2A Newsletter - Week of August 11th

Supreme Court Justices Betray 2A?

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The ongoing saga concerning the ATF’s rule on unfinished receivers has seen another pivotal chapter. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), by a 5-4 margin, decided to uphold the stay on the lower court’s decision that previously vacated the ATF's "Definition of ‘Frame or Receiver’ and Identification of Firearms" rule.

Here’s a recap for those playing catch-up:

The ATF tried to redefine the frame and receiver rule. The lower court, in Vanderstok v. Garland, actually overturned this rule after JSD Supply and Polymer80 challenged the ATF's authority. But this victory was short-lived. The government bypassed the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and took their plea directly to SCOTUS. The results? Justices Barrett and Roberts, typically conservative stalwarts, sided with the progressive wing, effectively keeping the stay in place. The core argument is around the ATF possibly overstepping their boundary by violating the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

Yet, this isn’t the endgame. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals still has its chance to weigh in. Pundits and experts are leaning towards a favorable outcome for us there.

For the 2A community, the SCOTUS decision is surely a blow. But it's essential to note this decision doesn't necessarily hint at their final stance. It's a procedural move, not a reflection on the case's merits. Cody J. Wisniewski of the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), an integral player in this battle, reminds us, “Regardless of today’s decision, we’re still confident that we will defeat the ATF's unlawful rule at the Fifth Circuit.”

To our dedicated followers and supporters, here's some respite: the injunctions held by us at 80% Arms, as well as Polymer80 and Defense Distributed, remain intact. Our fight for clarity and rights continues. Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly stay united.

Dems want 1000% excise tax on gun related purchases

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A group of 25 House Democrats, led by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), aims to reintroduce legislation from 2022 that would slap a colossal 1,000 percent excise tax on “assault weapons” and “large-capacity magazines.” The goal? To make gun ownership a luxury few can afford. Think about this: A $500 firearm could suddenly come with a $5,000 tax.

The Federal Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET) imposes a 10% tax on pistols and revolvers and an 11% tax on other firearms and ammunition. Currently, that funds wildlife conservation via the Pitman-Robertson program. But this move aims to shift that focus, using tax to curtail gun ownership instead.

Despite this push, the bill faces strong headwinds. Republicans hold the majority in the House, and gun rights organizations are already gearing up for potential legal challenges. With Congress currently in recess, any action will be postponed until after Labor Day. But this proposal, if ever enacted, would undoubtedly face legal backlash for taxing a constitutional right.

Beyer’s proposal is both asinine as well and a reminder: the fight for Second Amendment rights is ongoing, and staying informed and involved is more crucial than ever. Whether it’s backing legal challenges or advocating for rational legislation, there’s work to be done. And for the 2A community, the time to act is now.

As of 8/11/2023 the text for H.R. 5135 has not been released.

Don't let your friends fall for Bloomberg PSYOPS

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In an era where labels can be weaponized to sideline and discredit, the 2A community finds itself in the crosshairs of yet another media offensive. The very essence of our rights, values, and the future proponents of those rights - our youth - are now being targeted.

Recently, a study titled “U.S. Youth Attitudes on Guns” has emerged, propagated by Bloomberg's Everytown for Gun Safety. This study, while wrapped in a sheen of research, attempts to paint an inaccurate and deeply concerning portrayal of our pro-gun youth. Their primary media evaluation involved trawling various online platforms, casting a net wide enough to snag any narrative they desire. 

Through this lens, the study alleges that pro-gun youth correlates with "support for male supremacy, a belief that the Second Amendment gives individuals the right to overthrow the government, higher levels of racial resentment, and post-traumatic stress disorders." Notably, many sources used in this study hail from platforms and groups that have been vocally anti-gun including reports directly from Everytown for Gun Safety.

Following the release of this study, The Trace was quick to amplify its findings. Their agenda: to further embed the misguided narrative that young individuals involved in gun culture are fundamentally problematic.

It's essential to recognize the motivations behind such narratives. This study isn't just an attempt to discredit the pro-gun community. It's a strategically crafted move to cast doubt on the very future of the Second Amendment movement: our youth. We have a direct responsibility to those we hold near and dear and the title says it all: Do not let your friends fall for the Bloomberg psyop. It's not just about defending our rights; it's about safeguarding our community's understanding of them.

In Other 2A News: This week we binged T.REX Arms content, you should too:

Photo Source: T.REX ARMS

• Everything Wrong with Red Flag Laws (Part One) - How Tennessee may soon set the precedent for the rest of the country. 
• The History and Future of Glock - We use Glock parts in the GST9, so obviously we are excited about this too.
• Why EVERYONE needs an AR-15 - A history lesson for you self-proclaimed gun buffs. 

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