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…

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…

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…

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….

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…

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…

On August 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix issued a significant ruling in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, holding that several regulatory provisions of the National Firearms Act (NFA) are unconstitutional as applied to firearms for which Congress has eliminated the making and transfer taxes. The decision potentially…

The sudden firing of Pam Bondi by Donald Trump marks the end of a short but controversial tenure at the Department of Justice. For gun owners and Second Amendment advocates, her legacy is far more nuanced. While she made some moves that aligned with pro-2A priorities, she ultimately fell short…