2A News ATF’s Top Lawyer Resigns. Who Comes Next Matters. Zion Patriot, November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider resigned on October 30 and is expected to return to teaching at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. ATF thanked him for his service but offered no explanation for his departure or announcement of a replacement. For gun owners, this is worth watching. Leider…
Gun Control Apparently, My Fire Extinguisher Doesn’t Count Zion Patriot, November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 I carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, recovery gear, and a trauma kit in my Jeep. So far, I have only needed the recovery gear once—to help a neighbor stuck in the snow at the end of our street. I would rather have those supplies and not need…
Gun Control Weapons of War Zion Patriot, November 2, 2026November 2, 2026 The civilian AR-15 is a semiautomatic rifle with military lineage. Calling it a “weapon of war” supplies a label, not a complete technical description or a constitutional argument. In Everytown for Gun Safety’s amicus brief supporting the challenged firearm bans in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, Its…
2A News Viramontes v. Cook County: A Supreme Court Victory Could Still Leave the Second Amendment Question Unanswered Zion Patriot, November 1, 2026November 1, 2026 The Supreme Court has an opportunity to clarify the constitutional protection of commonly owned semiautomatic rifles. But even a ruling against assault-weapons bans may leave the larger legal battle unresolved. The Supreme Court’s consideration of Viramontes v. Cook County and the consolidated Grant v. Higgins case has attracted considerable attention…
2A News My Early Prediction in Viramontes / Grant Zion Patriot, October 27, 2026October 27, 2026 The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on December 2, 2026, in Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins. The consolidated cases ask whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect the right to possess AR-15-platform and similar semiautomatic rifles. I thought it would be interesting to put…
2A News Scotus Watch: Viramontes / Grant Zion Patriot, October 27, 2026October 27, 2026 The Supreme Court is preparing to hear two consolidated cases that could determine whether governments may ban AR-15-style and similar semiautomatic rifles: Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins. As of October 27, 2026, the consolidated docket lists 46 merits-stage amicus briefs—submissions from people and organizations that are not…
2A News Smith & Wesson Acquires Savage Arms in $160 Million Deal Zion Patriot, October 21, 2026October 21, 2026 Two familiar names in American firearms are now under the same corporate roof. Smith & Wesson Brands announced on October 21, 2026, that it has completed its acquisition of Savage Arms from an indirect subsidiary of JDH Capital. The transaction values Savage at approximately $160 million, subject to customary adjustments….
2A News ATF’s New NFA Guidance: What It Means for Suppressors, Short-Barrel Rifles and Shotguns Zion Patriot, October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 ATF’s October 9 guidance marks a major change for owners of suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and firearms classified as “any other weapons.” ATF has chosen nationwide nonenforcement of certain NFA making, transfer, and registration requirements for these items. The NFA is still law. This policy provides substantial relief, but…
2A News Scotus Watch 2026-2027 Zion Patriot, October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 Updated October 12, 2026 The Supreme Court’s new term brings a major question into focus: does the Second Amendment protect the right to own an AR-15? For gun owners watching the Court, the rifle-ban cases deserve top billing. The justices have agreed to hear two challenges together, with oral argument…