Tag: Second Amendment Foundation

  • SAF Secures Victory Striking Down Key Parts of New York Sensitive Places Carry Ban

    SAF Secures Victory Striking Down Key Parts of New York Sensitive Places Carry Ban

    In a landmark decision that strengthens the rights of law-abiding gun owners across New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals has delivered a major win for constitutional carry. The ruling, handed down on May 18, 2026, strikes down critical portions of the state’s overly broad “sensitive places” restrictions that had effectively turned much of the private property open to the public into no-go zones for permitted carriers.

    This victory, secured by the Second Amendment Foundation along with dedicated partners, directly challenges the post-Bruen landscape where anti-gun lawmakers rushed to impose sweeping limitations on where licensed individuals could exercise their fundamental right to bear arms. By invalidating the prohibition on carry at private businesses and properties accessible to the public, the court has restored common-sense protections that align with the Supreme Court’s clear directive in Bruen. Gun owners no longer face the absurd prospect of becoming instant criminals simply for stepping onto a shopping center parking lot or a privately owned park with their lawfully carried firearm.

    Second Circuit judges delivering a pro-Second Amendment ruling in a historic courtroom setting

    While the decision upholds restrictions in public parks, it sends a powerful message that governments cannot arbitrarily designate vast swaths of everyday life as off-limits without meeting strict constitutional scrutiny. This balanced outcome underscores the ongoing fight to protect carry rights without compromising public safety, and it sets a precedent that will likely influence similar challenges nationwide.

    For New York permit holders who have navigated the state’s complex licensing system, this ruling represents real progress. It affirms that the right to self-defense does not vanish the moment you leave your home or enter spaces where the public is routinely invited. As legal experts review the full opinion, Second Amendment advocates are already preparing for the next steps to expand these freedoms even further. The momentum from this case reminds us that persistent, principled legal action continues to chip away at unconstitutional barriers—one victory at a time.

    Join the Fight - Second Amendment Foundation

    References

  • What Do Vampires and the Founding Fathers Have in Common?

    What Do Vampires and the Founding Fathers Have in Common?

    GunStuff TV is proud to bring you another must-watch episode featuring Kostas Moros, Director of Legal Research and Education for the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). In this timely discussion, originally aired on June 25, 2026, Kostas breaks down two major recent Supreme Court rulings that reinforce our constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

    The “Vampire Rule” and Founding-Era Wisdom

    The episode title cleverly nods to a key theme in one of the cases: the idea that certain restrictions on gun rights only apply under very narrow, extreme conditions — much like how vampires are only vulnerable under specific circumstances (sunlight, stakes, etc.). The Founding Fathers understood self-defense as a fundamental right, and modern courts are increasingly aligning with that original understanding.

    Key Cases Discussed

    1. United States v. Hemani (Decided June 18, 2026) In a unanimous 9-0 decision authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Supreme Court held that the federal ban on firearm possession by “unlawful users” of controlled substances (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3)) is unconstitutional as applied to someone like Ali Hemani — a marijuana user who was not actively intoxicated or demonstrating dangerousness at the time of possession.

    • The Court emphasized that historical analogues for disarmament were limited to those whose habitual, extreme intoxicant use rendered them incapacitated or a clear danger.
    • This ruling protects law-abiding citizens who use substances like marijuana (legal in many states) from automatic federal disarmament without proof of contemporaneous impairment.
    • Concurring opinions reinforced the limits of such categorical bans under the Second Amendment.

    2. Wolford v. Lopez This case challenges Hawaii’s restrictions on concealed carry, particularly the requirement for express permission from property owners to carry on private property open to the public (e.g., stores, restaurants). The decision addresses whether such laws impermissibly burden the right to bear arms in public spaces consistent with historical traditions.

    Kostas provides expert insight into the arguments, historical context, and implications for gun owners nationwide, especially in light of Bruen’s history-and-tradition test.

    Why This Matters for Gun Owners

    These rulings represent significant wins for the Second Amendment:

    • They push back against overly broad, categorical restrictions.
    • They affirm that the right to keep and bear arms isn’t a “second-class right.”
    • They provide clarity and stronger legal footing for challenges to similar laws across the country.

    Kostas Moros, with his deep experience litigating 2A cases and authoring amicus briefs, delivers clear, actionable analysis that every shooter, concealed carrier, and 2A supporter should hear.

    Watch the Full Episode

    Head over to our Vimeo page to watch the complete interview: What Do Vampires and the Founding Fathers Have in Common?

    Don’t miss future episodes of GunStuff TV — your premier source for shooting sports, Second Amendment news, events, and expert commentary. Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and check the GunStuff TV Events Calendar for competitions and training near you.

    What are your thoughts on these SCOTUS decisions? Drop a comment below or join the conversation on our social channels. Stay armed with knowledge — and stay safe out there!

    GunStuff TV — America’s #1 Destination for Shooting Sports and 2A Insights.

  • Guns.com Partners with Smith & Wesson and Second Amendment Foundation for Pro-2A Benefit Auction

    Guns.com Partners with Smith & Wesson and Second Amendment Foundation for Pro-2A Benefit Auction

    In a powerhouse move for Second Amendment supporters, Guns.com has teamed up with legendary firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson and the steadfast Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) for an exclusive benefit auction. This isn’t just any auction—it’s a battle cry for our rights, with every bid directly fueling SAF’s relentless legal fights against the gun-grabbers chipping away at our constitutional protections.

    Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911 custom pistol featured in the pro-2A benefit auction
    Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911 custom pistol featured in the pro-2A benefit auction (via saf.org)

    The Firepower on the Block

    Guns.com is pulling out all the stops with a lineup of premium Smith & Wesson firearms that any 2A enthusiast would drool over. Highlights include:

    • A stunning Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911 in .45 ACP, tricked out with custom engraving and premium finishes—perfect for range days or display.
    • The iconic M&P 2.0 Metal pistol, blending modern ergonomics with old-school reliability.
    • A limited-edition Model 686 revolver in .357 Magnum, a nod to S&W’s storied revolver heritage.
    • And more surprises dropping throughout the auction—stay tuned!

    Bidding is live now on Guns.com’s auction platform, with no reserve on select items. Whether you’re hunting for your next carry gun or want to own a piece of history, this is your chance to score elite gear while striking a blow for freedom.

    Second Amendment Foundation team celebrating a court victory for gun rights
    Second Amendment Foundation team celebrating a court victory for gun rights (via breitbart.com)

    Why This Auction Matters Now More Than Ever

    Let’s face it: anti-2A forces are in overdrive. From Biden’s ATF rule blitz to state-level mag bans and assault weapon restrictions, our rights are under siege. That’s where SAF steps in—like legal gladiators in the arena. They’ve racked up win after win, from the landmark New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision to ongoing battles dismantling “may-issue” permitting schemes.

    “This partnership with Guns.com and Smith & Wesson is a game-changer,” said SAF Executive Director Alan Gottlieb. “Every dollar raised arms us to protect the right to keep and bear arms for all law-abiding Americans.”

    Smith & Wesson echoes the sentiment: “We’re proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with SAF and the 2A community. Our firearms aren’t just tools—they’re symbols of liberty.”

    Get In the Fight—Bid Today!

    Head over to Guns.com’s auction page right now to place your bids. Shipping is handled seamlessly nationwide (where legal, of course), and 100% of proceeds go straight to SAF’s war chest. Can’t bid? Share this with your shooting buddies, donate directly to SAF, or grab some S&W swag to show your support.

    This auction isn’t just about owning great guns—it’s about owning your rights. Let’s make it rain bids for the Second Amendment. Who’s in?

    Collage of Smith & Wesson firearms and SAF branding from the Guns.com benefit auction

    Join the Fight - Second Amendment Foundation

    References

  • SAF Files Motion for Summary Judgment Challenging ATF’s Frame and Receiver Rule on ‘Ghost Guns’

    SAF Files Motion for Summary Judgment Challenging ATF’s Frame and Receiver Rule on ‘Ghost Guns’

    Big news for Second Amendment defenders: the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Defense Distributed just dropped a bombshell motion for summary judgment in the pivotal case Defense Distributed v. Blanche (previously known as VanDerStok v. Garland). Filed on April 27, 2026, this motion strikes at the heart of the ATF’s overreaching 2022 Frame and Receiver Rule, which absurdly tries to redefine “firearms” to include unfinished frames, receivers, and even precursor parts. It’s time to shut down this bureaucratic assault on our right to build our own guns.

    Legal documents from SAF motion for summary judgment challenging ATF ghost gun rule, featuring gavel and unfinished AR-15 lower receiver

    What’s the ATF Up To? A Rule Born of Fearmongering

    Back in 2022, under the Biden administration’s anti-gun frenzy, the ATF issued its Frame and Receiver Rule. This gem of regulatory creativity expanded the definition of a “firearm” under the Gun Control Act (GCA) to snag unfinished parts—think 80% lowers, milled receivers, and basic kits that hobbyists use to exercise their God-given right to self-manufacture. The agency claimed these “ghost guns” (their scary buzzword for privately made firearms) were a public safety crisis. Reality check: criminals don’t follow rules, and law-abiding Americans building personal defense tools at home aren’t the problem.

    The rule doesn’t just redefine terms; it creates a nightmare of compliance. Suddenly, selling a partially drilled block of aluminum could land you in felony territory. SAF and Defense Distributed argue—and rightfully so—that this violates the GCA by regulating items that aren’t firearms at all. Unfinished parts aren’t ready-to-fire weapons; they’re raw materials protected by centuries of American tradition.

    Violations Galore: GCA, APA, and the Second Amendment

    The motion lays out a airtight case:

    • GCA Overreach: The Gun Control Act defines firearms as complete, operable weapons. Unfinished frames and receivers? Not even close. ATF’s expansion is pure fiction, turning hobbyists into felons overnight.
    • APA Failures: The Administrative Procedure Act demands clear, reasoned rules. This one? A confusing mess that deters private manufacturing without justification. It’s arbitrary, capricious, and ripe for invalidation.
    • Second Amendment Sanctuary: Private firearm making is as American as apple pie and the Minutemen. From colonial gunsmiths to modern 3D printers, it’s a core right affirmed by Bruen and historical precedent. ATF can’t erase that with a stroke of the pen.

    Courts have already pushed back. The Fifth Circuit remanded the case, and the Supreme Court vacated and remanded for further review. Now, with this motion, SAF is gunning for a knockout blow—summary judgment to kill the rule dead.

    Close-up of an 80% AR-15 lower receiver being milled into a functional firearm frame, symbolizing private manufacturing rights

    Why This Matters to Every Gun Owner

    If the ATF wins, say goodbye to home builds, 80% projects, and even selling drill presses without a license. It’s a slippery slope to total control: next up, your CNC machine or 3D printer files. But victory here means freedom—restoring the right to privately make firearms without Big Brother’s permission slip.

    SAF’s Alan Gottlieb nailed it: “The ATF has no authority to redefine firearms.” Defense Distributed’s Cody Wilson, the pioneer of digital gun files, has been fighting this fight from the start. Together, they’re our frontline warriors.

    Stay in the Fight

    Support SAF at saf.org and keep building. The tide is turning against ATF tyranny. Watch this case closely—summary judgment could dismantle the ghost gun rule for good, handing 2A a massive win. What’s your take? Drop a comment below and share this post to spread the word.

    Stay armed, stay free.

    Join the Fight

    References