Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced today a historic victory in Heeter v. James, securing the first known federal Second Amendment judgment striking down a general ban on the purchase of defensive body armor. In a sweeping 47-page decision, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York held that body armor is an “Arm” protected by the Second Amendment, granted FPC summary judgment, and permanently enjoined New York’s unconstitutional restrictions on purchasing and selling protective armor.

U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. rejected New York’s attempt to deny peaceable people the right to purchase protective equipment intended to stop bullets and save lives. The court concluded that New York had failed to establish any historical tradition supporting its unprecedented ban.

New York enacted its body armor restrictions in 2022, making it a crime for ordinary residents to purchase protective armor unless they work in a government-approved profession. The law also prohibited businesses from selling body armor to those residents. Violations could result in a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class E felony for subsequent offenses.

FPC brought its lawsuit in 2024 alongside FPC members Benjamin Heeter and Joseph Wurtenberg, who sought to purchase body armor for lawful self-defense but were prevented from doing so by the State’s ban.

“This is another first-in-history win for FPC and a humiliating defeat for New York’s authoritarian gun control regime,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. Read more

DENVER –Guns & Ammo, the most respected media brand in the firearms industry and trusted source for elite firearms education, now presents a new 6-part addition to its popular Guns & AmmoPersonal Defense video series, available online at gapersonaldefense.com. Hosted by Guns & Ammo Gun Tech Editor Richard Nance and Managing Editor Jack Oller, this series provides insights to the proper mindset and critical skills necessary for responsible and effective personal defense in the real world.

Designed for both new and experienced firearms owners, Guns & AmmoPersonal Defense explores all aspects of handgun use for personal protection with the goal of reducing the likelihood of injury or attack. The hosts tackle myths, address tough questions, provide actionable guidance, and equip viewers with the insights they need to make informed decisions on gear and gun ownership. Read more

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in Calce v. City of New York, a case challenging New York City’s ban on electronic arms.

New York City flatly prohibits the possession of stun guns, despite their common nationwide use as a less-lethal option for self-defense chosen by hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Americans. Joining SAF in Calce v. City of New York are five individuals and the Firearms Policy Coalition.

“The fact that residents of New York City cannot decide for themselves if they’d like to use a stun gun or taser for self-defense borders on the ridiculous,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “Prohibiting law-abiding, peaceable citizens from carrying non-lethal means of self-defense not only violates the Constitution but transparently communicates the real disdain York City lawmakers have for the residents they represent. How else can you morally or ethically justify banning these defensive tools?” Read more

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a reply in support of its motion for summary judgment in Heeter v. James, its lawsuit challenging New York’s unconstitutional body armor ban.

FPC is joined in this case by two individual FPC members. The plaintiffs are represented by Nicolas J. Rotsko of Fluet.

The motion was filed in Buffalo in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

FPC’s brief was filed on May 29, 2026. Briefing on the parties’ motions for summary judgments will continue through the end of June.

New York’s body armor ban unconstitutionally criminalizes the purchase of simple personal protective equipment, and shows how far the state is willing to go to prevent peaceable people from protecting themselves.

“New York is such a joke and can’t seem to make up its mind. In this case, the State argues the Second Amendment doesn’t protect defensive armor because it supposedly only protects firearms-but in other Second Amendment cases, New York repeatedly argues that entire classes of common arms can be banned or restricted without constitutional protection. New York’s desperate effort to criminalize the purchase of body armor is every bit as unconstitutional as a handgun ban, and we’re going to make the State understand that. The right to keep and bear arms includes the right to own defensive armor, period. We look forward to ending this immoral ban once and for all.” -FPC President Brandon Combs. Read more

Prepared 2 Protect’s newest less-lethal self-defense tool is now available.

The P2P Secure 68P is a .68 caliber CO2-powered launcher that features several innovations to help users defend themselves, their families or their property with confidence.

The Secure 68P has an effective range up to 80 feet, which allows users to engage a threat at distance, and fires at 350 feet per second (19 joules). The removable magazine holds six rounds of less-lethal ammo, while the Response Ready Trigger means the CO2 cartridge remains sealed until the trigger is pulled. Additionally, the Set Torque Seal Technology prevents over-tightening to ensure the CO2 is only pierced upon the first trigger pull.

Fiber-optic sights make targeting the threat intuitive while a trigger safety allows fast usage when the need arises. A nine-round extended magazine and a right-hand holster will be available as additional accessories.

The Secure 68P comes in a storage case with three CO2 cartridges, six Rubber Impact rounds and 12 Core Defense rounds (six powder and six pepper). Patented Core Defense ammo features a steel core centered in the round to provide stability in flight for more accuracy. It also works in conjunction with the design of the outer shell to induce more breakage when the ammo hits the target. Core Defense pepper rounds contain 7-percent PAVA powder to overwhelm the senses of the assailant so users will have time to move to safety. Read more