This Week in Guns 2/29/24 - Ghost Recon 2, Giffords, Hawaii, AR-15 misconceptions, and more analysis

The ATF is reportedly planning agency action to amend its rule on unfinished frames and receivers (2021R-05F). This development stems from the ongoing legal challenge in Vandertock v. Bondi, where the Supreme Court previously ruled the ATF had not exceeded statutory authority, remanding the case. The DOJ indicated the ATF's intent to revise the rule, potentially impacting the claims in the litigation.

The Supreme Court denied review in US v. Peterson, a case challenging the National Firearms Act (NFA) as applied to suppressors. The Fifth Circuit's ruling, which upheld the NFA by likening it to a 'shall issue' licensing scheme, now stands as precedent in that circuit. This decision has significant implications for future Second Amendment challenges to firearms regulations, potentially allowing broader government control over protected arms under the guise of objective licensing.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and ATF are reportedly revisiting and revising the 'frames and receivers' rule and the 'engaged in the business' rule. This follows the DOJ voluntarily dismissing its appeal in a Fifth Circuit case against the ATF, indicating the current rules are on shaky legal ground. A new notice of proposed rulemaking is expected, suggesting a strategic retreat by the government to avoid a definitive court loss and to re-attempt regulation with a revised approach.

This video analyzes a recent statement by a Department of Justice trial lawyer regarding the Biden administration's definition of firearm frames or receivers. The speaker, Mark Smith, a constitutional attorney and Second Amendment advocate, explains that the statement, made in the context of a legal scheduling order, does not represent a permanent policy shift by the Trump administration. He attributes the lack of immediate regulatory action to the pending confirmation of an ATF director and historical precedent, suggesting that the Senate's delay is the primary factor, not a deliberate Trump administration stance. Smith advises against overreacting to the statement, emphasizing that the ATF's rulemaking process is currently constrained by procedural norms and the absence of a confirmed agency head.

This video discusses proposed budget allocations within the Trump administration's fiscal year 2027 federal budget, focusing on Second Amendment rights. Key proposals include funding for a dedicated Second Amendment unit within the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, allocating funds for firearms rights restoration initiatives under 18 USC 925, and directing the ATF to reverse regulations imposed by the prior administration that allegedly criminalized law-abiding gun ownership, such as those concerning pistol braces and homemade firearms.

This video analyzes the legal challenge against the ATF's pistol brace rule, specifically the case brought by the State of Texas and Gun Owners of America. The speaker, a constitutional attorney, explains that the rule was vacated by the court, effectively ending its enforcement. He clarifies that while this specific rule is gone, the National Firearms Act (NFA) itself remains law, and the Department of Justice intends to continue enforcing it. The discussion delves into the legal mechanisms used, primarily the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), and touches upon alternative legal avenues like 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for challenging the NFA.

This video demonstrates the rapid deployment and firing of the B&T BWC-9, a unique folding briefcase firearm. Speaker Matt Larosiere, a firearms attorney, showcases the BWC-9's transformation from a compact form to a functional submachine gun. The demonstration includes mounting an optic and live-fire exercises on an outdoor range, highlighting the firearm's operational aspects with a satirical tone.

This entry details an experiment where Othais open carried a 1911 for a week to gauge public reactions. It highlights how common misconceptions about carrying a 1911 in Condition 1 (cocked and locked) can lead to unwarranted concern, potentially influencing trends like law enforcement's move towards striker-fired pistols. The content emphasizes understanding firearm conditions and public perception.

This video showcases a critical mechanical failure of the new Daniel Defense H9 pistol during its debut at SHOT Show 2024. The magazine base plate detached unexpectedly, causing the internal components to spill out. The content creator, acting as an industry observer, highlights this significant reliability issue with a humorous yet critical tone, based on direct handling of the pre-release hardware.

Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Combat, provides a humorous yet important firearms etiquette warning: do not drop the slide on an empty magazine or chamber. This video, filmed at SHOT Show 2024, emphasizes proper handling to avoid this common mistake, humorously stating that each instance results in a 'kitten dying'. The advice is delivered with high authority from a firearms industry veteran.