2A NEWSLETTER WEEK OF MAY 3RD

Image Source: Shutterstock via Heidi Besen

26 Republican Attorneys General File Lawsuit to Challenge Biden's Rule Mandating Background Checks at Gun Shows

The Biden administration is imposing a new rule that complicates the process for gun owners wishing to buy, sell, or trade firearms privately. This rule mandates many law-abiding gun owners to register as dealers and wade through a mountain of paperwork and fees, effectively treating everyday citizens as commercial firearms dealers. This not only infringes on the rights of gun owners by entangling them in unnecessary bureaucratic red tape but also challenges long-standing practices that differentiate private sellers from licensed dealers.

Twenty-six Republican attorneys general, including those from Arkansas and Texas, have filed lawsuits in federal courts aiming to block this new ATF rule. This rule requires firearms dealers to conduct background checks on buyers at gun shows and other non-traditional settings, closing what has been referred to as the "gun show loophole." These changes are not only a burden but unconstitutional, as they extend beyond what has been legislatively approved- much like the lawsuit we are involved in regards to the ATF’s frame and receiver rule.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has stated, “Congress has never passed into law the ATF’s dramatic new expansion of firearms dealer license requirements, and President Biden cannot unilaterally impose them.” This collective legal challenge underscores a significant dispute over Second Amendment rights and the scope of executive power.

As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, these lawsuits are set to become a focal point of contention. President Biden has positioned gun control as a key component of his administration's agenda and reelection campaign, advocating for measures like the ban on so-called assault weapons.

This legal standoff is a pivotal battle for the foundational rights of gun owners across the nation and a crucial moment for all who value the Second Amendment. The outcomes of these lawsuits could redefine the landscape of gun regulation in the United States, making it essential for every gun rights supporter to stay vigilant and engaged.

Image Source: Shutterstock via Sheila Fitzgerald

California Settlement Questions & Answers

We’ve seen a few recurring questions underneath our posts and thought it would be helpful to clarify a few common questions regarding our settlement with California.

Can you Ship 80 Lowers to California?

Despite our best efforts to serve all Americans, California's current draconian regulations prevent any business from shipping unserialized frames and receivers (80% lowers) to the state. Rest assured, we are committed to resuming the sale of other compliant products to our California customers as soon as possible.

Who Paid Who?

80% Arms agreed to pay a negotiated settlement of $500,000 to settle the litigation with the State of California. This settlement was part of a strategy to protect customer privacy and end costly abusive litigation by a party with unlimited resources and disregard for the Second Amendment and the rule of law. This action removed the risks and uncertainties inherent in prolonged litigation that had been ongoing for nearly three years.

When can California purchase from your website?

We are actively updating our website to navigate California’s oppressive laws and the ATF’s restrictions which do not allow jigs and lowers to be sold to the same customers. Our commitment remains unwavering: to ensure law-abiding Americans have access to the tools necessary to maintain their freedom and security. We will reach out to our California customers once products become available online.

I’m not in California, can I buy lowers and jigs from you now?

The unconstitutional ATF New Rule on frames and receivers is still in force which does not allow any company to sell 80 lowers and jigs to the same customers. We are challenging that ruling in the United States Supreme Court and the Justices will hear our case this October. For now, customers will need to buy our jigs from dealers as we continue to sell lowers to customers.

Image Source: Shutterstock via Allexxandar

Colorado Enacts Controversial Firearm Purchase Tracking Law

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed a new law that mandates the tracking of firearm and ammunition purchases through payment networks. Starting September 1, credit card companies will be required to apply a specific four-digit "merchant category code" to gun-related transactions, similar to codes used for other types of purchases like groceries or gas.

This measure aims to alert authorities to "alarming buying behaviors," which it defines as significant accumulations of weapons and military gear. Many law-abiding gun owners collect firearms as a hobby or for sport, and this law could unfairly target them. Treating regular enthusiasts like potential criminals based on the quantity of their purchases infringes on personal freedoms and Second Amendment rights. The broad and vague criteria could turn innocent collectors into suspects overnight, leading to unnecessary scrutiny and invasions of privacy.

This new coding system will allow the government to track individual firearm purchases, significantly changing the previous privacy norms where such transactions were categorized simply as sporting goods purchases. Taylor Rhodes, executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, has also expressed serious concerns, stating that the law is a "backdoor gun registry."

As Colorado rolls out its new firearm tracking law, it’s crucial for gun owners who value their Second Amendment rights to stand up and take action. If you’re worried about the impact of this law, now is the time to make your voice heard. Reach out to your congressman and express your concerns. Urge them to work toward repealing this intrusive measure. Explain that protecting the privacy of law-abiding gun owners is essential and that this law could lead to unnecessary surveillance of regular citizens based on their legal purchases. It's important to remind your representatives that their job is to protect your rights, not to impose excessive oversight on your personal activities.