Housekeeping
- We had some issues with the captcha thingy on the 2A News website that kept you from signing up for the weekly email. I believe that has now been fixed.
Litigation
- The US Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), led by Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser, last week issued a groundbreaking memorandum opinion concluding that 18 U.S.C. § 1715, the nearly century-old federal statute prohibiting the mailing of concealable firearms, is unconstitutional as applied to constitutionally protected arms, such as handguns. This opinion (download here) marks a significant application of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, extending Second Amendment protections to the shipment of firearms via the US Postal Service. Most critically, the opinion deems § 1715’s PURPOSE illegitimate: it aims to suppress traffic in concealable firearms, particularly handguns. I said this 40 years ago. This opinion was issued after GOA filed suit in Shreve v. U.S. Postal Serv., No. 3:25-cv-214 (W.D. Pa. July 14, 2025) on behalf of its members, seeking to have this exact ban declared unconstitutional. (We also note that this act’s genesis is overtly racist. A sponsor of the original bill in 1925 was Senator Shields (D-TN) who explained the need for this law as the high murder rate in Memphis, Tennessee: “Fifty-three negroes killed by negroes. Only seven negroes killed [by] whites. Only two whites killed by negroes — one a white burglar and the other assassinated by negro bandits….” [source].)
- The US DOJ is dismissing its appeal of a Second Amendment case from the US District Court for the Western District of Texas. United States v. Litsson Antonio Perez-Gallan involves a Second Amendment challenge to 18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(8)(C)(ii), a federal law prohibiting firearm possession by individuals subject to certain domestic violence protective orders.
- A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled unanimously Tuesday in Kipke v. Moore, that Maryland’s laws and regulations banning firearms in government buildings, school grounds, health care facilities, public transportation, state parks and forests, stadiums, museums, racetracks, casinos, amusement parks, locations that sell alcoholic beverages, and anywhere within 1,000 feet of a public demonstration are constitutional, because – the court erroneously said – all of those locations are “sensitive places” where firearms may be banned under the Supreme Court’s gun-rights jurisprudence. Although the court upheld most of the challenged laws, the three judges agreed unanimously that Maryland could not ban guns on private properties that are held open for the public, such as stores, regardless of the property owner’s wishes. Our reporter notes that the Supreme Court has made clear that the historical analogues from which courts discern the principles on which the how and why of firearms regulations are compared originate in the Founding Era, not later. The district court’s decision and the majority opinion grossly misread Bruen to treat Reconstruction-era and later firearms regulations as relevant historical analogues. This writer notes that the entire notion of “sensitive places” was made up by the Supreme Court in the Bruen decision and does not exist in the Constitution. It has come home to roost.
- Fallout. Man successfully registers potato as silencer, to make a point. Perhaps we should all register all of our potatoes as silencers. That would be in the neighborhood of a trillion silencers nationwide. Annually.
- Discussion of ongoing SCOTUS case challenging Hawaii’s gun carry restrictions.
- Grassroots judicial report.
DGUs
- Neighbors shaken up after attempted kidnapping leads to deadly self-defense shooting (Going outside to confront the perp probably wasn’t the wisest thing to do.)
- The Armed Citizen: American Rifleman (Jan. 16, 2026 and Jan. 19, 2026)
GFZs
Tactics & Stuff
- Ayoob: Will Carrying a 10mm Hang You in Court? Well, yes if you have a lousy judge, prosecutor and defense attorney.
- .380 ACP Ammunition Comparison.
Industry News
- Inquiry from a list member: Is anyone aware of any so-called CCW or self defense “insurance” or similar assistance plans available to New Jersey residents? If so, please drop me a note.
- ATF data estimates the total number of firearms in civilian possession from 1990–2023 is 506.1 million. Of course that’s just the ones they know about.
- The 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference will be held September 25-27, 2026, in Dallas at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, both stellar organizations.
- The US military is looking at replacing all of the different versions of the famous Minigun in service today with a new standardized type that would be designated the GAU-24/A.
Products
- Mossberg’s carry-pistols, the MC2/c and MC2/sc, are now out of production.
- Beretta’s new A300 Ultima Patrol 20 Gauge is a 6 lb., 20 gauge version of its popular and capable A300 Ultima Patrol line. That is 2 lbs. lighter than the 12 gauge version. That means it’s EASY to get on a dynamic target. FINALLY, someone realized that not everyone wants to lug around an 8-pound 12 gauge tactical shotgun. Now just add full-length and pistol grip stock options. (Meanwhile the A300 Ultima Patrol 12 Gauge shotgun is now available in Multicam Black.) $1300.
- Federal Ammunition recently announced its new Federal Subsonic rifle ammunition line designed for peak noise reduction and effective low-velocity expansion through suppressors. The new loads are Fusion .30-30 Win. 170-grain, Fusion .45-70 Govt. 300-grain, Fusion Tipped .308 Win. 190-grain, and 300 Blackout 190-grain.
- Not to be outdone, Remington Ammunition will launch three new rifle loads with subsonic muzzle velocities in 2026. The new Boat-tail Hollow Point loads include 360 Buckhammer 250-grain, .308 Win. 190-grain, and .45-70 Govt. 300-grain.
- Italian company Breda is proud to announce the introduction of the Victoria Family of over and under shotguns to the US market for the first time. Available in 12, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore, the Victoria Family offers three distinct models — each meticulously designed to excel in its intended application while maintaining the exceptional quality and attention to detail that has defined Breda since 1886. Each Victoria shotgun is handcrafted and hand-fitted in limited editions by a single Italian master craftsman from start to finish. This singular approach ensures that every component — each bearing matching serial numbers — is precisely fitted to create a harmonious whole. No two Victoria shotguns are identical. Multiple levels of engraving and premium walnut grades allow customers to select a Victoria that matches their aesthetic preferences while maintaining the functional excellence that defines the line.
- Smith & Wesson has announced the release of the M&P9 M2.0 Metal HD and Competitor HD pistols built with steel frames.
- SIG SAUER introduced the P211-GT4 and GT5 hammer-fired double-stack 1911 pistols. The GT5 is a full-size pistol with a full-length slide and 5″ bull barrel, while the GT4 has a 4″ slide and low-profile magwell. Both have P320-compatible steel magazines.
- Kimber’s new high-capacity double-stack 1911 platform is designed to provide modern features at a more accessible price point than similar designs like the company’s popular 2K11 line. The 1911 DS Warrior is initially available in four calibers – 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, and .38 Super – and all are standard full-size pistols with 5-inch barrels, except for the 10mm model, which is also offered in a 6-inch long-slide option. All models are optics-ready for RMR-pattern mounts and feature a TAG cover plate with a fixed rear sight. The pistols use Kimber’s internal 1911-style extractor, bushing system barrel, mil-spec guide rod, and match-grade trigger. $1100-$1350.
- Auto-Ordnance (Kahr) now has a polymer semi-auto Thompson “Tommy Gun” in .22 LR.
- Also from Auto-Ordnance is the .50 BMG TAO50 bolt rifle with an integral suppressor paired with a muzzle brake. The system drops standard FMJ ammunition to roughly 110 dB on a sound meter, according to Auto-Ordnance. $16k.
- Rock Island Armory’s PK-12 Pak-Out is a folding 3″ 12-gauge spring-assisted pump shotgun that splits the receiver to fold vertically in half, like those little survival rifles. There are two models: one is a “firearm” model with a 14.1-inch-barrel and Raptor-style grip (Pak-Out Short), and the other is an 18.5-inch-barreled shotgun model that not only folds in half but also has a telescoping and horizontal folding pistol-grip stock (Pak-Out Long). Rem-Choke compatible. I understand there are bugs, but when it’s worked out… very cool.
- Palmetto State Armory announced their upcoming new Sabre Key, a short-barreled, under-barrel shotgun that mounts to an AR-15 similar the old Master Key. It’s chambered in 12 gauge, comes with a 10-inch barrel, and feeds from a 3+1 capacity tube. It accepts both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells, and includes a built-in front hand stop as part of the mounting hanger.
- Also just FYI, PSA has a selection of 16 gauge shotguns for those of us who prefer to do our own thing.
- Midwest Industries revolver stocks & arm braces. I bet they’re a bear to get in your holster.
- For 2026, Benelli introduces its first-ever 28 gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models, all of which are equipped with Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrels and chambered for 2¾- and 3-inch shotshells. These all-new offerings feature 28-inch A.I. barrels and are available in Gore Optifade Marsh camo paired with Midnight Bronze Cerakote (model #12316) or Gore Optifade Timber accented with Cobalt Cerakote (model #12336), Realtree Max-7 with FDE Cerakote (model 12366), and Mossy Oak Bottomland with Patriot Brown Cerakote finish (12386), marking the debut of the SBE 3 A.I. platform in 28 gauge. To improve functioning, Benelli has also refined the SBE 3 A.I. operational controls with a larger cylinder-style bolt handle and a complete set of extended choke tubes. 5.6 lbs., which is about the same as the 28 ga. Ethos or a 20 ga. Montefeltro. (The 20 ga. SBEs weigh 5.9 lbs.) $2,850 to $3,100. By contrast, my original SBE (3½-inch 12 ga.) sold for around $1,000.
- Lipsey’s is reviving the S&W Nightguard line.
- Springfield Armory is producing an SA-35 9mm Polished Blued pistol. $800.
- Springfield Armory’s new Hellcat .380 is a micro-compact pistol with 11+1 standard and 13+1 extended mags, Optics-Ready for micro red dots, Tritium U-Dot sights, hammer-forged slide/barrel, and a versatile accessory rail. Concealable, rugged, ready for everyday carry. 16 oz. $650.
- KelTec discontinued the P3AT pocket pistol (a design that Ruger stole) back in 2022. But now it has the new PR-3AT, a .380 pocket pistol that holds as many as 14 rounds in a 9.66 oz. (unloaded) platform. The PR-3AT uses chargers or stripper clips that load from the top and doesn’t use conventional magazines. $400.
- Smith & Wesson’s M&P FPC is now chambered in 5.7x28mm, featuring a folding carbine design with a 16.25-inch threaded barrel, integrated recoil buffer system, and compatibility with M&P 5.7 magazines. Three 22-round magazines included.
- Ruger has announced new short-barreled rifle versions of its PC Carbine, 10/22 and Ruger American Rifle Generation II. There are also Ruger American Rifle Generation II Scout Models.
- Blecher LLC’s BrashZero caseless bullpup rifle utilizes standard 5.56 NATO ammunition components (primer, powder and projectile) delivered separately into the chamber from dedicated reservoirs in the magazine.
- HM Defense has a new patent-pending rifle barrel technology called Peak Pressure Reservoir and Booster System. This technology is advertised to increase projectile energy and efficiency while reducing unwanted side effects like noise, flash and barrel heating, by means of a series of annular chambers cut in the bore that result in the above-mentioned effects. Frankly, I have my doubts.
- Garmin’s Xero C2 chronograph is an update to its compact velocity-measuring lineup. The pocket-sized unit builds on the earlier Xero C1 with faster sampling, broader device integration, and a $700 price.
- MTM’s new Chronograph Case (CCXERO) is a hard-shell protective case designed for the Garmin Xero chronograph. $14.50.
- Also new from Garmin is the Xero L60i, a GNSS-enabled rangefinding monocular that features premium optics with advanced technology and state-of-the-art sensors for a sharp, bright view through augmented reality technology that overlays graphics in full color, including distance, maps, navigation and more—all while ranging targets out to 3600 meters through 7X magnification. $2500.
- Dryout moisture removal technology.
- Winchester’s new Magnum Dove shotshells contain a custom blend of premium #7½ and #9 lead shot batch-blended shot for optimal pattern density on doves. 12 ga., 1¼ oz. @ 1400 fps. and 20 ga., 1 oz. @ 1300 fps. $14/25.