FPC and FPCAF Tee Up Challenge to NFA Firearm ‘Silencer’ Laws in Fifth Circuit

NEW ORLEANS – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) issued the following statement regarding United States v. George Peterson, a criminal matter presenting an FPC-backed challenge to the U.S. Government’s regulation of suppressors through unconstitutional registration and taxation requirements. Key case documents in Peterson can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/peterson.

Background

In 1934, Congress enacted the National Firearms Act (“NFA”) (26 U.S.C. § 5801, et seq.) which, among other things, regulates firearm suppressors (“silencers”), imposing registration and tax payment requirements.

Under federal law, the terms “firearm silencer” and “firearm muffler” mean “any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a firearm silencer or firearm muffler, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.” (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(25).)

In 2022, the United States Government criminally charged Mr. George Peterson, a resident of Louisiana, with possession of an unregistered firearm suppressor (i.e., “silencer”) in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5861(d), and 5871.

Mr. Peterson has been and remains an FPC member.

As an affirmative defense to the charge, Mr. Peterson challenged the NFA’s constitutionality with respect to its regulation of suppressors as being unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

In 2023, Mr. Peterson entered a conditional plea of guilty (pursuant to Rule 11(a)(2) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure), reserving the right to have the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit review the district court’s denial of his motions to dismiss the Indictment and to suppress evidence.

In February 2025, a 3-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court’s denial of Mr. Peterson’s motion to dismiss in a horrifically flawed and dangerous decision.

Recognizing the danger the panel decision represents to Second Amendment-protected rights, FPC agreed to financially back world-class counsel for Mr. Peterson’s appeal. Read more

Gun Control

Barrett Firearms Announces Major Expansion

CAPTION: An artist’s impression of Stage 1 of the planned Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus in Murfreesboro TN.

MURFREESBORO, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. has announced plans for a new state-of-the-art facility set to redefine excellence in weapon systems manufacturing while delivering jobs growth for the region.

The announcement was made formally by the Department of Tennessee Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Thursday, March 20.

The $76.4 million campus-style industrial precinct, to be known as the Barrett Manufacturing & Technology Campus (BMTC), will be capable of designing, developing, manufacturing, testing, sustaining and distributing Barrett’s expanding range of world-class products.

It will be constructed on a 170-acre greenfield site in the company’s Murfreesboro TN heartland and less than a mile from the current base at which Barrett has become a global leader.

The expansion will double the Barrett workforce over the next five years and enable the company to meet growing worldwide demand for its commercial and defense products.

The facility is planned to open in early 2027. Read more

Firearms

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

Firearms

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

Gun Control

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

Wildlife

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

Firearms

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

Wildlife

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

Firearms

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

Firearms

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

Wildlife
1 … 166 167 168 169 170 … 2,052