Firearms Stored in Your Car: What Should You Do? How To Do It If Needed

A Bold First Step in Dismantling the National Firearms Act John Commerford The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com. President Trump and GOP lawmakers have every reason to celebrate a bold and historic moment for the Trump administration with the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – a new law that, among other things, reduces taxes for law-abiding gun owners. In the original version of President Trump’s bill, GOP lawmakers and the White House strategically focused on the National Firearms Act (NFA), with the goal of eliminating many of the NFA’s burdensome requirements. That language would have removed an onerous $200 federal excise tax, and the needless registry and paperwork currently imposed on short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), firearm suppressors, and “any other weapons” (AOWs) defined within the NFA. Yet this original language, which we actively supported, was stricken by a Harry Reid-appointed Senate parliamentarian who allegedly applied what’s known as the “Byrd Rule” in evaluating the NFA-related language in the Senate reconciliation package. The “Byrd test” is based upon factors including whether the provision would increase or decrease revenues, and whether the change in revenue would be “merely incidental” to the other alterations that the provision would make to public law. Considering the NFA was passed as a taxation scheme by Congress and upheld as such by the U.S. Supreme Court, the parliamentarian’s ruling had the hallmarks of political activism designed to thwart the president’s and GOP’s efforts to restore gun rights. While we strongly disagreed with the ruling of the parliamentarian, we were not going to allow an unaccountable bureaucrat to have the last word. NRA therefore worked with House and Senate Leadership to revise language in the legislation that, while less comprehensive than what was originally envisioned, curtailed any opportunities for political gamesmanship under the Byrd test. The end result was legislation that eliminated the unconstitutional, highly punitive $200 tax on short-barreled firearms, suppressors, and other items. That provision is certainly not perfect, in that it leaves intact the burdensome and intrusive administrative and registration requirements. But, it represents the biggest blow to the National Firearms Act since its creation nearly a century ago and takes a bold step to reduce unconstitutional financial hardships imposed on lawful gun owners. More importantly, this new law sets the stage for a robust fight in the courts to permanently eliminate the NFA. Since the law zeros out taxes on the sale/transfer of short-barreled firearms, suppressors, and other items, the door is now open to wage a significant legal challenge to the continued existence of the NFA. Precedent supports a challenge arguing that, because the NFA no longer imposes a tax on certain regulated firearms, its constitutional justification as an exercise of Congress’s taxing power has been invalidated. And if it is determined in court that the reason the NFA exists as a taxing authority is now dissolved, then its days are numbered. This is why the NRA has joined with several other organizations, including the American Suppressor Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation, to support a legal challenge that could finally put an end to the NFA and its infringement on your Second Amendment rights. Other organizations are filing similar lawsuits. Our focus now shifts to continuing the fight to fully eliminate the NFA and remove other unconstitutional gun laws. The NRA remains dedicated to preserving and expanding the rights of law-abiding gun owners as we utilize every tool at our disposal to do so on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and in courthouses across the nation.

5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political Susanne Edward Support NRA America's 1st Freedom DONATE ** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. ** The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history. Here are five reasons why the Second Amendment shouldn’t be a political battleground—and instead, a shared principle rooted in equality, protection and empowerment. 1. The Second Amendment Is a Great Equalizer At its core, the Second Amendment is about self-preservation and the ability of individuals to defend themselves, especially when institutions fail to do so. According to FBI data, over 1 million violent crimes were reported in 2021, including more than 600,000 aggravated assaults. Police response times vary widely—averaging 10 to 15 minutes in many areas and significantly longer in rural counties. In 2020, nearly 40% of all first-time gun buyers were women, and purchases by black Americans rose by 58%, according to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). These trends continued into 2023, driven by concerns about personal safety and civil unrest. Empowerment is not partisan. The ability to protect oneself is a fundamental right. 2. The Second Amendment Protects Everyone—Equally The Constitution doesn’t make exceptions: “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” Historically, gun control has been used to disarm and suppress certain groups of people. After the Civil War, “Black Codes” in Southern states explicitly restricted black Americans from owning firearms. In 1967, the Mulford Act was passed in California primarily in response to the Black Panther Party’s armed patrols. Today, the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) has grown to over 45,000 members and the gun-rights group Pink Pistols advocates for armed self-defense amid rising hate crimes. The Second Amendment is a civil-rights issue. It transcends party lines. 3. Democrats Own Guns, Too Despite political stereotypes, millions of Democrats own firearms. According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 32% of Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents either personally own a gun or live in a household with one. Among independents, gun ownership is nearly identical to that of Republicans. How many of these voters appreciate that the Second Amendment is an individual right and don’t blame lawful gun owners for the actions of criminals, as Democratic Party leadership so often does, is unclear, but it is likely a big enough slice of the party to make them lose elections when their freedom is directly threatened. 4. “Gun-Free Zones” Often Attract, Not Deter, Violence We are told that so-called “gun-free zones” are intended to promote safety and security, but, in practice, they often do the opposite. A 2023 report by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) found that 94% of mass public shootings between 1950 and 2019 occurred in areas where civilians were banned from carrying firearms. These areas are soft targets for attackers who know law-abiding citizens are defenseless. Real safety comes from preparedness and deterrence—not signs and bans on this fundamental right. 5.) Recreational Shooting Is Empowering, Popular and Nonpartisan Gun ownership isn’t just about protection; it’s also a recreational and cultural tradition for millions of Americans. Shooting sports participation has surged. According to the NSSF, more than 5.4 million Americans purchased firearms for the first time in 2021, building on the historic surge of 2020. Many ranges and clubs report an increase in attendance from women, youth and minority communities. Shooting fosters responsibility, confidence and focus. From hunting to competitive target shooting, it unites generations and communities—regardless of political identity. It’s not “gun culture.” It’s American culture. The Second Amendment should not be a red-versus-blue issue. It is a constitutional guarantee intended to empower and protect all Americans. Politicizing the right to bear arms undermines its purpose and weakens our ability to have constructive conversations. Just as we don’t treat freedom of speech or the right to vote as privileges, we shouldn’t do it with self-defense. This right belongs to everyone—from urban liberals to rural conservatives, from legal immigrants to those who identify as LGBTQ. If more voters let even anti-gun politicians know this, then this issue will become much less political. That would help all of us preserve this basic human right.

The Start of Something GOOD. My Range, The Beginning. Tactical K Training and Firearms July 26th 2025 Range Day Gregg Kielma Thank you for everyone who came out today and braved the HEAT for Tactical K Training and Firearms Range Day. It was hot! Air temperature 98 F heat index 107 F. Everyone did great. I do know this, never again with this extreme heat. For me, I'm sick from the heat. It was too much for me. Next year July 2026 and possibly August 2026 will be moved indoors. It's hard on someone like me who works in A/C all day and BAM to 98 F temperature for 7 hours. Come on October 2025 through May 2026 when the weather id perfect here!

Tactical K Training and Firearms Range Day Gregg Kielma Have a PLAN....STOP doing this! So many times, I go to the range, and I see people just blasting rounds down range with ZERO purpose. Continues Kielma, “what do I mean by this...let me explain”. This past Sunday I witnessed a young man hit the range and I saw that all he wanted to do was take his new guns and put rounds down range. After I saw him go through a WHOLE mag on his Socom that his grandfather just gave him, I asked him what he was training. He just looked at me with a blank stare. I told him every round that came out of that rifle, it should have a purpose. Are you zeroing the weapon? Are you shooting for accuracy? Are you working on positions? Are you working on acquiring your sights faster? Or are you just wasting ammo? I then went on to explain the course of fire I did with people all has a purpose. We started on working the fundamentals by getting all shots inside a small circle on the target from the 5, then the 7 and then the 10 yard line. Once we had that down, we progressed to speed drills. We worked on single shots from the holster with a shot timer. Then we progressed to accelerated pairs and then ended with 4 to 6 rapid shots to make sure we weren't just training 2 shots at a time, because the objective in a gun fight is to continue to fire until the threat is down. My point to this is that you need to have a plan before you hit the range. Write out exactly what you are going to drill before you get there. Ammo is expensive and you should not waste quality training time just sending rounds down range without a purpose. If you need help with coming up with drills, please give me a call me 941 737-6956 or Email me at kielmagregory@gmail.com Stay Safe and Situationally Aware Gregg Kielma ERT Captain Tactical K Training and Firearms President and Chief Instructor

Storm Safety Reminders Gregg Kielma Says Gregg Kielma as a ERT Member a quick reminder to all our friends. Here's what to do when severe weather hits: Plan ahead. Monitor all severe weather before it’s too late. • Stay Weather Ready: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. • At Your House: Go to your secure location if you hear a severe thunderstorm warning. Stay away from windows. Damaging wind or large hail may be approaching. Take your pets with you! • At Your Workplace or School: Stay away from windows if you are in a severe thunderstorm warning and damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums or auditoriums. • Outside: Go inside a sturdy building immediately if severe thunderstorms are approaching. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree can be deadly. The tree may fall on you. Standing under a tree also put you at a greater risk of getting struck by lightning. • In a Vehicle: Being in a vehicle during severe thunderstorms is safer than being outside; however, drive to closest secure shelter if there is sufficient time. Stay safe and stay situationally aware. Gregg Kielma

How to Build Your Own Backyard Gun Range (Even if It’s Temporary) By Jacob Paulsen You don’t need 100 acres, bulldozers, or a bunker to set up a safe and functional shooting range. Whether you’re hosting a training event, running youth shooters through basic drills, or just want a private place to run your own reps, you can build a reliable range almost anywhere with the right gear and a little planning. I recently built a pop-up range in a National Forest for a church youth group activity. Everything had to fit in the back of my 5ft Tacoma bed, and it needed to be fast to set up and tear down. This article covers the gear and tools that made it work, and what I recommend if you're looking to do something similar. My pop-up gun range. Set up in a National Forest as part of a 3-day church youth camp. Check the Law First Before you pound in your first stake, check your local and state laws, zoning ordinances, and firearm discharge regulations. While recreational shooting is generally legal on BLM land or in National Forests, it's always smart to confirm with local BLM offices or Forest Rangers to avoid surprises. Better safe than shut down. And always build with a safe backstop in mind — berm, hillside, or natural barrier. You should consider if there will be traffic on a road, or on a trail beyond your backstop. Sometimes errant shots can go over the berm, and understanding your backdrop is important to safety. As a rule of thumb, I'm looking for a backstop / berm that is at least 20 feet high, free of large rocks, and won't see human traffic beyond or nearby for several hundred feet. Of course, you might change your parameters based on the specific firearm(s) being used. Start With Safety No matter where you shoot, safety is non-negotiable. Here’s what I recommend every temporary range have on hand: • Proper signage indicating that live fire is taking place. • A clearly marked firing line • Range boundaries that define where eye and ear protection becomes mandatory and where people cannot walk or go to avoid being downrange of the firing line. This rope is really helpful. • A dedicated trauma kit designed specifically for range injuries. • A completed Medical Response Plan — Mountain Man Medical provides a free downloadable template inside their Range Medicine Course. Essential Range-Building Gear Proper Targets: Top Pick for Pop-Up Ranges When weight, safety, and portability matter, Throom Targets are our top recommendation. I used their Knockdown Targets at our event — they made scoring simple (target falls = hit) and the animal shapes were a hit with youth shooters. • No ricochet risk • Lightweight and easier to transport than steel • Durable — they last a long time • Fun & reactive — great for both training and entertainment When this picture was taken these targets had been shot about 200 times each. These targets last a LONG time Pro Tip: Some setups (like their plate rack) require a drill or driver to assemble, and if you're building a custom lumber base, you'll need a saw unless you cut it in advance.. HatPoint Target Stands: Lightweight, Flexible, Packable We love the HatPoint Target Stands because they solve multiple problems at once: • Lightweight & easy to carry • Adjustable width — works with paper, cardboard, USPSA targets, etc. • Stakable for wind (stakes sold separately) • Stackable and portable — ideal for truck beds Pair them with 1×2 sticks (available at any hardware store) and you're ready to go. DIY Tactical Port Wall with HatPoint Stands Want to simulate a VTAC wall but don’t have room to haul one? Here’s what I did: • Used 2 HatPoint stands with cardboard backers mounted sideways • Cut shooting ports with a box cutter at various heights Some used target backers found new life in this makeshift “wall” Cardboard Target Backers • Best value: Call American Target Company for bulk pricing. • Fast option: Buy on Amazon Also bring a good stapler and extra staples. Paper Targets Use whatever paper target fits your mission. For advanced pistol work, check out the CCI PIQ Target — great for diagnostic training and timing drills. Range Setup Extras • Rope — to mark off the firing line and PPE boundary • Popup tent — for shade and rain cover • Tables — staging gear, makeshift shooting bench, etc. • Mallet or hammer — drive in stakes • Drill or driver — for Throom targets or wall builds • Saw — if cutting lumber yourself What This Article Doesn’t Cover This guide is focused on building the range — not what you bring to shoot on it. You’ll still need: • Eye and ear protection • Ammo, mags, firearms • Shot timer • Lube, cleaning tools, mag loaders, gloves, etc. Final Checklist: Build-Your-Own Range Essentials • Confirm legality with local authorities • Safe backstop • Signage and safety briefing • Marked firing line and PPE boundary • Wind River Trauma Kit • Medical Response Plan (free template) • Throom Targets • HatPoint Stands + 1×2 sticks • Cardboard target backers + stapler • Popup tent • Tables • Rope • Garment bags (rain protection) • Drill or driver • Saw (optional) • Mallet or hammer What Did I Miss? This isn’t a complete list for every type of range, but it’s the gear that made our temporary National Forest range a success. If you’ve built a range of your own — or have tips I didn’t mention — I’d love to hear them.

GOA Lawsuit Aims to Strike Down 1927 Law Banning Handgun Shipments via USPS By Jacob Paulsen As an FFL, Kielma says, I would like to go on record. I believe a firearm shipped to anyone, and I mean anyone, needs to go through the proper channels. That means a licensed FFL with proper record keeping. Period. I believe this is wrong for so many reasons. Please see what Guns of America is proposing below. On July 14, 2025, Gun Owners of America (GOA), Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), and Pennsylvania resident Bonita Shreve filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania challenging the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 1715—a Prohibition-era law that bans mailing handguns through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). The lawsuit argues that this 1927 statute violates the Second Amendment by prohibiting ordinary Americans from mailing the very type of firearm the Supreme Court has called “the quintessential self-defense weapon”—the handgun. What the Lawsuit Claims • Historical inconsistency: The law was passed during the Prohibition era, long after the Founding, when no other federal gun laws existed. GOA argues that it's completely out of step with the original public understanding of the Second Amendment. • Modern legal standard: Under Bruen, any firearm restriction must be historically justified. GOA asserts that no such historical precedent exists for banning the shipment of handguns. • Protected conduct: GOA maintains that the right to keep and bear arms must include the right to transfer, ship, and receive them—especially when long guns are already mailable and private ownership is legal. The Plaintiff’s Story: When a Gift Becomes a Felony Bonita Shreve wants to mail her father a Bersa Thunder handgun as a gift—perfectly lawful under both state and federal law. But because she isn’t a licensed dealer, she can’t legally use USPS. And with UPS and FedEx policies barring non-FFLs from shipping handguns, she’s stuck. She would’ve sent it already if not for the threat of felony prosecution under USPS rules. Why It Shouldn’t Be This Hard Let’s be honest—this shouldn’t be a legal minefield. Mailing a lawful firearm to a family member shouldn’t require a law degree, a federal license, and a three-hour road trip. We’re talking about sending an item that both sender and recipient can legally possess, with no commercial sale involved. And here’s the kicker: the USPS is a government agency. It operates under federal authority and is bound by the Constitution just like every other arm of government. If the Constitution protects our right to keep and bear arms, that protection should apply when using a government-run mail service. Now contrast that with FedEx and UPS—they’re private businesses. They can implement whatever policies they want, even dumb ones. But the USPS doesn’t have that excuse. If they’re going to fly the flag and operate on taxpayer dollars, they have to respect our rights. What the Law Actually Says 18 U.S.C. § 1715 declares: “Pistols, revolvers, and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried by the mails.” Violation is a Class E felony, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. USPS regulations (Publication 52) mirror the law, making handguns nonmailable except for a privileged class: FFLs and government agents. Meanwhile, regular folks can still mail long guns. GOA’s Constitutional Argument The lawsuit builds its case on Heller, McDonald, Bruen, and Rahimi—all Supreme Court decisions reinforcing that: • The Second Amendment protects individuals. • Handguns are the most common self-defense firearm. • Any restriction must be justified by a longstanding historical tradition. But no such tradition exists for banning the shipment of handguns—not in the Founding Era, not even during Reconstruction. The USPS existed in 1791, and yet the government never criminalized shipping pistols until 1927. What This Means for Gun Owners If the court strikes down this law: • Law-abiding Americans could once again mail handguns legally—just like they do with rifles. • Rural and less mobile citizens wouldn’t be penalized simply because they don’t live near an FFL. • The USPS would finally have to honor the constitutional rights of the people it serves. Bottom line: It’s time for the federal government to stop pretending that access to handguns ends at the post office door. This lawsuit might be the first real crack in the wall that’s kept American gun owners from fully exercising their rights.

Struggling Firearms Company’s and Ammo Manufacture Closes Down Business The U.S. firearms industry has faced some financial distress in 2025 as gun manufacturers and ammo producers filed for bankruptcy protection. Some gun makers have also shut down operations for economic issues without filing for bankruptcy. Fledgling gun manufacturer Watchtower Firearms LLC , which was established in 2022, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Feb. 27, facing financial problems, including operational challenges, tax obligations, and significant vendor and service provider debt that led to its financial distress. The company likely faced rising inflation, increased interest rates, and consumers' changing attitudes toward spending that impacted the company's financial situation. The Frisco, Texas, firearms maker recently released its special edition Demolitia handgun and its Raider Series rifles. It is also developing its Commander pistol that is coming soon, according to its website. Watchtower Firearms currently offers its Apache 9mm pistol, its Bridger 7mm bolt-action rifle, and other custom and special edition rifles. Firearms ammo maker files for bankruptcy Also, firearms ammunition manufacturer and dealer Specialty Cartridge Inc., which operates as Atlanta Arms, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 7 to reorganize its business. The company manufactures and sells ammunition for handguns and rifles and offers hats and t-shirts for sale. It has various targets and target pasters for purchase as well. The Covington, Ga., ammunition maker and dealer, listed $10 million to $50 million in assets and $1 million to $10 million in liabilities in its petition. Its largest creditors include Fiocchi of America, owed over $421,000; Grandeur Fasteners, also owed over $421,000; Amerway, owed over $331,000, and Wieland Metal Services, owed over $306,000. SCCY Firearms has reportedly shut down its business. SCCY Firearms shuts down its factory And now, popular Daytona Beach, Fla., firearms manufacturer and dealer SCCY Firearms has closed its operations and is out of business, NRA Shooting Illustrated reported. The company has not filed for bankruptcy protection at last check. SCCY was not immediately available for comment. The company did not answer its phone lines listed on its website, and it did not return voicemail phone messages. It also did not respond to an email request for comment. The company's assets, including gun computer numerical control machines and centers, injecting molding machines, lathes, office equipment, 3D printers, and other items, are reportedly scheduled to be sold to the highest bidders in an auction conducted by Prestige Auction on June 24-26. SCCY Firearms' assets were seized by the Volusia County Tax Office of Florida at its Daytona factory on March 11, 2025, for non-payment of tax debts totaling over $249,000. The tax office posted a Notice of Pending Levy and Seizure on the factory's exterior stating: "All equipment, furniture, and fixtures located inside this location regardless of status (owned, leased, loaned, or borrowed,) are subjected to taxation and are now under pending levy and seizure for unpaid tangible personal property taxes. "Disposal of assessed property prior to satisfaction of the tax lien is a violation of a Florida statute Chapter 818 and is punishable by one year imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine," the notice stated. The amount due on March 11 was $249,932.38. The notice advised "Contact revenue recovery before proceeding," with a phone number and email listed. If the company makes a tax payment to the county, the seizure and auction process can be halted. The county has also been talking with the company's landlord and the lender who loaned SCCY the money to purchase the equipment to arrange a payment to release the equipment to the lender, The Outdoor Wire reported. Joe Roebuck, a mechanical engineer and tool-and-die-maker, founded SCCY in 2003. SCCY's first manufactured gun, the CPX-1 pistol, was first sold in 2005. The company was listed in the Top 10 among domestic pistol manufacturers in volume in 2022, according to Shooting Illustrated.

Struggling firearms retail chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Story by Kirk O’Neil The U.S. firearms industry faced economic hardship in 2025 as gun manufacturers, ammunition producers, firearms retailers, and shooting ranges filed for bankruptcy protection to reorganize or sometimes shut down their businesses. The industry over the last two years faced many of the same economic challenges that other industries have endured, including inflation, high interest rates, and reduced consumer spending. Bare Arms suffered a significant financial loss following a fire on June 19, 2022, at its Huntington, W.V., indoor range caused by a customer who used prohibited incendiary projectiles as rounds for his firearm, according to court papers from the debtor's first bankruptcy filing reported by Pacer Monitor. The fire caused about $1.3 million in damages, but the debtor was underinsured, as the range and store were not insured for loss of income, according to court papers. The debtor's petition did not state a specific reason for the bankruptcy filing, but it's likely that events leading up to Bare Arms' first Chapter 11 filing on May 15, 2023, played a role in its second bankruptcy filing. By May 14, 2023, the debtor was only able to open a portion of the range, and it filed for Chapter 11 protection for the first time on May 15, 2023, to reorganize its debts. The Ashland, Ky. based debtor filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky on July 21, 2025, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities, including $2.5 million owed to Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust, $500,000 owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and claims owed to various mall operators and retail landlords. Bare Arms expanded to 14 locations in 7 states The company expanded between 2018 and 2023, opening 14 Bare Arms Trading Company retail outlets, selling firearms, gear, and apparel, in seven states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia. The company had 11 retail stores when it filed for bankruptcy in May 2023. The company currently operates eight locations in five states, including Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. It operates indoor shooting ranges in Ashland and Huntington. Gun and ammo dealers filed for bankruptcy Fledgling gun manufacturer Watchtower Firearms LLC on Feb. 27, 2025, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facing operational challenges, tax obligations, and significant vendor and service provider debt that led to its financial distress. The Frisco, Texas, company was established in 2022 and offers its Apache 9mm pistol, its Bridger 7mm bolt-action rifle, and other custom and special edition rifles. Firearms ammunition manufacturer and dealer Specialty Cartridge Inc., which operates as Atlanta Arms, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize its business on May 7, 2025. The company manufactures and sells ammunition for handguns and rifles and offers hats and t-shirts for sale. It has various targets and target pasters for purchase as well.