Understanding Firearms. Great Read!
Gregory Kielma • October 20, 2023
 
 
By Tom McHale 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
07/30/2019
 
 What Are the Types of Guns?
 
 First, if you’re new to the world of guns and shooting … welcome! Glad to have you joining millions of other law-abiding citizens enjoying fun, competition and the peace of mind to protect yourself and your family.
 
 Second, you’re about to see just how confusing things can be. We’re talking about new terminology, mastering new skills and a seemingly infinite amount of gear from which to choose. Don’t feel bad if you’re overwhelmed. We were all at that stage at one point.
 
 To tackle the question, “What are the types of guns?,” we need to look at three related categories.
 
 Types of Guns
 
 Rifles
 
 While movie heroes can do pretty much anything one-handed, the mere mortal definition of “rifle” is a firearm designed to be held with two hands and shouldered for support. Technically speaking, a rifle also has a rifled barrel, which imparts spin on the bullet to help it fly straight and true. Virtually every modern rifle has rifling in the barrel, so we don’t really make this distinction anymore.
 
 The federal government, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), extends the classic definition by clarifying that a rifle can only fire one projectile at a time with each press of the trigger. In the United States, rifles also have to have a barrel length of at least 16 inches.
 
 Examples of modern rifles include hunting models (such as the Savage Model 110), modern sporting rifles (such as the Smith & Wesson M&P 15) and competition target rifles (such as the Anschutz).
 
 Shotguns
 
 Like rifles, shotguns are two-handed firearms designed to be fired from the shoulder. While there are shotguns that use portions of or have entire rifled barrels, the technical definition provided by the BATFE defines a “shotgun” as having a smooth — not rifled— bore. Also, a shotgun is designed to fire multiple projectiles at once with a single press of the trigger. To be clear, it’s not anything like a machine gun (where projectiles are fired sequentially with a single trigger movement). A shotgun can, but doesn’t always, contain multiple shot pellets in each cartridge or shell. To be legal, a true shotgun in the technical sense cannot have a barrel shorter than 18 inches.
 
 Handguns
 
 As the name implies, “handguns” are designed to be fired from a single hand, although modern handgun technique usually recommends two-handed operation for stability unless there are specific reasons to use a single hand. There are two major classifications of handguns: pistols and revolvers.
 
 Pistols
 
 Defining a pistol gets a bit sticky, so we will quote BATFE directly:
 
 A pistol is a handgun that has the chamber integrated as part of the barrel. Ammunition is fed to the chamber from a separate magazine. 
 
 “The term ‘pistol’ means a weapon originally designed, made and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held in one hand, and having:
 
 •	a chamber(s) as an integral part(s) of, or permanently aligned with, the bore(s);
 
 •	and a short stock designed to be gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s).”
 
 Common examples of pistols include the Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P and SIG Sauer P320.
 
 Revolvers
 
 A revolver is also a handgun, but the chamber is not permanently integrated or in line with the barrel. Instead, cartridges are stored in chambers bored into a cylinder and rotated into alignment with the barrel as needed.
 
 A revolver has multiple chambers, and each rotates the barrel into position with its cartridge before firing. 
 
 Types of Actions
 
 Throughout firearms history, inventors have devised a host of ways for firearms to operate. The earliest firearms had to be loaded from the muzzle and ignited with burning rope or sparks. More modern arms are loaded from the breech (back) end and have a variety of action types that control how cartridges are loaded, spent cases are extracted and new rounds are loaded.
 
 Pump-Action Firearms
 
 Usually applicable to shotguns and some rifles, pump-action firearms have a sliding mechanism operated by the user that extracts spent shells or cases, re-cocks the action or hammer, and loads a new shell. For each shot, the user must complete the pump sequence.
 
 Semi-Automatic Firearms
 
 Often confused — and frequently deliberately — by the media, semi-automatic firearms harness some of the energy from a cartridge to extract a spent cartridge case, re-cock the firearm and load a new cartridge. A semi-automatic firearm only fires one shot with each press of the trigger. It is not a machine gun.
 
 Semi-automatic firearms are the most popular (as measured by numbers sold and shipped) action type in the firearms world. Pistols, rifles and shotguns can all have semi-automatic actions. Virtually every pistol carried by law enforcement officers in the United States is a semi-automatic. As for rifles, the ubiquitous AR-15 is also a semi-automatic. Many shotguns also operate as semi-automatics too.
 
 Bolt-Action Firearms
 
 If someone asks you to picture a hunting rifle, you’ll likely picture a bolt-action. To be clear, hunting rifles have all action types, including semi-automatic. It’s just that a large number through the past 100 years have been bolt-actions.
 
 Bolt-action rifles, such as this Savage M11, require the operator to cycle the bolt before each shot to extract a cartridge, cock the action and load a fresh cartridge. \
 
 Like a pump-action, a bolt-action requires the operator to cycle the bolt handle before each shot. Retracting the bolt pulls the empty (or unspent) cartridge out of the chamber, and pushing the bolt forward loads a new cartridge into place. Some bolt-actions cock the firing pin on the backstroke, while others do so on the forward push.
 
 Break-Action Firearms
 
 There are break-action handguns and rifles, but the most prevalent example is the double-barrel shotgun. A lever on the receiver allows the barrel(s) to tilt forward and away from the action, exposing the chamber or chambers for loading and unloading. To load a break-action, one just drops new shells or cartridges into the chambers directly before closing the action.
 
 The most common examples of break-action firearms are double-barrel shotguns. 
 
 Muzzle-Loading Firearms
 
 While historical guns were almost always muzzleloaders, there are plenty of modern examples too. As many states have muzzle-loader-specific hunting seasons, modern rifles from companies such as Thompson Center continue to innovate with single-shot, load-from-the-front rifles.
 
 NFA Firearms
 
 Because the topic comes up frequently in the news, we ought to mention National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. You may have noticed that various types of firearms — rifles, handguns and shotguns — have very specific legal definitions. When firearms stray outside of those legal constraints, they may fall under the umbrella of NFA firearms. For example, a rifle with a barrel shorter than 16 inches is classified as a “short-barrel rifle.” They’re legal, but to build or buy one, you need to file special paperwork with the BATFE, pay a $200 tax stamp fee and undergo more rigorous screening.
 
 About The Author: Tom McHale
 
 Tom McHale is a perpetual student of all things gun- and shooting-related. He’s particularly passionate about home and self-defense and the rights of all to protect themselves and their loved ones. As part of his ongoing training, Tom has completed dozens of various training programs and is a certified National Rifle Association instructor for pistol and shotgun. He’ll be completing his USCCA Certified Instructor program in the near future. Tom...
 
 
Glock Confirms V Series, Discontinues Gen 4 & Gen 5 Pistols                                                                                                        Austrian gun company Glock revealed company plans to discontinue a large portion of its pistols starting in November.                                                              Glock issued a statement on October 21, 2025, regarding the leak of the company’s plans. “Yesterday, a retailer NOT affiliated with GLOCK Inc. made premature statements concerning the availability of certain GLOCK pistols. The individuals making these representations are not authorized to speak for GLOCK.                                                              As part of GLOCK’s commitment to future innovations, we are making necessary updates to our product line to align with upcoming offerings. Our dedication continues to be with maintaining the highest level of quality, reliability, and accessibility that you expect from GLOCK.                                                                                       The GLOCK V Series is here to establish a baseline of products while simplifying our processes.”                                                                                                 According to the company, V models will be available December 2025 and will include the following models:                                                      • G17 V                                                      • G19 V                                                      • G19X V                                                      • G45 V                                                      • G26 V                                                      • G20 V MOS                                                      • G23 V                                                      • G23 V MOS                                                      • G21 V MOS                                                      • G44 V                                                                                     Glock also said that distributor exclusive models will be available, including:                                                      • G19C V                                                      • G45C V                                                      • G17C V                                                      • G19X V MOS TB                                                                         Glock Store posted about Glock’s plans on social media, saying they’d received word that all Glocks will soon be discontinued except for the Glock 43, 43X, and 48X.                                                                          Glock G19                                          According to Glock Store, the discontinued models will be usurped by all new Glock models known as “V Models.”                               The newer pistols will not come in MOS formats upon launch but will include features that prevent Glock pistols from being used along with switch conversion kits that make them full auto.                                                                          Glock 17 converted to full-auto                                                      Tactical K Training and Firearms                      reached out to Glock for comment but received no word by the time of publishing. We confirmed with multiple sources close to the company, though, that they too have been informed that starting November 30, 2025, Glock will stop shipping the discontinued models.                                                                          That said, Glock’s own webpage lists popular models like the Glock 17, Glock 17 MOS, Glock 19 Gen 4, and more as discontinued. According to the page, the decision to cut models out of the lineup was a strategic one.                                                                         “In order to focus on the products that will drive future innovation and growth, we are making a strategic decision to reduce our current commercial portfolio,” the company said.   “This streamlined approach allows us to concentrate on continuing to deliver the highest-quality and most relevant solutions for the market.”                                                                          Though Glock says the move is to provide a more focused lineup for consumers,                         California                        just announced last week that it was banning the sale of pistols that could be converted to “machineguns” — effectively putting an end to sales on most Glock pistols and Glock clones in the state.                                                                         Though Glock appears to be discontinuing some pistols, it does say support will remain for owners of discontinued models.
 
  

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter                                                                                                                                                              St. Paul Mayor, Councilors Considering Ban On Many Common Semi-Auto Firearms                                                                  Mark Chesnut -                                                                                    St. Paul’s Proposed Assault Weapon Ban Draws Fire Over State Law Violation                                                                                             The decision by St. Paul, Minnesota, city councilors to push forward with a plan to ban so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity” magazines is drawing fire from a state gun owners’ group.                                                              At their October 22 meeting, councilors introduced a proposal that would ban many common semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds within the city limits.                                                              “We have to do something,” said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who is backing the proposal. “What we’re saying isn’t that you can’t make, sell, or own an assault rifle. What we’re saying is don’t carry it down Grand Avenue.”                                                              Mayor Carter did not elaborate on whether carrying an “assault weapon” down Grand Avenue was currently a big problem in the city.                                                              The main downfall of the proposal, which is likely to pass given the council’s support, is that it violates the state’s firearms preemption law, which was enacted for just such a purpose.                                                                                       That law states:                                  “The legislature preempts all authority of a home rule charter or statutory city, including a city of the first class, county, town, municipal corporation, or other governmental subdivision, or any of their instrumentalities, to regulate firearms, ammunition, or their respective components to the complete exclusion of any order, ordinance or regulation by them except that: (a) a governmental subdivision may regulate the discharge of firearms; and (b) a governmental subdivision may adopt regulations identical to state law. Local regulation inconsistent with this section is void.”                                                              That’s just one of the sticking points with the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus (MGOC), which trashed the proposal in a recent action alert.
 
  

17 Anti-Gun AGs Side With Hawaii On Purchase Permits, Inspection Requirement                                                                  Mark Chesnut -                                                                         A coalition of anti-gun attorneys general from 17 states has filed an amicus brief with the San Francisco-based 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of two restrictive Hawaii laws being challenged as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.                                                              The lawsuit revolves around two provisions of Hawaii’s permitting regime— a 30-day time limit to purchase a firearm after receiving a permit and a requirement that police inspect legally purchased firearms within five days.                                                              The brief argues that not only do the laws directly violate the Second Amendment, but they also lack historical support and impose undue burdens on law-abiding citizens exercising their constitutional rights. In March, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court struck down the two provisions, but the state government appealed to the full 9th Circuit.                                                              However, the brief from the 17 anti-gun AGs urges the 9th Circuit’s en banc panel to reverse the decision striking down the provisions. The brief claims that states’ interests in implementing “appropriate, reasonable regulations tailored to their specific circumstances” is more important than the protections afforded by the Second Amendment.                                                              Heading up the AGs’ efforts is California Attorney General Rob Bonta, one of the most anti-gun attorney generals in the country.                                                                          In Other NEWS                                                      Anti-Gun Lies                                                      March 23, 2025                                                                                                            The Violence Policy Center (VPC) has set its sights on banning .50...                                                                         “No one should be made to live in fear: States have both the responsibility and the authority to protect their communities from the threat of gun violence,” Bonta said in a news release announcing the filing. “Commonsense gun restrictions help stop dangerous weapons from reaching the hands of those who shouldn’t possess them, while upholding law-abiding gun owners’ Second Amendment rights. We will continue to stand up for States’ legal authority to enact laws to maintain public safety, including constitutional gun regulations that respond to local needs and concerns.”                                                                                       Joining Bonta in filing the brief were attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.                                                                                     Gun-rights groups are also heavily invested in the case, with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filing a brief arguing against the constitutionality of the provisions. Alan M. Gottlieb, SAF founder and executive vice president, said the amicus brief is part of his organization’s ongoing mission to defend, secure and restore the Second Amendment rights of Hawaii residents.                                                              “These arbitrary restrictions in Hawaii are unique and burdensome, with no parallel in other states,” Gottlieb said. “We urge the Ninth Circuit to either reinstate the three-judge panel’s ruling striking down these laws or rule in favor of the plaintiffs, ensuring that the Second Amendment is treated with the respect it deserves.”
 
  

ATF Reports Soaring Seizures of Machine Gun Conversion Devices — But What’s Really Driving the Numbers?                                                                  Scott Witner                                                                         Des Moines, IA — According to Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart, local officers are encountering more “machine gun conversion devices” (MCDs). These tiny parts can turn semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. While that might sound alarming to some, the reality is far more complex than the headlines suggest.                                                                          The Hype vs. the Reality                                                                         MCDs, also known as switches or auto sears, are about the size of a quarter and can be 3D-printed or purchased online for next to nothing. The ATF claims law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have seized an increasing number of them, from just 658 in 2019 to 5,816 in 2023, a reported 784% increase.                                                              Critics, however, argue that the surge says as much about enforcement priorities and ATF reporting methods as it does about actual criminal trends. A fivefold increase in data collection doesn’t necessarily mean a fivefold increase in use, especially when most seizures come from possession or manufacturing cases, not violent crimes.                                                                          State and Federal Tug-of-War                                          Adding to the confusion, the ATF recently walked back one of its own enforcement actions. In early 2024, “forced-reset triggers” (FRTs), which the Biden administration had previously ordered seized, were reclassified as lawful for use with semiautomatic rifles under a settlement reached during the Trump administration.                                                              The agreement required certain manufacturers to halt development of pistol versions of these devices, while thousands of previously confiscated rifle triggers were ordered returned to their owners. Still, the government won’t allow them to be redistributed in 16 states that chose to block the deal, Iowa not among them.
 
  

Judges rule some Florida gun laws are unconstitutional. Here's what to know                                                      Story by KATE PAYNE                                                                                                              US Florida Gun Laws What to Know                                                                                     TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A pair of court rulings declaring some of Florida's gun restrictions unconstitutional are creating some confusion in the notoriously firearm-friendly state — and fueling activists' calls for Republican legislators to take action to update state statutes so they abide by the new legal landscape.                                                                          US Florida Gun Laws What to Know                                          Despite Florida's history of being a gun-supporting climate, Florida's GOP-dominated state Legislature took steps to restrict gun laws in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. Since the day the measure was signed into law, gun rights advocates have been pushing to unravel it.                                                                          US Florida Gun Laws What to Know                                          Now, activists say recent court rulings are fueling their push to expand gun rights in the state, emboldened by U.S. Supreme Court's updated standards for evaluating gun laws based on the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.                       “Leaving unconstitutional laws on the books creates nothing but confusion,” said Sean Caranna, executive director of the advocacy group Florida Carry.                                                                                     Open carry ruling sparks questions                                          Florida's First District Court of Appeal issued its ruling last month in a case stemming from the July 4, 2022, arrest of a man who stood at a major intersection in downtown Pensacola carrying a visible, holstered pistol and a copy of the U.S. Constitution.                               The decision legalizes open carry, though there are preexisting limitations against carrying in a threatening manner or in certain restricted spaces like government meetings, schools and bars. The ruling has prompted some Florida sheriffs to urge caution among gun owners and seek clarity from lawmakers.                                                              Legalizing open carry has long been a major focus of gun rights activists in the state, who oppose the slate of restrictions that Florida’ lawmakers implemented in the wake of the Parkland school shooting, which killed 17 people and injured 17 others. Among the law's provisions was raising the legal gun-buying age to 21.                                                                          Advocates push for expanding gun laws                                          In the years since the 2018 Parkland shooting, lawmakers' efforts to lower the gun-buying age to 18 have advanced in the Florida House but ultimately failed in the state Senate.                               Now some advocates say the recent court rulings should force the hand of legislators who have opposed expanding gun rights in the past.                               "I hope that given some of the recent decisions from the United States Supreme Court and the Florida courts, that they will finally see that the Second Amendment is not a second-class right," he added.                               Representatives for Florida's House speaker and Senate president did not immediately respond to inquiries Wednesday.                               ___                                                        Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under covered issues.
 
  

Liberal Democrat The Late Diane Feinstein: Don't be LIKE DIANE                                                                         Why do gun enthusiasts all do the “trigger discipline” ? Why? Because you never have your finger on the trigger, ever, until you are on target and ready to pull it.                                                                          The Rules of GUN SAFETY                                                      1.) Treat all firearms as they are loaded. ALWAYS                                                      2.) Never point the firearm at anything you do not wish to destroy. EVER.                                                      3.)Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target,                                                      4.) Always be sure of your target and what's beyond it.                                                                         This is taught so that you do not hurt or kill someone. Trigger discipline is a fast an easy thing to see if someone at least has some idea of gun safety.                                                              Diane Feinstein another liberal (deceased)  who knows nothing and continued to spout her righteous thoughts about firearms and knew nothing. (see top picture)                                                              If you will look closely, her finger is on trigger, drum magazine is loaded, bolt is closed, and safety is off. There is no way to tell that she is not about to shoot a poor person off screen to her left. Diane Feinstein, a famous antigun senator, does not know even basic gun safety. I have seen literal children handle guns with more safety than this.                                                              What worries me is that you think this is posing. This is not to be “badass”, this is so that you do not shoot someone by mistake.                                                              What is funny is if you go to any range you can tell who hunter or sport shooter is. Because trigger discipline is habit, not posing, you will see men holding drills with trigger discipline.                                                              We teach this all the time with his drills. This is muscle memory. Look for people holding a firearm unsafe. Make it a teachable moment. It may save there life or a family member.                                                              Only when you’re ready, and on target should you touch the trigger.
 
  

I am teaching a course on how to disarm a gun owner. It is not a self-defense class but is geared towards firearms confiscation. How much should I charge?                                                                         From an avid reader of many websites, including mine,                       his thoughts on disarming a lawful CCW person                      . Gregg                       Kielma say's,                      "If I could locate the jurisdiction you lived in sir, I'd report you and this post to them"                       . Continues Kielma an FFL and Instructor of Firearms                      , “for the individual teaching this please don’t. It’s not up to you to disarm a lawful CCW person that is for law enforcement not you sir. This truly boarders on insanity. Nothing good will come in this situation.                                                                                                                                        Let’s Take a Look                                                                         I open carry my pistol, a Canik Rival with an 18 round magazine and optics mounted. I don't conceal this, and I never keep a single round even in the magazine, let alone in the chamber.                                                              I simultaneously carry my Taurus gx4 XL concealed, loaded, and chambered, in my waistband.                                                              The second anyone ever reaches for my open carry gun; they will be surprised when I don't stop them from taking it. They will be even more surprised when I aggravate them to shoot me. And assuming they pull the trigger, they will be most surprised to find the gun was never loaded, but the one I am currently shooting at their head is.                                                              I honestly doubt you could teach someone how to punch their way out of a paper bag. But assuming you can find people even more ill-informed then yourself, please let us know ASAP so we can report you to the FEDs.
 
  

Considering Concealed Carry? Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Ready—Here’s How and WHY                                                                      Tactical K Training and Firearms                                                                                                                       Kielma says, as a firearms instructor, CCW and your training must go hand in hand. Repetition with your carry firearm is critical. Holsters are critical. Holster placement is critical. Your weapon of choice is critical. Train with me and we can put a plan together that fits your lifestyle and comfort. You must be trained and prepared!                                                                                             NOW: LET’S TAKE A LOOK                                                                                Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility that goes beyond simply owning a firearm. It means choosing suitable gear, training until actions are smooth, and keeping a clear head when situations turn tense. The right holster fits your body, hides the gun, and lets you access it safely. Good practice builds good habits.                                                                    Carrying a concealed weapon is a serious responsibility that goes beyond simply owning a firearm. It means choosing suitable gear, training until actions are smooth, and keeping a clear head when situations turn tense.                                                                    The right holster fits your body, hides the gun, and lets you access it safely. Good practice builds habits, so you don’t freeze or act on impulse. Equally vital is mindset: knowing when to avoid danger, when to seek help, and how to keep bystanders out of harm’s way.                                                                    Learn your local laws, store your gun safely, and train regularly. This guide lays out foundational tools, simple drills, and common-sense rules that help responsible carriers act with care and calm.                                                                    Read on to build skill, reduce risk, and gain confidence when you carry.                                                                                 Take Training Seriously                                              One of the biggest mistakes people make when getting their concealed carry permit is assuming that the basic certification is enough.                                  Unfortunately, many concealed carry classes barely scratch the surface of what it takes to responsibly handle a firearm in real-world situations. Just because you passed the class doesn’t mean you’re ready to carry.                                                                                 Start Slow, Build Confidence                                              It’s easy to watch experienced shooters hit targets from 25 yards out and feel like you need to do the same. But starting at longer distances can be discouraging, especially for new shooters.                                  Instead, begin your practice sessions up close, around five yards, and work your way back as your confidence builds. The goal is to establish good shooting habits and accuracy before adding in the stress of longer distances or rapid-fire drills.                                                                                 Real-World Drills                                              In a self-defense scenario, you’re unlikely to be standing still with a perfect sight picture. That’s why it’s essential to incorporate movement into your training. Practice moving backward, side to side, or even retreating while firing.                                  These real-world drills mimic situations where you might need to defend yourself while on the move. By practicing these techniques, you’ll build muscle memory, so you’re prepared to act quickly and efficiently when under stress.                                                                                 Training Is Non-Negotiable                                              The most important takeaway from carrying a concealed weapon is that your rights come with responsibilities. Simply owning a gun and carrying it isn’t enough – you must commit to regular, meaningful training.                                                                    Whether it’s live fire at the range, dry fire at home, or studying real-world scenarios, being a protector means being ready for anything. Take the time to train, because when the moment comes, there won’t be time for second chances.
 
  

GOA Wins Permanent Injunction Against Virginia “Universal” Background Checks                                                                  Mark Chesnut                                                                         On October 16, Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced that it, along with the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) and Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL), had secured a permanent injunction against the commonwealth’s law mandating so-called “universal” background checks.                                                              “The statute as it stands, cannot remain intact,” the injunction filing stated. “If the legislature wishes to rewrite the law to create a system that does not impose disparate treatment based on age, it may do so. At that time, a court might rightly address the question of whether it is constitutional to require a background check to obtain a handgun through a private sale. Now is not that time.”                                                              The ruling made clear, however, that it wasn’t ruling on the constitutionality of lack thereof of background checks themselves.                                                              “Let it be clear, the Court today is not holding that background checks are unconstitutional,” the ruling concluded. “That is a question for another day, perhaps another court. Today, the Court holds that the manner in which Virginia Code Section 18.2-308.2:5 is applied cannot pass constitutional scrutiny. If the Court were to merely hold the Act unconstitutional as-applied and simply sever those 18 to 20 years of age, the Court would be ignoring the constitutional deficiencies in the enforcement of the Act. After applying the Ayotte framework, the Court finds that it is left with one option at this time—that is, to strike the statute in its entirety for the reasons set forth herein.                                                              The long-running lawsuit was filed way back in 2020, proving once again that finding justice can be a very slow process. But the win also proves that dogged tenacity in pursuing right is often rewarded handsomely.
 
  

SAF Lawsuit Challenges Unwarranted Search Of High School Senior’s Truck                                                                                                                        Mark Chesnut                                                                         Just because a person is known to be a gun owner doesn’t mean that authorities can search his or her vehicle at a whim without regard to Fourth Amendment protections.                                                              Most of us would agree with that statement simply out of respect for the U.S. Constitution. And, in fact, that’s the very argument the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is making in a court battle just launched in Washington State.                                                              As background, 18-year-old Hillsboro-Deering High School senior Jack Harrington lawfully owns a handgun and sometimes keeps it in his truck in full compliance with all federal and state laws. However, he always removes the gun when he drives his truck to school.                                                              According to an SAF news release, when school authorities became aware of Harrington’s gun ownership on April 24, he was subjected to aggressive interrogation by district employees, which culminated in his vehicle being searched without consent. The school had no reason to believe Harrington brought his firearm to school, and no firearm was found during the invasive and unconstitutional search.                                                              Bill Sack, SAF director of legal operations, said that being public about exercising your private rights cannot be grounds for being harassed and searched on campus.                                                              “The apparent position of the school district here is ‘choose to exercise one right, give away another,’” Sack said. “That’s just not how it works. If simply being a gun owner is legal justification to be harassed and searched by authorities, what would stop them from submitting gun owners like Jack to searches every day? And what’s their proposed solution to avoid that abuse, that he sells his privately owned firearm?”
 
  


 
  
 









