Analysis & Education
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Legal Update
The Supreme Court's AR-15 Ban Case: What's at Stake and When
The Supreme Court will hear argument on December 2, 2026, in two consolidated challenges to bans on AR-15-style rifles. Here is what the Court agreed to decide, which laws could be affected, the legal test it will apply, and what stays the same while the case is pending.
9 min read · 2026-10-19
Buying Guides
Can You Buy a Gun as a Gift? Straw Purchases, Form 4473, and the Rules That Trip People Up
Federal law allows you to buy a firearm as a genuine gift, but the line between a gift and a straw purchase is narrower than many buyers think. Here is how Form 4473 question 21.a works, what Abramski and the 2022 straw-purchasing law mean, and how age, residence, and state law change the answer.
9 min read · 2026-10-19
Legal Update
Can 18- to 20-Year-Olds Buy a Handgun in 2026? The Federal Rule, the Courts, and DOJ's New Position
Federal law still bars dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21, but DOJ now says it will not prosecute dealers for those sales. Here is where the courts, the Supreme Court, ATF, and state law stand as of October 2026.
10 min read · 2026-10-12
Legal Update
After Wolford: Can You Carry Into a Store, Restaurant, or Gas Station?
The Supreme Court struck down Hawaii's rule that barred permit holders from carrying on private property open to the public unless the owner said yes. Here's what Wolford v. Lopez changed, what it left alone, and how 'no guns' signs work in practice.
8 min read · 2026-10-05
Legal Update
Can You Own a Gun If You Use Marijuana? What Hemani Changed — and What It Didn't
The Supreme Court ruled that the federal gun ban couldn't be applied to one regular marijuana user who wasn't shown to be dangerous. It did not strike down the law, and Form 4473 still asks the question. Here's where things stand.
9 min read · 2026-10-05
Buying Guides
Interstate Firearm Purchases: What the FFL Transfer Actually Requires in 2026
You found the rifle you want on a website based in another state. Federal law and your state's law both have something to say about how that firearm actually gets into your hands. Here is how the FFL transfer process works, what varies state to state in 2026, and where the newest changes have landed.
9 min read · 2026-09-28
State Laws
State Storage Laws That Trigger Liability: What Changed for Firearm Owners in 2026
California's SB 53 took effect January 1, 2026, requiring every firearm in every California home to be locked whenever not being carried or under direct control — regardless of whether children are present. Virginia and Illinois enacted parallel expansions. Here is what changed, what the penalties actually are, and where the strictest rules now apply.
17 min read · 2026-09-28
State Laws
Bump Stocks and Forced Reset Triggers After Cargill: What's Actually Legal in 2026
The Supreme Court decided Cargill in June 2024. The ATF formally revised its bump stock rule in May 2026. The DOJ settled with Rare Breed Triggers in 2025, ending federal enforcement against forced reset triggers. Here is what all of that actually means for what you can buy, own, and use in 2026 — and the state-level bans that still apply regardless.
9 min read · 2026-09-28
State Laws
Private-Party Firearm Sales: The State Law Overlay Federal Law Doesn't Cover
Federal law is simple; state law is where private-party sales get sellers and buyers in trouble. A state-by-state 2026 guide covering universal-background-check states, permit-to-purchase states, prohibited-person federal liability, and the interstate transfer wall.
9 min read · 2026-09-21
State Laws
Suppressor Ownership by State After OBBBA: The 2026 Landscape
OBBBA changed federal suppressor law. It did nothing to state prohibitions. 8 states plus DC prohibit civilian ownership; 42 states permit it under NFA process. A 2026 guide to the state layer OBBBA doesn't reach.
8 min read · 2026-09-21
Legal Guides
Self-Defense Insurance in 2026: What These Policies Actually Cover
USCCA, US Law Shield, CCW Safe, Right to Bear — a framework for comparing what any self-defense insurance policy actually delivers versus what its marketing promises. Four things every policy either does or doesn't.
12 min read · 2026-09-21
Legal Guides
How to Inherit a Firearm Legally: A 2026 Guide for Executors and Beneficiaries
Federal law permits direct interstate inheritance without an FFL — but state law often requires one, and NFA items follow their own six-to-twelve-month Form 5 process. A plain-language guide to the estate transfer rules that keep executors and heirs on the right side of the law.
9 min read · 2026-09-14
Buying Guides
How to Find a Good Gunsmith (And Avoid the Backyard Ones)
What actually requires a gunsmith versus what you can do yourself, the FFL question most owners misunderstand, seven questions to ask before handing over a firearm, and the red flags that end the conversation.
9 min read · 2026-09-14
State Laws
Magazine Capacity Limits by State: A 2026 Guide for Travelers, Movers, and Owners
Twelve states plus DC restrict magazine capacity — and federal safe-passage law protects less than most travelers think. A state-by-state 2026 breakdown of restrictions, grandfathering rules, and the transport traps that turn legal magazines into felony contraband at the state line.
9 min read · 2026-09-14
Legal Update
The Federal Firearms Rights Restoration Program: What You Need to Know Before September 26
The DOJ is launching a new program to restore firearms rights for eligible individuals. Applications open September 26. Here's how it works.
4 min read · 2026-09-08
Industry Data
The 2026 National Firearms Survey: What 88 Million Gun Owners Look Like
A new Georgetown University survey finds 32.7% of American adults own firearms — and the demographics are more diverse than most people assume.
4 min read · 2026-09-08
State Laws
Virginia's Semi-Auto Sales Ban: What It Covers and Where It Stands
Virginia's ban on the sale of certain semi-automatic firearms was scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, but a statewide state-court injunction has blocked its enforcement since July 21, 2026. Here's what the law covers, what is exempt, and where the litigation stands.
4 min read · 2026-09-08
Legal Update
The NFA Ruling and ATF's October 2026 Guidance: What Changed for Suppressors, SBRs, and SBSs
A Texas federal court struck down NFA registration for $0-tax items in August. On October 9, ATF said it will stop enforcing approval and registration for suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs nationwide. Here is what changed, what did not, and what could change back.
12 min read · 2026-08-25
State Laws
Colorado's New Permit-to-Purchase for Semi-Automatic Firearms: What Buyers Need to Know
Colorado's SB25-003 requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to purchase most semi-automatic firearms starting August 1, 2026. Here's how it works.
3 min read · 2026-08-25
Legal Update
USPS Handgun Shipping: What the DOJ's Reversal Means for Gun Owners
The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has concluded that the decades-old ban on shipping handguns through USPS is unconstitutional. Here's what that means in practice.
4 min read · 2026-08-25
Gun Laws
Colorado Gun Laws 2026: The New Semi-Automatic Purchase Requirements Explained
Starting August 1, 2026, Colorado requires a Firearms Safety Course Eligibility Card to purchase covered semi-automatic firearms. Here's what that means in practice.
7 min read · 2026-08-09
Concealed Carry
Concealed Carry Reciprocity: How to Legally Carry Across State Lines
Your home state's permit works in some states and not others. Non-recognition can mean felony charges. Here's how reciprocity works and how to verify before you travel.
7 min read · 2026-08-09
Training
How to Choose a Firearms Instructor: Credentials, Red Flags, and What to Ask
Instructor credentials vary widely. NRA, USCCA, and Rangemaster certifications each mean different things. Here's how to evaluate a firearms instructor before you sign up.
7 min read · 2026-08-09
Gun Laws
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground: What They Mean and How They Differ
Castle doctrine removes your duty to retreat in your home. Stand your ground goes further. Both still require a reasonable belief of imminent death or serious bodily harm.
7 min read · 2026-08-09
Buying Your First Firearm
Buying a Gun at a Gun Show: What's Different and What You Need to Know
The "gun show loophole" is a misleading label. Licensed dealers must run background checks regardless of venue. Here's what's actually different about buying at a gun show.
6 min read · 2026-08-09
Buying Your First Firearm
Women and Firearms: A Practical Buying and Carry Guide
Ergonomics matter more than marketing. The "best gun for women" is the one that fits your hand and that you'll train with. Here's the practical framework.
7 min read · 2026-08-09
Gun Laws
Red Flag Laws (ERPOs): What They Are, How They Work, and What Gun Owners Need to Know
About 21 states plus DC have enacted Extreme Risk Protection Orders. Gun owners who want to understand the law they're operating under need to know how these orders work and what the due process structure looks like.
7 min read · 2026-07-14
Gun Laws
Firearm Waiting Periods: What They Are, Which States Have Them, and Why
Waiting periods impose a mandatory delay between purchase and possession — separate from the NICS background check process. Here's what buyers need to know about state waiting period laws as of mid-2026.
6 min read · 2026-07-14
Gun Laws
CCW Reciprocity: Which States Honor Your Carry Permit
If you have a concealed carry permit from your home state, you may be able to carry in other states through reciprocity — but the rules vary by state and change over time. Carrying without valid reciprocity can be a felony.
7 min read · 2026-07-14
Gun Laws
Suppressors After the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What Changed
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the federal regulatory treatment of suppressors for certain individuals. Here's what actually changed, who it affects, and what remains the same.
9 min read · 2026-07-07
Buying Guides
Choosing Your First Rifle: AR-15 vs. Bolt-Action vs. Lever-Action
The right first rifle depends on what you actually intend to do with it. A rifle that excels for home defense may be a poor fit for hunting, and vice versa. An honest comparison of the three platforms most first-time buyers consider.
9 min read · 2026-06-30
Gear & Accessories
Trigger Upgrades: What's Worth It and What's Marketing
The aftermarket trigger industry is enormous and enthusiastically marketed. Here's a grounded look at what triggers actually do, what upgrading them can and can't achieve, and how to assess whether an upgrade makes sense for your specific situation.
9 min read · 2026-06-30
Maintenance
How Often Does Your Firearm Need Cleaning? A Realistic Guide by Type
The answer varies significantly by platform, use, and ammunition — and both extremes create their own problems. A platform-by-platform guide to practical cleaning intervals.
8 min read · 2026-06-30
Hunting
Reading a Ballistics Chart: A Practical Guide for Hunters
A ballistics chart tells you where your bullet will be at various distances relative to where you're aiming. Understanding it is the difference between a clean harvest at 250 yards and a wounded animal at 200.
8 min read · 2026-06-30
Travel & Transport
Flying with Firearms: TSA Rules, Airline Policies, and What Can Go Wrong
TSA intercepted 6,678 firearms at checkpoints in 2024. Flying with a gun is legal — but the rules are exact, and the penalties for getting them wrong start at $1,500 and go up from there.
12 min read · 2026-06-09
Legal Definitions
What "Brandishing a Firearm" Actually Means—and Why It Can Be a Felony
Only five states use the term 'brandishing' in their statutes, but nearly every jurisdiction criminalizes displaying a firearm in a threatening manner. Understand the legal definitions, penalties, and when defensive display crosses the line.
14 min read · 2026-05-26
Carry Laws
Open Carry vs Concealed Carry: Where Each Is Legal
47 states permit some form of open carry, but carrying a visible firearm across a state line without knowing the rules can mean criminal charges. Understand the three categories of open carry states and concealed carry requirements.
11 min read · 2026-05-26
State Laws
Stand Your Ground vs Duty to Retreat: Where Each Law Applies
Stand-your-ground laws and duty-to-retreat rules govern when self-defense use of force is legally justified. The distinction matters in court and varies by state.
8 min read · 2026-04-27
Buying Guides
First Handgun: Caliber, Capacity, and What Actually Matters
The frameworks that matter when buying a first handgun — and the conventional wisdom that doesn't. How to think about caliber, capacity, frame size, and fit.
8 min read · 2026-04-27
State Laws
States That Don't Honor Concealed Carry Permits: What the Reciprocity Maps Won't Tell You
Seven states and DC don't recognize any out-of-state CCW permit — and several of them actively prosecute visiting permit holders. Plus the partial-recognition traps that catch travelers who thought their permit was covered.
8 min read · 2026-04-20
Buying Guides
What to Ask When Buying Your First Handgun: 7 Questions the Pushy Dealers Hate
Seven questions that separate a fair transaction from a padded one — out-the-door pricing, what's actually included with the firearm, bundled holsters, aftermarket upsells, and the training recommendation that tells you everything.
9 min read · 2026-04-20
State Laws
Constitutional Carry States 2026: Which Ones Actually Let Visitors Carry Without a Permit
Twenty-nine states now have permitless carry — but several limit it to residents only. A 2026 guide to which constitutional carry states apply to non-resident visitors, the age and prohibited-person requirements, and the location restrictions that still apply.
8 min read · 2026-04-20
Hunting
Hunter Safety Essentials: The Habits That Keep You and Everyone Else Alive in the Field
Hunter education courses cover the rules. This is the field-tested layer underneath them — the habits, decisions, and judgment calls that prevent the incidents that still happen every season.
11 min read · 2026-04-06
Hunting
How to Plan Your First Hunt: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Hunters
Everything that has to happen between deciding you want to hunt and actually being in the field on opening day — in the order it needs to happen.
9 min read · 2026-04-06
Hunting
Hunting Etiquette and Ethics: The Unwritten Rules That Make You Welcome in the Field
The legal rules tell you what you can do. Hunting etiquette tells you what you should do — and following it is what separates the hunters everyone wants in camp from the ones nobody invites back.
8 min read · 2026-04-06
Hunting
Hunting Licenses in 2025–2026: What You Need, What It Costs, and How Draws Work
Every state handles hunting licenses differently — resident vs. non-resident, tags vs. permits, drawings vs. over-the-counter. Here's a practical guide to how it all works.
8 min read · 2026-03-31
Hunting
Public Land Hunting: How to Find Accessible Hunting Land in Your State
You don't need to own property or pay for a lease to hunt. Millions of acres of public land are open to hunters — if you know where to look and how the system works.
7 min read · 2026-03-31
State Laws
Constitutional Carry in 2026: Which States and What It Means
Twenty-nine states now allow permitless concealed carry. Here is what constitutional carry means in practice, which states have it, and what you still need to know.
7 min read · 2026-03-20
Constitutional Law
The Second Amendment After Bruen: What Changed and What It Means for Gun Owners
The 2022 Supreme Court decision in Bruen fundamentally changed how courts evaluate gun laws. Here is what the ruling means in plain language.
8 min read · 2026-03-18
Education
First-Time Gun Buyer: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Purchase
Buying your first firearm is a significant decision. Here is a straightforward guide covering what to consider, what the process looks like, and how to start responsibly.
9 min read · 2026-03-15