Major 2A Victory: Third Circuit Strikes Down New Jersey’s AR-15 & Magazine Bans

Summary

The en banc Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on July 17, 2026, that New Jersey's ban on semi-automatic rifles (often called "assault firearms") and magazines holding more than ten rounds violates the Second Amendment. This decision, supported by 10 of 15 judges and written by Judge Arianna Freeman, significantly expands a lower court's 2024 ruling by striking down the rifle ban for all covered semi-automatic rifles and reversing the magazine restriction. The ruling came in consolidated challenges brought by the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs, individual gun owners, and the Firearms Policy Coalition.