally eliminate this unconstitutional scheme so people can exercise their rights when, where, and how they choose.”  — Brandon Combs, FPC President

The ruling was issued last week but delayed for a week to give time for an appeal by the ATF. The Trump Administration declined to appeal the ruling. 

3 comments:

E Hines said...

The court's ruling is a valuable step in the right direction, but it's of limited scope. It's only effective regarding the plaintiffs, their members, and their customers. https://x.gd/3kG6SO

Optimally, we get the Supreme Court to rule the whole NFA unconstitutional.

Eric Hines

Grim said...

Yes, that's true for now. FPC will happily make you a member for like ten bucks, though, if you want to buy a suppressor. They'll send you a printable ID card.

E Hines said...

FPC will happily make you a member.... That's good for those who are interested, and I don't mean that disparagingly.

Suppressors, though, run counter to concealed carry. I also wonder, even with the self defense insurers like CCW, what effect in court the use of a suppressor would have on a claim of self defense, even where the claim is accurate.

Eric Hines