NRA’s Frank Miniter talks to Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen about politics and 2A topics.

Published on May 15, 2026
Duration: 14:40

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen discusses the role of Republican Attorneys General in defending Second Amendment rights through legal action, particularly amicus briefs. He highlights efforts to combat restrictive gun laws in states like Hawaii and New York, emphasizing the importance of historical legal precedent as established by the Bruen decision. Knudsen also touches on the practical aspects of hunting and firearm choices, underscoring his deep personal connection to these issues.

Quick Summary

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen highlights the proactive role of Republican Attorneys General in defending Second Amendment rights through legal action, particularly amicus briefs. He emphasizes that restrictions on gun rights must have historical analogues, as per the Bruen decision, and discusses challenges to laws like Hawaii's concealed carry regulations and attempts to circumvent PLCAA.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction: Montana AG Austin Knudsen
  2. 00:20Leading the Charge on Second Amendment Issues
  3. 00:27Chair of Republican Attorneys General Association
  4. 00:51Process of Coordinating AGs on Briefs
  5. 01:11Montana's Active Role in Second Amendment Litigation
  6. 02:04Number of Republican AGs Nationwide
  7. 02:23Importance of Upcoming Election Cycles for AGs
  8. 02:45Republican AGs: Action vs. Talk
  9. 03:08Impact of Amicus Briefs on Supreme Court
  10. 03:26What is an Amicus Brief?
  11. 04:12Pushback from Blue States on 2A Issues
  12. 04:44Mexico v. Gun Companies Case
  13. 05:54Attempts to Get Around PLCAA
  14. 06:35Future of PLCAA Challenges
  15. 06:45The Predicate Exception of PLCAA
  16. 07:47Sensitive Places and Wulf v. Lopez
  17. 08:17Hawaii's Concealed Carry Law Flip
  18. 09:07Violations of Bruen and First Amendment
  19. 09:49Historical Analogue Requirement from Bruen
  20. 10:34The Fight Against Gun Control Organizations
  21. 10:45Cases to Watch for the Supreme Court
  22. 11:11Legal Precedent: McDonald, Heller, Bruen
  23. 11:25Carrying Restrictions in New York
  24. 11:44Personal Hunting Background
  25. 12:16Preferred Caliber for Elk Hunting
  26. 13:27Experience Shaping Politics
  27. 13:36How to Find AG Knudsen and RAGA
  28. 14:09Suing the Biden Administration
  29. 14:23Encouragement to Support RAGA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of Republican Attorneys General in defending Second Amendment rights?

Republican Attorneys General, often coordinated through the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), actively defend Second Amendment rights by filing amicus briefs in key legal cases. They challenge restrictive gun laws and aim to uphold constitutional protections for firearm ownership across the United States.

How does the Bruen decision impact concealed carry laws?

The Supreme Court's Bruen decision mandates that any restriction on Second Amendment rights must be supported by a historical analogue in American history. This means states cannot arbitrarily ban concealed carry; they must demonstrate a long-standing tradition of such prohibitions to justify them.

What is PLCAA and why is it being challenged?

PLCAA (Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act) protects gun manufacturers from liability lawsuits. Blue states are attempting to circumvent PLCAA by passing new legislation, which Attorney General Knudsen argues is an invalid tactic that attempts to retroactively penalize manufacturers.

What is the significance of Wulf v. Lopez?

Wulf v. Lopez is a crucial case challenging Hawaii's concealed carry laws. It argues that Hawaii's reversal of the 'default to permit' rule for concealed carry, requiring explicit business owner permission, violates the Second Amendment and the principles established in the Bruen decision.

What caliber does Montana AG Austin Knudsen recommend for elk hunting?

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen recommends a minimum of .338 caliber for hunting elk. This preference stems from his extensive experience and the need for sufficient stopping power to ensure a successful recovery, especially when hunting on public land.

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