DOJ Allows Federal Gun Rights Restoration for First Time Since 1992

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an Interim Final Rule removing the Attorney General’s delegation of authority to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to process applications for relief from federal firearms disabilities under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). This action follows more than three decades of Congressional funding restrictions that have rendered ATF unable to process individual applications.

The rule removes outdated regulations and is part of a broader review of firearm-related policies under Executive Order 14206 (Protecting Second Amendment Rights). Upon the interim final rule’s expected publication tomorrow, the DOJ will begin allowing individuals who are not “dangerous to public safety” to use the statute and petition to have their gun rights restored.

Key Points of the Rule Change:

  • Since 1992, Congress has prohibited ATF from using funds to process gun rights restoration applications, making the statute obsolete.
  • ATF will no longer handle individual firearm disability relief applications under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). DOJ will instead carry out the statute and process petitions for gun rights restoration.
  • The DOJ rule goes into effect immediately upon publication and will simultaneously accept public comments on the rule before issuing a final version.

Gun Owners of America remains committed to monitoring this process and ensuring that any future policies respect the constitutional rights of all law-abiding citizens.

Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: “For decades, law-abiding Americans who have had their gun rights unfairly restricted have been left in legal limbo—creating an unconstitutional de facto lifetime gun ban. This bureaucratic failure has denied thousands of individuals their lawful opportunity to restore their rights. The DOJ’s decision to finally withdraw ATF’s authority in this matter is an encouraging sign that this administration is serious about protecting the Second Amendment for all Americans.”

Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement: “Since its enactment in 1992, Gun Owners of America has fought against the ‘Schumer Amendment’ which defunded the federal gun rights restoration statute. GOA and thousands of would-be gun owners are grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for once again allowing gun owners to petition to have their gun rights restored by the Department of Justice. We hope to see many more infringements repealed as the federal government carries out President Trump’s executive order Protecting Second Amendment Rights.” Read more

FPC-Backed Lawsuit Against Illinois Public Transportation Carry Ban Continues in Seventh Circuit

Today, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that attorneys for the challengers in an FPC-backed lawsuit challenging the State of Illinois’s ban on carrying firearms on public transportation and in related facilities have filed a response brief with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The appellate filing comes after the district court declared the ban unconstitutional as applied to the named plaintiffs and denied the state’s motion to stay that decision. Key case filings for Schoenthal v. Raoul can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/schoenthal.

“Both the State and County offer a variety of principles to support the ban, but all lack merit,” argues the brief. Under the relevant history, the challengers say, “the only time when the government banned carriage of firearms was when it took upon itself the obligation to secure a location from the unlawful carriage of firearms. But the general rule was and is that individuals are empowered to bear arms for their own defense.”

“FPC is proud to maintain its support of this important case to eliminate unconstitutional restrictions on the right to bear arms in public,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “We will continue to Fight Forward in Illinois and throughout the United States.” Read more

Enjoy Guided Birding Tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

As birds return to Michigan’s wetlands this spring, wildlife lovers are invited to experience the season’s beauty through guided birding tours at several Wetland Wonders locations across the state.

These tours offer a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, including diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and more. Led by Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists, technicians and volunteers from local Audubon chapters, the tours will take you to premier bird viewing locations.

Birding tour dates and locations

GRITR Sports Offers Exclusive Discounts on Chiappa Firearms

GRITR Sports, a premier online gun store, offers gun enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to save up to 40% on some of Chiappa’s most iconic models. This limited-time offer is perfect for anyone looking to add high-quality firearms to their collection.

Chiappa Firearms, known worldwide for its Italian craftsmanship, has earned a reputation as a global leader in the firearms industry. Combining modern technology and traditional craftsmanship, Chiappa offers a diverse range of firearms, both handguns and long guns, designed for sporting, hunting, and self-defense applications.

This exclusive GRITR Sports sale includes some of Chiappa’s most iconic models at discounted prices. This selection includes the innovative and highly sought-after Rhino revolvers, known for their distinct design and reliability; the classic 1911 pistols; the 1892 lever-action rifles; and the lightweight Little Badger folding rifles, ideal for survivalists and campers.

To take advantage of these discounts, visit the GRITR Sports website and explore the Chiappa firearms on sale. Read more

Whitetails Unlimited Offers Deer Management Signs

Deer Management is an initiative created by Whitetails Unlimited to help landowners who are managing their land. There are numerous ways to manage deer, and each landowner must determine their objectives and develop a plan that best suits their goals and property. These signs will serve as visible reminders to others that the area is private property being managed for deer.

Deer Management property signs are made from PVC, measuring 11.25 inches on a side, and are white with red and black printing. The signs are suitable for use anywhere in the United States.

A Deer Management booklet is also available that explains basic management styles and habitat enhancement. The booklet can be downloaded from our website, or a physical copy can be requested.

To order complimentary Deer Management signs or booklets, please call Whitetails Unlimited National Headquarters at 920.743.6777 or send an email to nh@whitetailsunlimited.com. Read more

Real Avid Smart-Torq Fixed Limiter Torque System

Taking Precision to the Next Level

Real Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns®, is proud to unveil a tough new lineup of fixed torque limiters, the most precise and technically advanced torque limiters designed for serious DIY gun enthusiasts and professional gunsmiths alike.

Achieving the precise torque value on scope mounts, rings, actions screws, and other assorted gun components is critical to firearm performance and to prevent damage to components. Not enough torque and scopes come loose, barreled actions become sloppy, and components may fall off. Too much torque and bad things happen to optics and guns.

Recognizing the critical need for precision at the gun bench, Real Avid developed a simple, cost-effective means to achieve correct torque with their new Smart-Torq® Fixed Limiters. These fixed torque limiters, built for 1/4-inch drivers, are pre-set to the most common in-lb torque specifications found in gun builds and component upgrades.

To use, simply install the appropriate Smart-Torq® Fixed Limiter to any 1/4-inch driver, fit with the correct driver bit, and tighten the screw. The limiter will “click” when the rated torque value is reached. That’s it. Read more

Smith & Wesson M&P FPC Now Available in 10MM Auto

MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, is pleased to announce the release of the M&P FPC chambered in 10mm Auto.

The optics-ready FPC, now chambered in 10mm, utilizes a blowback design and is equipped with three 15-round double-stack M&P M2.0 pistol magazines. It features an integrated recoil buffer system, an overall length of 30 ? inches, and can fold to a compact length of 16 ? inches for easy storage. The horizontal folding mechanism of the FPC provides a locking latch to ensure secure transport and prevents interference with most top-mounted optics or accessories. Its 9/16-24 threaded muzzle can be paired with the user’s preferred suppressor, while the in-stock magazine storage facilitates fast and efficient reloading.

The M&P FPC handguard features an upper Picatinny rail and M-LOK® slots for accessories, a flat-face trigger with a crisp break, and interchangeable palmswell grip inserts for comfort. It also includes a carrying bag with multiple storage compartments to keep components and accessories organized and secure. In addition to the new standard 10mm model, Smith & Wesson now also offers a compliant version that shares the same feature set but includes three 10-rounds magazines. Read more

Mystery of the ‘Orange’ Snowy Owl

In this photograph you can see the orange-red coloration is present on the anterior/back side of the Snowy Owl, and its face. The plumage covering the underside of the owl remains normally colored (photos by Julie Maggert).
A closer look at the Snowy Owl shows the level of coloration on individual feathers on its back side and face when perched.

Birders have documented a Snowy Owl with unusual orange-red coloring, complete with photographs, but there is no consensus about how the abnormal color was created. Bill Diller, a birder and photographer living in southeast Michigan, was surprised to hear from a neighbor that a “red-spotted Snowy Owl” was reported in the area of Michigan known as “the Thumb,” where several Snowy Owls can be found during some winters. When Bill managed to take some photographs of the unusually colored owl, he shared some images on social media of the eye-catching owl, which created something of a feathered phenomenon. Read more

Marshall Hunting Rifle – A Montana Rifle Co. and Shoot2Hunt Collaboration

Memphis, MI. – Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has become the desired firearm for big game hunters, and they are excited to announce the Marshall – a hunting rifle 10,000 rounds in the making.

The Marshall is a Montana Rifle Co. and Shoot2Hunt collaboration that has been proven and tested for exploring demanding places. Additional collaborators on the Marshall are Rokslide and Unknown Munitions.

Like all Montana rifles, the Marshall will feature the Adaptive Controlled Round Feed, a three-position safety, and a stainless barreled action w/ Cerakote elite series finish. The Adaptive Controlled Round Feed is an industry-leading feature, where hunters can seamlessly alternate between controlled round feed, facilitating magazine-fed ammunition, and push feed, enabling direct single round chamber loading. Recognized as the gold standard in reliability, controlled round feed ensures consistent performance in any hunting scenario. By empowering hunters to adapt their feeding method on the fly, Montana rifles are always ready for any situation in the field leading to increased success and confidence in the hunt.

Unique to the Marshall Hunting Rifle is an Unknown Munitions Time 3 port muzzle brake, Rokstok Trinity Rail (ARCA/Picatinny/Spartan compatible), Unknown Munitions AICS bottom metal with Ambidextrous release, an MDT AICS 3-round flush fit polymer and 5-round metal, and a custom Rokstok. The Rokstok is a carbon stock with a true negative comb ½” above bore centerline at a 12-degree angle.

Select calibers of the Marshall hunting rifle will be available to start shipping late April 2025, with additional calibers anticipated to ship by late summer 2025.

Marshall Hunting Rifle available calibers –

6.5 Creedmoor – Available 4/30/2025
308 WIN – Available date 4/30/2025
6.5 PRC – Available late summer 2025
6 Creedmoor – Available late summer 2025
22 Creedmoor – Available late summer 2025

MSRP: $3,850 Read more

Whitetail Institute Unveils Summer Slam: A Premier Late-Spring and Summer Planting Solution

Whitetail Institute is thrilled to introduce Summer Slam, the ultimate forage mix designed for late-spring and summer planting. A product of extensive research and development, Summer Slam brings together three powerhouse forages meticulously blended to achieve the ideal plant populations for maximum growth and nutritional impact.

Summer Slam thrives when planted in soils with temperatures of 65 degrees or warmer, making it an exceptional choice for wildlife enthusiasts and habitat managers seeking to establish high-quality food plots during late spring and summer. Each component of Summer Slam has been carefully selected for its remarkable nutritional value, resilience, and environmental benefits:

  1. Peas A cornerstone of the mix, peas are celebrated for their high protein content and resilience under hot and dry conditions. These highly digestible legumes support deer growth and antler development while offering a consistent food source throughout the growing season. Peas excel in medium- to well-drained soils and can withstand drought, providing a reliable solution for antler-building food plots.
  2. Vetch Known for its exceptional protein content and adaptability, vetch serves as a vital energy-dense food source. It thrives in various soil types, including less fertile soils, and enhances soil health through nitrogen fixation. This sustainable choice attracts deer, turkeys, and upland game birds, solidifying its role as a versatile component for diverse forage plots.
  3. Alyce Clover This warm-season annual legume delivers crude protein levels between 20-30% in fertile plots, offering superior digestibility and nutritional quality. Tolerant to various soil conditions, alyce clover is a key ingredient in premium summer forage blends, providing essential nutrients and ensuring sustainability in habitat management. Read more
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