Gun law update, 11/25

If you’ve been trying to keep track of the legal shifting sands this year, you’re not alone. 2025 has been a roller coaster for gun owners, with major shifts coming from every branch of government. From the Supreme Court’s docket to the desk in the Oval Office, the rules of engagement for American gun ownership look significantly different today than they did just a year ago.

The headline that’s arguably making the most noise—or perhaps, the least noise, depending on how you look at it—is the monumental change to the National Firearms Act. Following the signing of H.R. 1 back in July, we are officially counting down the days until the $200 tax stamp for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns becomes a thing of the past. While the registration requirements and background checks remain, the financial barrier is set to vanish on January 1, 2026. It’s a massive win for hearing protection advocates and collectors alike. If you’ve been waiting to dip your toes into the NFA world, the "wait and see" period is just about over.

On the judicial front, the Supreme Court and federal appellate courts have been busy clearing the air on several contentious issues. The long-standing battle over pistol braces finally hit a decisive turning point this September. With the federal courts vacating the ATF’s brace rule, millions of owners can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their braced pistols aren’t suddenly classified as unregistered SBRs. It’s a return to the status quo that many industry experts had hoped for, restoring the legality of these stabilizing accessories without the looming threat of felony charges.

However, not every ruling has gone the way of deregulation. The Supreme Court’s decision in Bondi v. VanDerStok earlier this year solidified the ATF’s authority to regulate "ghost gun" kits. The days of buying a completely unserialized "buy, build, shoot" kit online without a background check are effectively over. The Court ruled that these all-inclusive kits count as firearms under the Gun Control Act. That said, the ruling was specific to these commercial kits; the right to manufacture your own firearm for personal use from scratch remains intact, provided you aren't relying on those nearly-finished commercial bundles.

For home builders and tinkerers adjusting to these new federal guidelines, sourcing compliant parts from reputable dealers is more critical than ever. Whether you are looking to legally complete a build or getting ready for the suppressor rush in January, checking in with established suppliers like Brownells is a smart move to ensure you're getting quality components that align with the current letter of the law.

At the state level, the map is becoming increasingly patchwork. Illinois has continued to tighten its belt with new safe storage mandates and stricter tracing protocols that went into effect this summer. Meanwhile, folks in Colorado are navigating a complex new landscape with the passage of the 2025 assault weapons ban and voting location carry restrictions. Conversely, Washington state’s new permit-to-purchase requirements have added another layer of bureaucracy for prospective buyers in the Pacific Northwest.

As we head into the holiday season and look toward 2026, the biggest takeaway is that while federal financial burdens are easing, the regulatory environment is as complex as ever. Keep your head on a swivel, stay compliant, and maybe get that suppressor order drafted before the New Year’s rush hits.