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Fort Worth, TX – In a recent decision, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas has ruled against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in a significant case regarding firearm regulations.
The case, filed by the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) and other plaintiffs, challenged the ATF’s classification of Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs) as “machineguns.”
Table of contents
Background
The case arose after the ATF redefined machineguns in a 2018 regulation, broadening the definition to include devices like bump stocks and FRTs.
FRTs enable a semi-automatic weapon to fire more rapidly by resetting the trigger faster than a standard trigger.
The ATF’s reclassification made it illegal to possess or transfer these devices, prompting legal challenges from firearm rights organizations and individuals.
Key Findings
The court concluded that the ATF overstepped its statutory authority granted by Congress. The ruling highlighted several critical points:
- Agency Overreach: The ATF’s broadened definition of machineguns went beyond the authority granted by Congress under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968.
- Lack of Public Input: The court noted that the ATF’s reclassification process lacked a public comment period, which is a critical component of transparent regulatory actions.
- Forced Reset Triggers: The court examined the mechanical operation of FRTs, concluding that they do not meet the statutory definition of a machinegun as they do not allow a firearm to shoot automatically more than one shot with a single function of the trigger.
Implications for Plaintiffs
The ruling is a significant victory for the plaintiffs, including NAGR and individual gun owners.
The court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs, meaning they are no longer subject to the ATF’s reclassification of FRTs as machineguns.
This decision also sets a precedent that may impact other similar cases and the future regulatory actions of the ATF.
Response from Gun Rights Organizations
SUMMARY JUDGMENT!!! We just won summary judgment striking down the ATF’s forced reset trigger ban in a scathing 64-page ruling. I’ll drop some highlights below as I go thought it. This is a huge win!!! pic.twitter.com/Z2CwWky1KQ
— Hannah Hill (@hannahhill_sc) July 24, 2024
NAGR celebrated the ruling, stating it was a win for gun rights and individual freedoms.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the court has dealt such a decisive blow to the ATF’s unconstitutional agency overreach,” said NAGR Exec. Director Hannah Hill. “The ATF under the Biden/Harris regime has utterly trampled the Constitution and the rule of law in their eagerness to destroy the Second Amendment. “
“The ATF may appeal this ruling, but precedent and momentum are both on our side, and we fully anticipate the absolute end of the ATF’s unlawful, unconstitutional ban on forced reset triggers,” she added.
Future Actions
The ATF and other government defendants have the option to appeal the decision.
Legal experts anticipate that this case may eventually reach higher courts, potentially even the Supreme Court, given its significant implications for firearm regulations and administrative law.
Conclusion
For now, FRTs are no longer classified as machineguns. It’s a big win for the 2A community and Rare Breed Triggers.
As always, stay tuned for updates.
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Hannah could use some spell check and Grammarly………thought…through.