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NRA Files Supreme Court Amicus Brief in Challenge to ATF’s “Frame or Receiver” Rule

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

NRA Files Supreme Court Amicus Brief in Challenge to ATF’s “Frame or Receiver” Rule

On August 20, NRA filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in a challenge to the ATF’s Final Rule that redefines the Gun Control Act of 1968’s definition of “firearm” to include precursors of frames or receivers and weapon parts kits.

The Gun Control Act allows for the regulation and taxation of certain “firearms.” The Act includes in its definition of “firearm” “any weapon . . . which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive” and “the frame or receiver of any such weapon.”

The ATF’s Final Rule, which intended to address privately made firearms—sometimes called “ghost guns”—expanded the definition of “frame or receiver” to include “a partially complete, disassembled, or nonfunctional frame or receiver” and expanded the definition of “firearm” to include a “weapon parts kit.”

The Final Rule was challenged, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the ATF exceeded its authority by essentially rewriting the law.

NRA’s brief argues that the Final Rule infringes upon the constitutionally protected right to privately build firearms. It provides a detailed historical analysis explaining that gunmaking by private individuals was a celebrated craft in colonial America; privately made firearms were essential to the Americans’ success in the Revolutionary War; the Founders intended to protect private gunmaking in the Second Amendment; many of the greatest innovations in firearms technology derived from amateur gunsmiths; and that there were no historical restrictions on private gunmaking. In short, as Thomas Jefferson explained, “Our citizens have always been free to make . . . arms.”

You can read the brief, filed in Garland v. VanDerStok, here.

Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org for future updates on NRA-ILA’s ongoing efforts to defend your constitutional rights.

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Report: Senior ATF Official Joins (Private) Firearm Prohibition Lobby

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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Report: Senior ATF Official Joins (Private) Firearm Prohibition Lobby

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is the federal agency whose jurisdiction encompasses federal firearms laws. 

Update: North Carolina House Reschedules Veto Override Vote

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Update: North Carolina House Reschedules Veto Override Vote

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Third Circuit Sua Sponte Takes NRA’s “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Ban Case En Banc

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Third Circuit Sua Sponte Takes NRA’s “Assault Firearm” and Magazine Ban Case En Banc

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs v. Attorney Gen. New Jersey is an NRA-supported challenge to New Jersey’s prohibitions on so-called “assault firearms” and magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.

Florida: Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Signed by Governor

Monday, July 7, 2025

Florida: Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday Signed by Governor

Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed the Florida Budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, which includes a Second Amendment sales tax holiday from September 8 through December 31, 2025. The NRA is thankful for Governor DeSantis’ strong ...

Arkansas Atrocity Highlights Need for Reform in Rules Governing Carry in Public Parks

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Monday, August 25, 2025

Arkansas Atrocity Highlights Need for Reform in Rules Governing Carry in Public Parks

On the heels of the shocking and seemingly random murder of a couple in an Arkansas state park while they were walking a trail with their young children, many are revisiting their self-defense plans in the great ...

ABAs Latest Resolution Continues to Ignore Liberty and Hinder Justice for Gun Owners

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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

ABAs Latest Resolution Continues to Ignore Liberty and Hinder Justice for Gun Owners

Last month, the American Bar Association (ABA), via its Standing Committee on Gun Violence, passed yet another anti-gun resolution at their annual meeting in Toronto (the venue should serve as a clue regarding their commitment ...

Everytown Gun “Safety” Course—Step One: Don’t Own a Gun

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Monday, August 25, 2025

Everytown Gun “Safety” Course—Step One: Don’t Own a Gun

Our friends at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have reported that Everytown, an active and well-funded anti-gun organization, is now purporting to be branching out into teaching gun owners how to safely handle firearms.

California: Action Needed! Anti-Gun Bills Could Receive Floor Votes Today!

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

California: Action Needed! Anti-Gun Bills Could Receive Floor Votes Today!

On Friday, August 29th, the California Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees advanced several anti-gun bills that could receive floor votes as early as today. Please use the TAKE ACTION button below to contact your state ...

The Delusion of Ignoring Criminals

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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

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Supreme Court Review Sought in NRA-Backed Challenge to California’s Magazine Ban

Friday, August 15, 2025

Supreme Court Review Sought in NRA-Backed Challenge to California’s Magazine Ban

Today, a Petition for Certiorari was filed asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Duncan v. Bonta, a case—backed by the National Rifle Association and California Rifle & Pistol Association—challenging California’s prohibition on magazines capable of holding ...

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NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.