Article Archive

A Florida gun hobbyist walked a reporter through building two functional firearms in one afternoon using a 3D printer and parts ordered online. The Supreme Court shut down the kit-gun market in 2025, but printed builds remain largely legal—and the community is growing faster than regulators can adapt.

The Supreme Court will decide whether the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana users survives constitutional scrutiny under the Bruen historical tradition test. The NRA and FPC filed an amicus brief arguing the Founders regulated intoxicated conduct—not sober status. A ruling could restore gun rights to millions of legal cannabis users.

The 9th Circuit ruled unanimously Wednesday that anyone convicted of domestic violence faces a permanent federal ban on gun and ammunition possession. The court relied on the Supreme Court's 2024 Rahimi decision and found deep historical support for disarming abusers. Nothing changes for law-abiding Idaho gun owners.

ATF's proposed rule would keep your Form 4473 purchase records on file for up to 60 years — 30 with the dealer, 30 more with ATF after it closes. The comment window is open now, and GOA has a model comment ready to submit.

Gun Owners of America was present at the DOJ when ATF signed 34 new rules — the product of months of direct lobbying. Full details are still pending Federal Register publication. GOA is simultaneously pushing Congress to defund the agency entirely.

The Trump DOJ is suing Colorado over magazine limits and assault weapon bans using solid Second Amendment arguments. It's also defending federal laws that disarm cannabis users and nonviolent felons—cases where the gun rights movement says the administration has it exactly backwards.

The ACLU filed its first-ever Supreme Court brief defending an individual's Second Amendment rights, joining a case challenging the federal law that disarms marijuana users. The organization spent decades arguing the Second Amendment doesn't protect individuals. Now it's asking SCOTUS to enforce that right for a Texas cannabis consumer facing 15 years for owning a Glock.

The Supreme Court will decide two major Second Amendment cases before end of June. Wolford v. Lopez challenges Hawaii's opt-in permission requirement for carrying on private property open to the public. United States v. Hemani tests whether the federal ban on gun possession by illegal drug users survives post-Bruen scrutiny.

The DOJ filed two Second Amendment lawsuits this week — one against Denver's 'assault weapon' ban, one against Colorado's 15-round magazine limit. Both invoke the Bruen historical tradition test and seek permanent injunctions. The real target may be the Supreme Court's docket.

United States v. Cruikshank (1876) emerged from a massacre and ended up gutting the Bill of Rights for over a century. The Second Amendment wasn't fully repaired until McDonald v. Chicago in 2010 — and the road there ran straight through a Heller footnote that served as a deliberate legal invitation.

A federal court win for regulators in 2025 killed the ghost gun kit market. It left the 3D-printed frame market mostly untouched—and that market is growing fast. Here's what the legal landscape looks like now and what Idaho owners need to know.

The Supreme Court will decide whether the federal government can permanently disarm marijuana users who aren't intoxicated. The NRA, FPC, and Independence Institute filed a joint amicus brief arguing the historical tradition of firearms regulation only ever targeted intoxicated conduct — not sober gun owners. The outcome could reshape who qualifies as a "prohibited person" under federal law.

The Black-Harlan rivalry at SCOTUS produced a contraception ruling that seems distant from gun rights—but the constitutional logic underneath it is the same logic courts apply to Second Amendment cases today. One man believed only written rights count. The other believed tradition fills the gaps. Both frameworks are still actively shaping firearms law.

Justice Clarence Thomas told a judicial conference Thursday that Washington's political class lacks the courage the Founders demonstrated. He also pushed back on legal jargon, arguing Americans already grasp their rights without needing to understand originalism.

A Roundup cancer case at the Supreme Court is exposing a foundational gap in Second Amendment law: nobody has clear rules for who decides the factual claims that justify gun restrictions. Two cases this term may force an answer — or duck it entirely.

The Supreme Court found Trump's global tariffs unlawful, and the government is now processing $35.5 billion in refunds to importers—with up to $166 billion potentially on the table. A federal appeals court has temporarily paused a lower court ruling on the 10% global tariff while it considers a full stay. Imported firearms and components could eventually see pricing effects.

Thirty Arkansas legislators—Republican and Democrat—sent a formal letter to President Trump and the DOJ demanding an independent investigation into the March 2024 ATF raid that killed Little Rock airport director Bryan Malinowski. Lawmakers cited conflicting narratives, body camera concerns, and questions about whether the raid's timing was tied to a pending ATF rule redefinition. Malinowski's widow has an active federal wrongful death suit against the agency.

The ATF's Biden-era rule expanding dealer licensing requirements for private firearm sales remains blocked after the Trump administration dropped its appeal. Texas AG Ken Paxton led the multistate challenge that secured the injunction. The case returns to district court, where a permanent block is the probable outcome.

Three years after Bruen, New Jersey has issued 88,000 concealed carry permits — nearly ten times its previous total. The state still trails the national average by a wide margin, but the shift shows how a single Supreme Court decision reshapes rights on the ground. The same legal framework is driving challenges to gun laws nationwide.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed suit March 27 challenging federal rules that ban firearms inside national park buildings like visitor centers and ranger stations. The lawsuit argues those bans fail the Bruen historical tradition test. For Idaho gun owners who carry in national parks, the outcome could eventually change what happens at the visitor center door.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed an amicus brief April 2 asking the Supreme Court to hear a case that could eliminate the NFA's $200 tax stamp and registration requirements for suppressors. The NRA and American Suppressor Association joined the filing. No ruling yet — the Court hasn't agreed to hear the case.

ATF's Middle Tennessee office says ghost gun cases are declining after enforcement pressure on kit sales, but Glock switches—3D-printable auto-conversion devices—are now the bigger concern. Agents are using shell-casing databases to trace both threats even without serial numbers.

Ohio's Senate voted 24-9 to advance legislation letting residents sue cities that restrict guns in violation of state preemption law—and collect punitive damages when they win. The bill still needs House approval, but the deterrent logic is already sound: make bad ordinances expensive, and fewer get passed. Idaho gun owners should watch how the House handles the punitive damages clause.

The Trump ATF is proposing identity-matching rules for firearm purchases that would put transgender buyers in an unresolvable documentation conflict — effectively creating a federal registry of trans gun owners. Critics across the political spectrum are calling it a bureaucratic intimidation play. Second Amendment challenges are expected.

The Second Amendment Foundation filed an amicus brief asking SCOTUS to review a New York public nuisance law that critics say bypasses federal protections for gun makers. If the Second Circuit ruling stands, it hands every state a roadmap for using litigation — not legislation — to pressure the firearms industry out of existence.

U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, the San Diego jurist behind California's biggest Second Amendment rulings, retired April 2 at age 75. His exit reshuffles which judges hear future gun cases in the region, but the appeals he generated are already in the Ninth Circuit pipeline. A 2023 rule change limiting forum shopping may matter more to future litigation than his departure.

SAF filed a supplemental brief in *Brown v. ATF* targeting the NFA's registration requirement for suppressors and short-barreled rifles. The $200 tax is already dead — now they're going after the registry itself. Three simultaneous SAF challenges are moving through the courts.

A federal judge spent most of Friday's hearing dismantling Minnesota's arguments for its switchblade ban, calling the state's 'offensive vs. defensive weapon' distinction incoherent. Knife Rights is seeking summary judgment that could end the 66-year-old ban without a trial. The outcome will ripple into a parallel challenge against the Federal Switchblade Act.

Virginia Democrats passed an 'assault firearms' ban that treats a folding stock and a grenade launcher as legally equivalent. The bill heads to Gov. Spanberger's desk, but a Supreme Court challenge is already taking shape.

House Republicans are formally pressing the Army Corps of Engineers to lift its ban on lawful firearm carry across its 12 million acres of public land. Lawmakers argue the restriction is outdated and fails to prevent unsafe behavior while penalizing law-abiding gun owners. The push comes amid renewed scrutiny of agency carry policies following the *Bruen* decision.

Connecticut's House passed a bill 86-64 that would ban the sale and importation of handguns with cruciform trigger bars—the internal feature that makes Glock switches attachable. Gov. Lamont says he'll sign it. The bill heads to the Senate before May 6 adjournment, with an October 2026 effective date if it becomes law.

The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Illinois' ban on concealed carry aboard mass transit, closing out the ISRA's legal options on that specific case. Meanwhile, Illinois gun owners are rallying in Springfield on April 15 against potential new legislation, including a proposed ban on handguns that can be converted to full auto.

The Ohio Senate passed a bill letting residents recover legal fees when they successfully challenge local gun ordinances as unconstitutional or preempted by state law. It's a fee-shifting mechanism aimed at closing the enforcement gap in Ohio's existing preemption law. Idaho has preemption too — but no equivalent accountability tool.

The Ohio Senate passed SB 278 24-9, allowing gun owners to sue municipalities that pass local gun ordinances — already banned under state law — and collect punitive damages. Sponsor Sen. Terry Johnson says cities like Columbus have been ignoring the existing prohibition without consequence. The bill now moves to the Ohio House.

New Jersey issued more than 88,000 concealed carry permits in the three years following the Supreme Court's Bruen decision—up from fewer than 700 in the three years prior. The numbers show what was always true: the bottleneck was never demand, it was bureaucratic gatekeeping. The legal fight over where those permits are valid is still live.

Two dozen House Republicans are demanding the Army Corps of Engineers finalize a long-stalled rule change that would allow lawful firearms carry on nearly 12 million acres of federal land. The Corps is currently the only major federal land agency that still bans it. The rule was drafted during Trump's first term but never completed.

The 10th Circuit ruled Thursday that Colorado's ghost gun law doesn't ban building firearms from parts kits — only 3D-printed frames. The ruling revives part of a lawsuit challenging the law and keeps private-sale acquisition claims alive, sending the case back to a federal district court.

SAF and Defense Distributed filed for summary judgment against the ATF's 2022 rule that redefined 'firearm' to include unfinished parts and precursor components. The case argues the rule violates the Gun Control Act of 1968 and effectively bans a legal tradition of private firearm manufacture. The motion is before the Northern District of Texas.

Florida and Utah signed campus carry expansions into law this year. New Hampshire is next up, with a Senate hearing scheduled on HB1793. Louisiana withdrew its bill when student sponsors couldn't testify — but the sponsor says it's coming back. The trend line is clear.

Canada's Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program completed its first phase with 67,000 firearms declared by over 37,000 gun owners, including 1,702 in Nova Scotia. The program is voluntary, but the October 2026 deadline carries real legal consequences. Opposition is organized and holding rallies nationwide.

Canada's federal gun buyback program closed its declaration window with fewer than half the expected firearms turned in nationwide. The Northwest Territories declared just 81 guns — and nobody can clearly say who enforces the October 30 hard deadline in the territory. A political science professor who studies Canadian gun culture thinks Ottawa mostly wants this over with.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a gun-control package Tuesday and sent an assault-firearms ban back to lawmakers with amendments that Republicans say could cover nearly every common semi-automatic in the state. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division has already threatened to sue if any version of the ban takes effect, citing Second Amendment protections for commonly owned firearms. The amended bill now returns to the General Assembly for a final vote.

SCOTUS declined to hear a challenge to Illinois' ban on concealed carry in public transit, leaving the Seventh Circuit's ruling intact. Four permit holders had argued the ban violated their Second Amendment rights under the Bruen standard. The decision doesn't resolve the broader 'sensitive places' legal debate — it just postpones it.

Minnesota's attorney general and two state legislators introduced a bill to ban ghost guns statewide — covering possession, manufacture, sale, and even distributing 3D-print design files. The 237% rise in traced unserialized firearms is driving the push. The bill's file-distribution prohibition is the sharpest legal edge to watch.

New York agreed to permanently stop enforcing the provision of its Concealed Carry Improvement Act that required gun permit applicants to submit three years of social media account history. Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation secured the injunction through federal court in the ongoing Antonyuk v. James litigation. The broader challenge to New York's carry restrictions continues.

Connecticut's Judiciary Committee voted 24-12 along party lines to advance a ban on pistols easily converted to automatic fire. Republicans called it a Second Amendment violation. The bill heads to the full legislature, and legal challenges are likely if it passes.

The Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion for summary judgment on March 27 challenging New York's ban on civilian body armor purchases. The FPC argues the law cannot survive the Supreme Court's Bruen historical-tradition test. A ruling could have implications well beyond New York.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reversed a George H.W. Bush-era policy prohibiting service members from carrying personal firearms on military bases. Base commanders must now presume approval for carry requests and provide written justification for any denial. Critics warn of increased suicide risk; supporters call it a straightforward Second Amendment correction.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear vetoed House Bill 312, which would have lowered the state's concealed carry license age from 21 to 18. The legislature can still override the veto. Beshear announced the decision at an event honoring victims of the 2023 Old National Bank shooting.

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed allowing handguns to be mailed for the first time since 1927, following a DOJ memo calling the century-old ban unconstitutional. The proposed rule would let unlicensed individuals mail handguns to other private parties with no background check required on the recipient — eliminating the FFL chokepoint that makes the current system function. The rule is not final and is currently in a public comment period.

A federal appeals court ruled April 3 that Maine's 72-hour gun purchase waiting period is likely constitutional, reversing a lower court injunction that had blocked the law. The First Circuit called the delay a 'burden' on Second Amendment rights but not a violation — a legal distinction that could influence waiting period challenges in other states. The case now returns to district court for a full hearing.

The Second Amendment Foundation has filed suit challenging the 35-year-old federal law banning firearms inside National Park Service buildings — visitor centers, ranger stations, the whole works. The case rests on Bruen and the argument that forcing campers to disarm before picking up a permit is exactly the kind of unconstitutional burden the Supreme Court already rejected. It's a developing case with no quick resolution, but the legal theory is solid enough to watch closely.

Colorado's HB-1144 bans 3D-printed firearms and components, but Gov. Polis forced sponsors to drop the provision targeting digital printing files before he'd sign it. Sponsors say they'll be back with a new governor in 2027.

The Second Amendment Foundation, NRA, and American Suppressor Association have asked the Supreme Court to take up a constitutional challenge to the NFA's suppressor registration requirements. The case — Peterson v. United States — was slated for the Court's April 17 conference. Congress already zeroed the tax stamp, but the registration and approval structure remains fully in force and is the real target.

The Seventh Circuit upheld a lifetime gun ban for a Wisconsin man convicted of drug dealing and caught with multiple firearms after a 2022 shooting incident. The court found his disarmament consistent with founding-era legal traditions under the Bruen historical-tradition test. Critically, the ruling explicitly leaves open whether non-violent felons face the same permanent ban.

The Supreme Court reversed the 2nd Circuit on qualified immunity Monday, protecting a Vermont detective from a civil lawsuit. More quietly, it passed again on challenges to state assault weapons bans — with no explanation. The gun cases aren't dead, just waiting.

The attorneys general of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware want to intervene in a Pennsylvania case challenging the federal ban on shipping firearms through the USPS — a ban the DOJ just stopped defending. The 1927 law left gun owners with zero legal shipping options. Three state AGs want to keep it that way.

New Jersey's permit-to-carry transparency dashboard stopped updating when a new governor took office in January. Assembly Bill 222, reintroduced in the legislature, would codify reporting requirements into law rather than leaving them subject to executive discretion. NRA-ILA is urging residents to push the bill forward.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren reintroduced legislation that would ban DoD contractors and military plants from selling firearms and ammo to civilians. The bill's primary target is Lake City Army Ammunition Plant — and critics say cutting off commercial sales would undermine the facility's ability to supply the military during wartime.

A DC appellate panel ruled the District's 10-round magazine ban unconstitutional last week, finding standard-capacity magazines are protected arms under the Second Amendment. DC is now asking the full court to reverse the decision, calling the ruling destabilizing. An en banc decision could come by end of next week.

Illinois HB 4414 would serialize all handgun ammunition and feed transaction data into a state police registry starting in 2027. The bill relies on microstamping technology that experts say fails in real-world conditions — and critics argue the real target is lawful gun ownership, not crime.

SCOTUS declined to act on several Second Amendment petitions in Monday's order list, adding only an environmental law dispute to next term's docket. For gun owners, a cert denial isn't neutral—it lets unfavorable lower court rulings stand. Here's what the court's silence actually means.

Gun sales rose 3.5% in February 2026 per NSSF-adjusted NICS data, even as the raw FBI background check number fell 13.5%. The gap comes down to permit rechecks—not fewer guns being sold. Constitutional Carry expansion in 29 states is the likely culprit behind the headline drop.

Ruger's LCP Max has cleared California's handgun roster with most of its upgrades intact. At $300–$350 with real sights, a 10-round magazine, and a tritium front dot, it's the best micro-.380 option Golden State buyers have had in a while.

The VA has ended its 30-year practice of reporting veterans to NICS simply for having a financial fiduciary. Over 270,000 veterans who lost gun rights without any court hearing or due process are getting them restored.

West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith killed SB 1071, the state's machine gun bill, before it reached a floor vote. Citing poor drafting and legal concerns, Smith blocked the measure despite strong committee support. A revised version may return next session.

Alex Pretti had a carry permit and never drew his weapon. Federal officials used his holstered gun to justify the shooting anyway. Gun rights groups that usually back Trump are calling it out—and it's not the only place the alliance is cracking.

Sen. Mike Lee introduced federal legislation that would eliminate concealed carry permit requirements nationwide and protect Americans from felony charges when carrying legally across state lines. The bill builds on the 29 states that already have constitutional carry and the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. Political hurdles remain significant, but gun rights groups are treating this as the most serious federal push yet.

Senator Mike Lee introduced the National Constitutional Carry Act on March 5, a bill that would establish nationwide permitless carry and override state permitting schemes. Backed by GOA and NAGR, it would reshape carry law in restrictive states like New York and California. It faces an uphill battle in Congress, but it's forcing a national conversation.

The Supreme Court hears United States v. Hemani on March 2—a case that could determine whether 43–62 million marijuana users remain prohibited persons under federal gun law. The Liberty Justice Center argues the blanket disarmament has no historical or constitutional basis. The Trump administration wants the disqualification upheld, even for sober users in legal states.

Arizona's AG warned this week that ICE's unidentified plainclothes tactics put agents on a collision course with state self-defense law. She meant it as a caution. It reads as a textbook argument for why the Second Amendment exists in the first place.

The Supreme Court heard argument in United States v. Hemani, a case that asks how closely a modern gun law must mirror historical precedent to survive constitutional challenge. The ruling will sharpen—or loosen—the Bruen standard every lower court is currently applying. This one matters.

The Supreme Court declined to act on several Second Amendment challenges at its March 9 conference, including assault rifle and magazine ban cases. The Court is likely waiting to see how two pending gun-rights cases resolve before touching those petitions. Expect movement no earlier than late June.

Federal courts are weighing multiple ATF rule challenges in 2026, covering NFA regulations, private sale licensing, and marijuana user gun rights. Outcomes could affect suppressors, SBRs, and background check rules nationwide.

H.R. 38 cleared committee March 25 with 189 cosponsors and a 37% shot at becoming law. If it passes, your Idaho permit works in California, New York, and D.C.

The Sig P320's history of unintentional discharge complaints is back in focus after the Minneapolis shooting. Here's what P320 owners need to know about the recall history and voluntary upgrade program.

Florida's House passed HB 133 to drop the long gun purchase age back to 18—but the Senate hasn't filed a companion bill, same as the last three sessions.

SHOT Show 2026 delivered Gen6 Glocks, a $549 FN pistol, an updated SCAR lineup, and suppressor-ready ammo from Remington and Federal. Here's what actually matters.

PRS 2026 memberships are open for Rimfire, Regional, and PRO series. You need one before your first match if you want your scores to count in the standings.

SCOTUS looks ready to expand carry rights in Wolford v. Lopez — same week Trump officials argued a lawfully armed Minneapolis man deserved to be shot. Gun rights groups called out their own allies.

Winchester's Q4 2025 earnings collapsed 98% as raw material costs and promotional pricing wiped out margins. Commercial ammo price hikes are already announced for Q1 2026.

Colt CZ Group closed a $1.05B deal for 51% of Synthesia Nitrocellulose, locking in majority control of a key European propellant supplier. The move pushes the Colt/CZ parent deeper into vertical ammo production.

Ohio is moving to preempt local gun ordinances and establish a single statewide standard. For gun owners, it means no more legal minefield when crossing county lines.

Thermal sensor resolution quadrupled at SHOT Show 2026. High-end thermals are now complete fire control systems with integrated LRF and ballistics.

Savage's new REVEL series brings takedown lever-action rimfires in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Nostalgia meets modern utility.

Scopes from Maztech, Revic, and Burris now calculate firing solutions in real time using environmental sensors. What was $20k military tech is now $2,500.

The Army created a new office to speed ammunition procurement, consolidating functions across multiple agencies. Winchester's profits collapsed 98% in Q4 as the industry faces rising costs and supply chain pressure.

Colt CZ Group will acquire Czech nitrocellulose producer Synthesia for $1.05 billion, securing control of critical gunpowder ingredients as ammunition demand surges across NATO countries.

New Jersey appellate court reversed red flag order against grieving mother who made no threats after learning of son's death. Ruling highlights due process concerns as 21 states expand extreme risk protection laws.

Gun Owners of America broke with the Trump administration over a federal shooting, defending a concealed carry holder's rights after a U.S. Attorney claimed agents were "legally justified" in the killing.

Ohio Senate Bill 278 would let citizens sue municipalities that pass illegal gun restrictions, creating financial consequences for cities that violate state preemption law.

House committee advanced concealed carry reciprocity legislation as Trump officials face backlash for threatening legal gun owners. The controversy may strengthen support for national reciprocity standards.

SHOT Show 2026 featured PSA's modular AXR ecosystem, FN's resurrected SCAR series with suppressor threading, and Zev's folding 9mm pistol. Ammunition manufacturers focused on suppressor-optimized loads.

SIG SAUER debuts P211-GT4 and GT5 double-stack 1911 pistols at SHOT Show 2026. Both models use P320-compatible magazines and target competition and duty markets with hammer-fired reliability.

Palmetto State Armory's modular fire control system lets one serialized unit transfer between handguns, PDWs, rifles, and shotguns. One 4473 covers all.

Supreme Court upholds ATF's ghost gun rule 7-2, requiring background checks and serial numbers for weapon kits and unfinished receivers. Gorsuch wrote majority opinion using "Buy Build Shoot" kit as example.

ATF's pistol brace rule faces ongoing court challenges, leaving millions of gun owners uncertain about compliance requirements as federal circuits issue conflicting rulings on the regulation's validity.

GOA Texas proposes platform planks to expand constitutional carry to 18-year-olds and strengthen self-defense immunity. The resolutions target age restrictions courts have ruled unconstitutional.

ATF's new rule drops the blanket ban on gun purchases by anyone who's used drugs, focusing instead on current "compulsive" users. Medical marijuana patients and past users can now legally buy firearms starting June 30.

The Ninth Circuit struck down California's open-carry ban in counties over 200,000 residents, affecting 95% of the state's population. The 2-1 ruling creates a circuit split and could force California to allow open-carry permits statewide.

Glock's Gen6 pistols finally address decades of ergonomic complaints with palm swells, improved grip texture, and better trigger design while maintaining legendary reliability. Early reviews from law enforcement instructors are overwhelmingly positive.

The gun industry's own trade group admits 40% of new firearms contain defects—a failure rate that would kill any other consumer product industry. With no federal safety oversight, dangerous guns stay in circulation until lawsuits force fixes.

Mason Lane dominated USPSA Limited division at Race Gun Nationals, winning by 39 points in record 616-shooter field. Team SIG member's commanding performance validates elite sponsorship deal.

The Ninth Circuit struck down California's ban on open-carry permits in counties over 200,000 people, covering 95% of the state. The ruling creates a circuit split and challenges the "ban one mode, allow another" approach to carry laws.

Federal courts struck down the ATF's pistol brace rule in 2024, making stabilizing braces legal again after threatening millions of gun owners with felony charges for possessing unregistered short-barreled rifles.

SHOT Show 2026 featured Glock's most significant design update in years with the ergonomic Gen6 pistols, expanded suppressor options following NFA tax removal, and practical gear improvements that address real shooter problems.

Idaho's two-tier concealed weapons license system explained. How the enhanced permit unlocks reciprocity in roughly half the states that recognize Idaho permits.

Idaho school zone firearms laws under state and federal law. Constitutional carry exceptions, CWL holder rules, the 1000-foot federal zone, and on-campus restrictions.

Idaho suppressor laws and the federal NFA process. State-level permissiveness, ATF Form 4 requirements, trust vs. individual registration, and common mistakes.

Idaho age requirements for buying and possessing firearms. The 18-year-old handgun gap, minor possession rules, and what parents need to know to stay legal.

Permitted and prohibited carry locations under Idaho constitutional carry law. Courthouses, federal buildings, private property rules, and the places where carry rights have real limits.

Which Idaho government buildings allow firearms and which do not. State Capitol rules, county courthouses, city halls, and the legal consequences of carrying in prohibited buildings.

Who cannot legally own firearms in Idaho under state and federal law. Covers felony convictions, domestic violence misdemeanors, mental health adjudications, and the restoration process.

Idaho's NFA regulations for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and other Title II weapons. Federal requirements, state-level permissiveness, and pending 2026 legislation.

Idaho has no assault weapon ban or restrictions. State preemption prevents local bans. Federal NFA rules still apply to select-fire weapons and short-barreled rifles.

Idaho has zero magazine capacity restrictions at any level of government. State preemption law prevents cities and counties from creating local limits.

Idaho has no red flag law or extreme risk protection order statute. How neighboring states differ, the national ERPO landscape, and what Idaho gun owners who travel need to know.

Idaho firearm purchase laws for dealer and private sales. Federal background check requirements, private party transfers, and the rules that change based on how you buy.

Idaho allows permitless concealed carry for eligible adults 18+. Learn the requirements, restrictions, and key laws governing constitutional carry throughout the state.

Virginia Firearms Laws: What's Changing in 2026

Washington State Firearms Laws: HB 1240 and Beyond

Illinois Firearms Laws: FOID and PICA Guide

New York Firearms Laws: Complete Guide

California Firearms Laws: Complete Guide

Wyoming's governor signed two solid Second Amendment bills into law — lowering the concealed carry age to 18 and criminalizing Red Flag enforcement — while vetoing a third bill that would have added civil lawsuit provisions to the state's gun sanctuary law. GOA is pushing back on the veto's legal reasoning and signaling another run at the legislation.

The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel has declared the federal ban on mailing handguns unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, directing USPS to rewrite its regulations. The opinion follows a lawsuit filed by Gun Owners of America and applies the Supreme Court's Bruen historical tradition standard. USPS regulations haven't changed yet, so practical impact is still developing.

FPC and co-plaintiffs including the NRA and SAF filed for summary judgment in Brown v. ATF, arguing Congress's 2025 repeal of NFA transfer taxes eliminated the only constitutional basis the law has ever had. The motion also challenges suppressor and SBR restrictions directly under the Second Amendment. A district court ruling is the next step, with appeals certain to follow.

Virginia is poised to ban AR-15s and standard-capacity magazines under Senate Bill 749, with Gov. Spanberger expected to sign. The Virginia Citizens Defense League is already lawyered up and ready to challenge it. Given the Supreme Court's *Bruen* framework and a growing circuit split, this law is on a collision course with federal courts.

Idaho NFA rules explained: suppressors, SBRs, machine guns, and Senate Bill 1349's contingent machine gun framework. What's legal, what's changing in 2026.

Idaho government building gun laws explained: courthouses, schools, colleges, and where preemption law protects your carry rights under Idaho Code § 18-3302J.

Who is legally prohibited from owning a firearm in Idaho? Full breakdown of Idaho Code § 18-310 and federal 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) disqualifiers, restoration pathways, and penalties.

Idaho Enhanced CWL vs. basic permit: age requirements, mandatory 8-hour training, reciprocity in 38 states, prohibited places, and full statute reference.

Idaho school zone gun laws explained: K-12 prohibitions, employee carry with enhanced license, college campus rules, and key exceptions under Idaho Code § 18-3302D.

Idaho concealed carry laws explained: constitutional carry, CWL types, reciprocity, prohibited places, NFA items, and 2026 legislative updates. Complete legal reference.

Idaho open carry laws explained for 2026: no permit required, constitutional carry, NFA items, prohibited places, reciprocity, and vehicle carry rules.

Idaho Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws explained — § 18-4009 presumptions, protected spaces, what voids your claim, and what to do after a defensive incident.

Idaho's stand your ground law (§ 19-202A): no duty to retreat, burden on the prosecution, Castle Doctrine for home and vehicle. Full legal breakdown.

Idaho has no magazine capacity limits — state or local. Full preemption blocks local bans. Here's what the law says and what changes the moment you leave the state.

Idaho constitutional carry laws explained: who can carry without a permit, optional licenses, prohibited places, reciprocity, Stand Your Ground, and 2026 legislative updates.

Idaho vehicle transport laws explained: loaded, concealed carry without a permit, RV rules, state line crossings, NFA items, and what changed in 2026.

Idaho private party firearm transfer laws explained: no background checks required, but federal prohibited-person rules, interstate restrictions, and age laws still apply.

Complete guide to Texas gun laws 2026: constitutional carry, LTC benefits, where you can't carry, campus carry rules, and open carry requirements.

Complete guide to Idaho hunting regulations for 2026, including new nonresident draw system, season dates, licensing requirements, and tag allocations.

Complete guide to Idaho gun laws in 2026: constitutional carry, concealed permits, NFA items, reciprocity, and where you can't carry. Know your rights.

Idaho allows private gun sales between residents without background checks or paperwork. Learn the legal requirements, federal restrictions, and documentation.

Complete guide to Idaho open carry laws including age requirements, legal restrictions, and practical guidance for gun owners. No permit required for open carry.

Learn the federal requirements for ATF Form 4473, the mandatory paperwork for all gun purchases from licensed dealers, including new 2024 updates and legal obligations.

Federal law restricts armor-piercing ammunition primarily when designed for handguns, while rifle cartridges remain largely unrestricted. Learn the key definitions, legal distinctions, and licensing requirements that determine what ammunition you can legally purchase and possess.

Learn the federal requirements for legally transporting firearms through restrictive states under FOPA's safe passage provision, including storage rules and travel limitations.

Federal law requires you to be 21 to buy handguns from dealers and 18 for rifles/shotguns, but private sales follow different rules that allow 18-20 year olds to purchase handguns from unlicensed sellers.

Federal law prohibits firearms in most government buildings under 18 U.S.C. § 930, including post offices, courthouses, and federal offices. Learn which locations are covered, what weapons are banned, and the serious criminal penalties for violations.

Gun Owners Foundation reported eight legal victories in 2024, including constitutional carry expansion in Tennessee, coast-to-coast carry wins, and successful challenges to federal dealer enforcement policies.

Learn the essential requirements for owning NFA-regulated items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles, including the 2026 tax elimination and mandatory ATF registration process.

Learn federal serialization requirements for firearms, including new 2022 rules covering "ghost guns" and privately made firearms that now require serial numbers and background checks.

James Madison initially opposed adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution, fearing it might limit rights to only those listed. Thomas Jefferson convinced him otherwise, leading to the amendments we rely on today—including the Second Amendment.

Learn federal 922(r) compliance requirements for imported semiautomatic rifles and shotguns. This guide covers the 10-part limit, regulated components list, and how to maintain legal compliance when modifying imported firearms or building from parts kits.

Learn how LEOSA grants qualified retired law enforcement officers nationwide concealed carry privileges, including eligibility requirements, annual qualification standards, and key restrictions that still apply across state lines.

Learn the complete process for legally owning NFA items like suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns, including current application procedures, tax stamp requirements, and key regulations.

Learn how three landmark Supreme Court cases—Heller, McDonald, and Bruen—established individual Second Amendment rights and reshaped modern gun law interpretation.

Learn what constitutes an illegal straw purchase when buying firearms and why federal law prohibits buying guns for others, even legally eligible recipients.

The Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 prohibits firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors and X-ray machines. Learn the federal requirements, penalties, and how this law applies to modern 3D-printed firearms and polymer-framed pistols.

Interstate firearm sales must go through a Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) dealer.

Federal law prohibits firearm possession by felons, fugitives, domestic violence offenders, and other categories.

Idaho's stand your ground law eliminates the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense anywhere you're lawfully present, allowing you to defend yourself or others with reasonable force.

Federal law prohibits firearms within 1,000 feet of schools, with exceptions for CCW permit holders.

Learn Idaho's rules for recreational shooting on BLM and Forest Service lands, including safety zones, fire restrictions, and legal requirements for responsible target practice.

No civilian possession of machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 under the Firearm Owners Protection Act.

Learn how Texas handles NFA items like suppressors and short-barreled rifles through its unique "defense to prosecution" framework, federal registration requirements, and practical ownership process.

Short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors require ATF Form 4 registration and $200 tax stamp.

Texas has no mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, allowing buyers to take home their guns the same day once background checks clear at licensed dealers.

Federal law requires background checks for purchases from licensed dealers under the Brady Act.

Texas allows most adults to openly carry handguns without a license as of 2021. Learn the holster requirements, age restrictions, and prohibited locations that still apply under constitutional carry laws.

Texas allows private firearm sales between individuals without background checks or registration. Learn the key differences between private sales and dealer transactions, federal restrictions that still apply, age requirements, and how to stay compliant with state and federal law.

Enhanced CCW permit holders can carry in K-12 schools in Idaho. Learn about requirements and reciprocity benefits.

Texas Castle Doctrine grants legal right to use force, including deadly force, in your home, vehicle, and workplace without duty to retreat. Learn when self-defense is justified and protected under Texas law.

Idaho's Castle Doctrine eliminates your duty to retreat in your home and presumes your use of force against unlawful intruders is justified. Learn how this law protects your right to defend your home, yard, and vehicle with deadly force when facing criminal intrusion.

Idaho does not require firearms registration. No state-level registry exists.

Learn the benefits of Texas License to Carry (LTC) beyond permitless carry, including reciprocity with 37+ states, expanded carry locations, and additional legal protections.

Idaho law preempts local firearms regulations. Cities and counties cannot enact stricter laws than state law.

Learn Texas's 30.06 and 30.07 sign systems that allow property owners to prohibit concealed or open carry by license holders, including legal requirements and penalties.

Firearms may be transported in vehicles loaded or unloaded, concealed or visible under Idaho law.

Learn when Texas law allows you to defend yourself without retreating, including key requirements for justified force and deadly force under Stand Your Ground provisions.

Texas state preemption law prevents cities and counties from creating their own gun regulations beyond state requirements. Learn how this creates uniform firearm rules across Texas and what local restrictions are still allowed.

Learn Texas laws for carrying handguns in vehicles without a permit under the Motorist Protection Act, including eligibility requirements and key restrictions.

Somebody breaks your front door at 2 a.m. You've got maybe seconds to get to your firearm, get your family clear, and be ready.

You bought the gun. You took the class. Now you're standing in a gun store or scrolling through Amazon at midnight, staring at roughly four hundred holster options and wondering how any of this is ...

You show up at a clay range for the first time and someone hands you a shotgun, points at an orange disc screaming across the sky, and says "just follow it." You shoot. You miss. You shoot again.

You pull the trigger. Three seconds pass. Then you hear it -- that distant, unmistakable *clang* of steel at 1,000 yards. If you've never experienced that, it's hard to explain.

You just dropped $800 on a new hunting rifle and now you're standing in a gun store staring at a wall of scopes priced anywhere from $89 to $3,000.

You're standing at the gun counter, watching the price tags on factory ammo creep up again. Your buddy at the range keeps telling you to just start reloading -- says he's saving a fortune.

You're driving from Idaho to visit family in New Jersey. You've got your EDC on your hip and a couple of standard-capacity magazines in your bag.

You found the exact rifle you've been looking for -- right color, right configuration, $80 cheaper than anywhere local.

You're standing in a gun store, staring at two boxes of 9mm. One's $18.99 for 50 rounds, the other's $34.99 for 100 rounds with a shipping sticker still on the flap.

Every listing in the BGC directory gets a letter grade from A+ to F. This is our way of telling you how complete and trustworthy a listing is -- before you drive across town to find out the hard way.

Complete guide to Idaho shooting competitions, ranges, and events for 2026-2027. Find matches, plan your shooting calendar, and discover opportunities across the state.

Complete beginner's guide to concealed carry basics: choosing positions, holsters, drawing safely, dressing around your gun, and building good habits.

Learn shotgun chokes from basics to practical application. Understand the five main types, when to use each, and how to choose the right choke for hunting and clay sports.

First-time gun buyer? Here's what you actually need to know -- legal requirements, which gun to start with, what to budget, and how to stay safe.

Complete beginner's guide to choosing your first shotgun. Learn about gauges, actions, and get specific recommendations for new gun owners. Safety-focused advice.

Complete guide to 3-Gun Competition in Idaho. Learn equipment requirements, costs, divisions, and how to get started in this multi-platform shooting sport.

Complete guide to airgun competition: 10m precision, field target, equipment, costs, rules. From beginner basics to competitive shooting with air rifles and pistols.

Complete guide to archery in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and where to shoot. From traditional bows to Olympic recurve and compounds - everything you need to start.

Complete guide to benchrest shooting - the ultimate precision rifle sport. Equipment requirements, costs, rules, and getting started in NBRSA/IBS competition.

Complete guide to black powder muzzleloader shooting: equipment, costs, rules, and how to get started in traditional firearms competition.

Complete guide to Bullseye/Precision Pistol: rules, equipment, costs, and how to get started in this classic marksmanship discipline. From beginner basics to competitive gear.

Complete guide to Cowboy Action Shooting in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and getting started in this Old West-themed multi-gun competition sport.

F-Class Long Range shooting: prone precision rifle competition at 300-1200 yards using scoped rifles, bipods, and front rests. Complete guide to getting started.

Five Stand combines the variety of sporting clays with the convenience of fixed stations. Learn rules, equipment, costs, and what to expect at your first match.

Complete guide to gun shows: what to expect, buying and selling tips, FFL transfer rules, pricing strategies, and practical advice for Idaho gun show attendees.

High Power Rifle competition combines traditional marksmanship positions with precision shooting at 200-600 yards. Complete guide to equipment, rules, costs, and getting started.

Complete guide to airsoft: combat simulation sport using replica firearms and plastic BBs. Equipment recommendations, game types, costs, and getting started tips.

Complete guide to Idaho hunter education requirements, course options, field day expectations, and certification process. Everything you need to know to get started hunting legally in Idaho.

Complete guide to metallic silhouette shooting: rules, equipment, costs, and getting started in this precision rifle sport where you knock down steel animals at long range.

Complete guide to sporting clays: equipment, rules, costs, and getting started in America's fastest-growing shotgun sport. From beginner basics to competition prep.

Complete guide to NRL22 rimfire precision shooting: equipment, costs, rules, and getting started in this accessible precision rifle sport using .22 LR ammunition.

Complete guide to Steel Challenge: the fastest, most accessible competitive shooting sport. Equipment, rules, costs, and how to get started in SCSA competition.

Complete guide to paintball: equipment, rules, costs, and getting started. From recreational weekend games to competitive tournament play, everything you need to know.

Complete guide to skeet shooting: rules, equipment, costs, and getting started. Learn the difference between American and International skeet, equipment recommendations, and what to expect.

Complete guide to IDPA/USPSA practical shooting - rules, equipment, costs, getting started. Dynamic pistol competition combining speed, accuracy, and movement.

Learn trap shooting basics: equipment, rules, costs, and skills. From your first round to competitive shooting, this guide covers American trap fundamentals.

Complete guide to Precision Rifle Series (PRS) competition in Idaho: equipment, costs, rules, and how to get started in tactical precision shooting.

Time to deep clean and inspect your firearms after winter storage. Complete maintenance checklist for spring readiness.

Keep your gear functioning and stay safe at the range during Idaho winters. Lubricant choices, battery tips, layering strategies, and cold-weather shooting safety.

Most firearms don't need constant gunsmith attention—regular cleaning and basic maintenance handle 90% of what a gun needs. But some problems require professional intervention. Here's when to seek help.

Long-term storage requires more than tossing a gun in the closet. Humidity, temperature swings, and improper preparation can damage firearms. Here's how to store guns for months or years without issues.

Responsible firearm ownership includes securing your firearms from unauthorized access—children, theft, and prohibited persons. Here's how to store firearms safely while maintaining access when you need them.

Dry fire is the single most effective way to improve your shooting without spending money on ammunition. Done correctly, it builds muscle memory and technique faster than live fire alone.

Malfunctions happen. Semi-automatic firearms occasionally fail to feed, fire, or eject properly. Knowing how to clear them quickly and safely is a fundamental skill every shooter needs.

Showing up to the range prepared makes everything smoother—for you and everyone around you. Here's the essential gear you need, organized from mandatory to nice-to-have.

The rifle market can overwhelm new buyers. Bolt actions, semi-autos, lever guns—each has distinct purposes, and the right choice depends on what you actually plan to do with it. Here's how to decide.

Your first handgun purchase is a significant decision. The gun store wall has dozens of options. The internet has millions of opinions. Here's how to cut through the noise and find what actually works for you.

Understanding ammunition is fundamental to responsible firearm ownership. This guide covers cartridge components, caliber selection, and how to choose the right ammo for your purposes.

A clean firearm functions reliably. A neglected one doesn't. Cleaning isn't complicated, but it does require consistency and attention to detail. This guide covers the fundamentals that apply to most handguns and rifles.

Shooting ranges have protocols. Some are formal rules enforced by range officers. Others are unspoken expectations that experienced shooters follow. Violating either marks you as inexperienced at best, dangerous at worst.

Every negligent discharge, every firearms accident traces back to violating one of these four rules. They're simple. They're absolute. They're the foundation everything else builds on.