The fight against federal overreach just got a boost. Senator Roger Marshall has reintroduced the “Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today” (SHORT) Act—legislation that could finally tear down one of the oldest, most absurd gun control relics on the books: the National Firearms Act’s regulation of short-barreled rifles (SBRs), shotguns, and “any other weapons” (AOWs).
If passed, the SHORT Act would strip SBRs and similar firearms from the NFA’s draconian grip, eliminate the ridiculous $200 tax stamp, end forced registration, and—get this—require the ATF to destroy all records related to these guns. Yes, really. Delete the registry. Burn the red tape.
This isn’t just regulatory housekeeping—it’s a full-on sledgehammer to the bureaucratic abuse that exploded under Biden’s ATF.
Table of contents
Killing the Pistol Brace Rule for Good
The bill is a direct response to the ATF’s now-infamous brace rule, which claimed millions of Americans were suddenly in possession of illegal SBRs. The agency gave gun owners a few options: disassemble their guns, register them with the government, or become criminals. Senator Marshall’s bill would end this madness and make sure no such rules can ever be revived.
“‘Shall not be infringed’ is crystal clear,” said Marshall. “And the Biden-era abuses of the Constitutionally protected rights of gun owners across the country need to be undone”
Congressman Andrew Clyde is leading the charge in the House, with backing from heavy-hitters like Gun Owners of America and the National Association for Gun Rights.
What’s Actually in the Bill?
- Removes SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs from the NFA definition of “firearm.”
- Kills the $200 tax and red tape for transfers.
- Strikes federal authority to require registration or licensing of these items.
- Nullifies any state-level special taxes or mandates on them.
- Forces the ATF to destroy all current records tied to pistol brace-equipped guns.
In short, it unchains gun owners from laws written nearly a century ago to regulate mobsters—and now used against everyday Americans.
Support from the Pro-2A Ranks
GOA and NAGR are cheering the bill, calling it a necessary step to stop further ATF abuse and reclaim Second Amendment freedoms.
“The SHORT Act is a long overdue step toward restoring the rights of Americans, freeing gun owners from the burdensome and outdated regulations of the National Firearms Act,” said Hunter King of NAGR.
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Senators from firearm-friendly states have lined up to support the bill, from Lummis (WY) to Ricketts (NE), each citing the need to protect citizens—not punish them for owning a perfectly legal piece of equipment.
As Senator Tuberville put it: “Every American has a right to bear arms to protect themselves and their families. I’m proud to join legislation that cuts red tape and protects law-abiding gun-owners.”
What Happens Next?
With growing support in both chambers and renewed public outrage over ATF power grabs, the SHORT Act has a shot. But it’ll take public pressure and a Congress that’s willing to finally say enough is enough.
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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.
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Trump needs to get the 1934 National Firearms Act repealed, the 1968 Gun Control Act repealed, and abolish the ATF.
That would be a great start to getting back our Second Amendment rights.
The SBR portion of NFA was passed in anticipation of handguns being regulated as NFA items and the intent was to prevent “getting around” handgun regs by sawing off rifle and shotgun barrels. Since handguns were excluded from NFA, the retention of the SBR/SBS clause never made any sense.
Time for it to go…..
The SHORT Act might stand a chance of passage if Congressional leadership incorporates this tax legislation into a budget-reconciliation measure which, according to Congressional procedural rules, could escape the filibuster. Yes? No? Any tax lobbyists out there?
Let’s hope it passes.
i’m sure copies of the paperwork are in the natl archives and bidens garage