2A / NFA
ATF News

On August 5, 2026, a federal court in Texas issued a significant ruling related to NFA enforcement. The decision addressed the federal government's authority to regulate certain NFA items under the Commerce Clause.

This ruling has drawn attention from 2A advocates nationwide. While the decision is specific to the jurisdiction, it could influence future challenges to NFA regulations in other circuits.

Key takeaway: this does not change current federal law or eliminate the $200 tax stamp requirement. Until a ruling is upheld at the Supreme Court level or Congress passes new legislation, existing NFA rules remain in effect everywhere. Do not act on a single district court ruling — follow the law as it stands in your jurisdiction.

The Hearing Protection Act (HPA) would remove suppressors from the NFA, eliminating the $200 tax stamp and treating them like standard firearms (requiring only a NICS background check through an FFL).

The HPA has been introduced in multiple sessions of Congress — as a standalone bill and as part of the Sportsmen's Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act. Despite strong support from firearms organizations and some bipartisan interest, neither bill has passed both chambers.

As of November 2026, the HPA has not been signed into law. The $200 tax stamp for suppressors remains required. Watch for reintroduction in future sessions.

The ATF's 2023 rule reclassifying braced pistols as SBRs (Rule 2021R-08F) continues to face legal challenges across multiple federal courts.

Several courts have issued injunctions blocking enforcement — including broad injunctions covering all affected gun owners, not just plaintiffs. The Fifth Circuit and other appellate courts have weighed in.

The rule's future likely depends on further appellate decisions or Supreme Court review. In the meantime, enforcement remains largely blocked. If you own a braced pistol, monitor court developments closely and consult legal counsel.

The ATF's 2022 rule (2021R-05F) expanded the definition of "firearm" to cover certain frames, receivers, and parts kits. It requires FFLs to serialize unserialized firearms and treats some partially complete frames/receivers as firearms.

This rule has been challenged in court. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case (Garland v. VanDerStok) and the legal battle continues.

The rule affects 80% lower receivers, polymer frame kits, and similar products. Manufacturers and sellers have had to adjust. Individual builders should verify current legal requirements before purchasing unserialized components.

In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), the Supreme Court struck down New York's "proper cause" requirement for concealed carry permits.

The Court established a new framework for evaluating firearms regulations: laws must be consistent with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation. This replaced the "means-end scrutiny" approach used by many lower courts.

Bruen has had massive downstream effects. Courts across the country are re-evaluating firearms laws under the new historical-tradition test. Challenges to assault weapons bans, magazine capacity limits, and other restrictions are being reconsidered under Bruen's framework.

This is the most significant 2A Supreme Court decision since District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010).

The constitutional carry movement continues to expand. As of 2026, over 25 states have enacted permitless concealed carry laws.

Nevada does not currently have constitutional carry. Bills have been introduced but have not passed. Nevada remains a shall-issue CCW permit state.

Even in constitutional carry states, federal prohibited-person laws still apply. A state permitless carry law does not override federal restrictions.

The ATF's eForms system (electronic filing for NFA forms) has significantly reduced processing times compared to paper submissions.

Current eForm 4 processing times have generally been running in the range of several months, though times fluctuate. Paper Form 4 submissions continue to take significantly longer.

eForm 1 (to make/build an NFA item) processing times have also varied. Check current reported wait times on forums and tracking sites for the most up-to-date estimates.

Tip: Use a silencer shop kiosk or your dealer's eForm system for the smoothest NFA purchase experience.