Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
If you’ve been around this space for a while, you’ve heard it before:
“We’re not coming for your guns.”
According to William Kirk, Rhode Island might be proving exactly why a lot of gun owners never bought that line in the first place.
In a recent breakdown, Kirk points to a new bill—H. 8073—that could dramatically change the state’s existing “assault weapon” law with just one added word.
And that word? “Possess.” That might sound small, but the impact is anything but.
When Rhode Island passed its original ban back in 2025, lawmakers emphasized that it only applied to the sale, transfer, and manufacture of certain firearms. Existing owners were told they could keep what they already had.
No confiscation. No forced turn-ins. Fast forward to now.
If this new bill passes, it would make it illegal not just to sell or transfer those firearms but to possess them at all moving forward. And it doesn’t stop there.
The proposal also sets a deadline, meaning otherwise lawful gun owners would be required to get rid of their firearms, either by selling them out of state or transferring them through legal channels.
SEE ALSO: Rhode Island’s ‘Grandfathered’ Gun Owners Just Got a Wake-Up Call
No compensation required. Just a clock. And if someone decides not to comply? Kirk points out the penalties could be severe: up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for violations.
That raises the obvious question: What happens if people don’t give them up? The bill itself doesn’t spell it out. But as Kirk notes, once possession is banned, enforcement becomes the next issue and that’s where things could get messy.
This isn’t law yet. The bill is still moving through the legislative process, with hearings underway.
But the bigger takeaway, according to Kirk, isn’t just Rhode Island. It’s the pattern. Start with banning sales. Promise existing owners they’re safe. Then come back later and change the rules.
“All it takes is one word,” Kirk explains and suddenly everything looks very different.
For now, Rhode Island gun owners still have time to weigh in.
But if this moves forward, it could turn what was once framed as a limited restriction into something much broader and much more serious.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
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– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
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The far leftist democrats in Rhode Island want to ban and confiscate all semi auto firearms.
How soon after that, will these power crazed, democrats be putting restrictions on lever action rifles, bolt action rifles and pump shotguns?
Support and protect your right to keep and own all types of firearms, high capacity magazines, ammo and accessories.
Never, ever turn your guns over to some government officials.
Little Rhodey is going to end up like NYC. The libdopes want to take the constitution and trample on it but are the first to whine about the POTUS ignoring it. RI has to vote the treasonous politicians out – turn RI Red!
This new law may possibly be the dumbest decision ever. There are undoubtedly some folks who are at a stage of life where 10 years in prison would amount to a life sentence (or a death sentence). Do these government folks really want to go after people who did not choose to be criminals, but were made into criminals by the state, and who probably feel they have noting left to lose by sorting things at their own front door? Glad I don’t live in that Marxist craphole. Not threatening violence here, as I don’t have a dog in this particular fight, just stating factual reality. If governments keep pushing, the law of averages indicates that eventually, someone will inevitably push back. SCOTUS needs to get off their bench-sides and step in before these laws cause one or more state governments to cross a line that can’t be uncrossed.
Time for Citizens, the highest beings in the land, to whom ALL others answer to, to confiscate oxygen from so-caIIed judges.
When will the SCOTUS start enforcing their decisions protecting gun rights. They seem to make these rulings with no intention of backing them up.
If it’s a Democrat saying anything about taking your guns, they want them. They don’t care how they have to do it but that is the bottom line. The only real defense is to be prepared for the inevitable.
Yes, call your congress critters. Yes, get out and vote. Just be prepared for negative outcomes. You may need to move to a new state that is more aligned with your beliefs. I hope we can resolve this entire 2nd Amendment without negative outcomes but I ain’t holding my breath.
I’m keeping my gun but you can have all the bullets you want!
“no one wants to take away your guns” -endless refrain of the lying left